Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1890-12-18

WAsnINGroN. Dec. lG. $500

" .''iii-N'' 'NN' ''i AN'''
While it is wholly true that this Con
gress at its second session, has, under
the letter of the Constitution, every
right to originate and perfect such legis-
lation as a majority of its members APP
prove, it may well be questioned whether,
in the circumstances, it is either wise or
expedient to attempt the enactment of
any measure for which there is no popu-
lar demand, but which may seem to be
called the eXigencies of party welfare
Since the Force bill was passed by the
House and introduced into the Senate a
general Congressional election has been
held, in which it is not unfair to suppose
that the people acted in the cognizance
of and with full reference to the pro-
ceedlngs of the first session of the Fifty
first Congress. That they did not APP
prove OF all these proceedings would
seem to an impartial observer neither an
unlntelligent nor unjust conclusion from
the results of that election. In view of
this disapprobation, and of the further
fact that Legislature truly performs its
functions only when it reflects the will
of the people, it would seem expedient
for this Congress to devote the short
period now remaining to it not to dis
credit partisan measures, but to such
practical business as may be of benefit
TO the country. That there is no lack of
such business is shown by the number of
measures now pending. The Supreme
Court needs relief. Commercial interests
demand a bankruptcy law. Labor seeks
the due acknowledgment of its rights.
The several appropriation bills have to
be thoroughly considered, and various
other measures of a purely practical and
non-partisan character await disposal
The present time would seem to be more
favorable for the accordant action on
such matters than for the adoption
of doubtful schemes for ostensible party
advantages. These considerations are
applicable to the Senate as we'll as the
House. 1t is very true that the late up
heaval did not as directly affect the
upper as the lower chamber, but the
territory concerned in it is represented
in both, and its indications should not
90 ounheeded in either The short session
is, therefore, most opportune for bring
ing up the arrears of practical legislation,
about which all parties are agreed, and
1t is to be hoped that the majority in the
Senate will read the signs of the time
Alright and do its duty in the premises
wisely and patriotically.
#x#
The silver men among the Republicans
of the Senate have been trying to make
some agreement with relation to the
Federal Elections bill, which will secure
the passage of Free Coinage bill through
both Houses of Congress. As partisans
they prefer that the agreement should
be with members of their own party.
but it is not improbable that if thev can
not get what they want in any other
way they will combine against the Elec-
tIons Dill. One thing they are alive to is
the fact that the success of their own
measure depends upon their making
terms before the Election bill is disposed
OF. They would probably have no diff
Guilty in making an agreement with their
party leaders to permit Free Coinage
bill to come to vote in the Senate. What
they insist on is that it shall have a fair
show in both Houses of Congress. This
situation is liable to lead to a combination
between the Democrats and the silver
Republicans in the Senate.
-
1t is understood that the Republican
members OF the census Committee have
reached an agreement upona areapportion-
ment OF 3oo members Of the House
The present House consists Of 33o MON.
ptlS. MS UNDERSTANDING mas been ar
rived at after mature consideration and
consultation with their party associates
on the floor The ratio of representation
Is one to each l73, ,9Ol of the population
This is about the lowest number which
VIII permit each state, during the next
decade, TO retain its present membership.
1t is not at all likely that any anti-gerrr.
mander features will be Incorporated IN
the Apportionment bill. There is con.
siderable divergence of opinion as to the
advisablity of doing this, and in the
opinion Of some members it is doubtful
whether Congress can enact any pro
vision that will effectually check gerry
Wandering,
*~#
Some misguided party organs are call.
ing on the Senate to push the Force bill
at more rapid pace. What il really