The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1891-11-20
ashingtOn Letter.

WAsHISGroN, D. G. November IL, 1891
Not since the packing of the UNI
ted States Supreme Court by Republi-
can President, to get the celebrated legal
tender decision, has there been such
bold attempt on the part OF an admins
tration to infiuencea decision OF the Su-
preme Court as that which occurred here
this week when the Attorney General
informed the Supreme Court, then lls-
tening To an argument by the solicitor
General in the now celebrated SayWard
case. which involves the question OF
American jurisdiction over Berng sea,
that treaty had been concluded with
Great Britain, by which the disputed
questions concerning the rights OF the
United States are TO be settled by arbl-
tration. Without entering into the
question of the rightfulness Of the posi-
lion taken bv the United States in its ar
gumentS in this caSe-that the case Is
political and therefore under the exclu-
siye jurisdiction of the PreSident-It Is
desired to call special attention to the
method adopted by the administration,
through its representative, the Attorney
General TO influence the Court TO decide
that it has no jurisdiction. 1t was on
the last day of the arguments that the
solicitor general, apparently by slip OF
the tongue, alluded to a treaty with
Great Britain for the arbitration of the
Behring's Sea dispute. Justice Gray
asked a question concerning that treaty,
and the solicitor general, apparently
confused, said that he was afraid that
he had betrayed state secret. Just at
this opportune moment the Attorney
General arose and dramatically stated
that such treaty had been negotiated,
and that only the ratification of the SEN
ate was necessary for it to go into effect.
1t was plain to be seen that the state
ment created a sensation among the
justices of the court, just as 1t was in
tended that ii should. There is no doubt
that the scene had been previously care
fully rehearsed by the Attorney General
and the solicitor general, nor is there
that this information was made public
at just this time and place for the eX-
press purpose Ofinfluencing the court to
decide the question as the administra-
ton wants it decided. No details are as
certainable of this alleged treaty, and
there are grounds for the belief that it
Notwithstanding the positive statement
of the Attorney General. Mr.. Blaine
refused point blank 10 say one word
about it, which is OF itself significant.
But whether the treaty has been conclu-
ded or is only near conclusion, makes
no difference. The time, place and
manner of making 1t public was wrong.
The executive branch of the Government
exceeds its Constitutional authority
whenever it attempts in any way to in
fluence the judicial branch, which is by
the Constitution made coordinate In
authority. But, come to think of it,
what Republican administration ever re-
spected the Constitution when 1t did not
accord with its designs.
Four of the candidates for Speaker are
in Washington-Messrs Mills, Nc
Millin, Springer and Bynum-, but as
the number of Democratic Representa-
tives here is small, there is nothing new
to be said of the contest. Each of the
candidates appear TO be confident of sue
cess. As there will be ten days between
Thanksgiving day and the opening OF
Congress this year, it is probable that
the real contest for the speakership will
bt tpAAA HAN1Ntb AAANO NlAbCI ltAA
Mr.. Harrison Is having considerable
trouble in making up new slate for the
important appointments soon TO be
made, in place of the one smashed 10y
the state elections. He Is seeking adj.
, vice in all quarters. This week Boss
Clarkson paid him another visit, and
Senator Plumb, who lost caste last yeal
on account of his supposed leaning to
wards the Farmers Alliance, has beer
again taken into favor and has had sev
eral lengthy conferences with Mr.. Har
rison this week.
The Supreme Court has postponed
hearing arguments in the case involy
ing the cOnstitutionality of the Mckinley
tariff act, because of a clause being lef
out of the bill as it passed the House
and Senate when il was signed by the
President, until the so, of this month
The hearing of arguments in the cast
involving the right of Speaker Reed tC
count a quorum has been set for tn,
same date, and the lottery case for tn,
first Monday in January.
Mr.. Harrison is charged with beins
bitterly opposed to the holding of th'
Republicans nominating convention IL
Chicago. The question will be decides
by the National Committee at its meet
ing here on the %, of this month.
| The first week in next October ma:
/ been set as the date for holding the
, National encampment G.. \. r. NJ.