New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-07-15
THE DOTNGS OF DEMOCRATS.

There Is hope that Congress may adjourn
within ten days, free silver having been beat
en-. But it has not solid foundation, and the
business world. kept in constant anxiety by the
behavior of the Democratic majority III the
House. will have cause for special thanksgiving
when that obstacle to confidence and prosperity
has been removed. Thus far, with majority
numbering about thrce-quarters of the House,
tho Democrats have done nothing that calls
for praise, but much that is evil.
The appropriations made at this first session
will be about half billion and are likely to
exceed those figures. As usual, after passing
the most extravagant River and iiarbor bill
ever proposed, and other measures scarcely
more excusabe, Democratic managers are
camoring for "rgd economy in appropria-
tons for the absolute necessities OF Govern
ment. In many instances they have cut down
appropriations for such purposes so far that 1t
will be impossible for departments to get
through the regular business for the year, the
Democratic theory being that all these impcra-
tive necessities can be met by urgent def
cheney bills passed carly in the next session.
when the aggregate voted for the fiscal year
will no longer have any effect upon the Presl-
dental election 1t is but mild statement to
say that this is not an honest mode OF doing
business.
Tho wool growers and wool manufacturers
and half a dozen other interests have been
threatened by the passage Of bills repeating
or reducing duties Great commercial anxiety
and disturbance have not been caused by these
bills only because it was deemed certain that
they could not pass the Senate. That body has
thus far declined to waste any time in consider
ing these partisan and sectional measures, which
are grossly unfair because if Democratic Free
Trade theories are TO be applied at all. few
industries ought not to be singled out for de-
strnction. But the House has done what 1T
could to disturb them, and to shake confidence
in the stability of the laws which promote the
establishing of new works
The House has passed the Anti-Option bill
by a large majority, but it halts in the Senate
and there is some prospect that it may there
be held without action until the session ends.
The supporters Of this, as of most other meas
ures which threaten business, are mainly Dem
ocrats. and it would pass in hurry if both
houses were largely Democratic. For weeks
the apprehension of il has affected trading in
the great staples of commerce, and much OF
the depression in prices of farm products is due
70 this bill. Then comes the Silver BILL which
has done more than all other measures to dis
turb confidence and check business. Supported
bv a great majority of the Democrats. II has
been beaten in the House by Democratic
minority and by nearly all the Republicans.
II is the naked truth to say that this bill would
have passed both houses long ago had not
part of the Democrats feared its effect in the
Presidential election and in their districts or
States, and therefore sought to delay action
until next winter. But this motive, and the
determined attitude of the Republicans and a
small minority of sound-money Democrats ar
rested this perilous measure in the House, and
it is hoped will prevent action ut this session
As soon as the Presidential election is over
the Democrats who now oppose the bill for
prudential reasons will be eager TO vote for
it. and the Presidents veto is the only barrier
upon which the business world can rely.
So it comes to pass that all men engaged in
productive industry or practical business, OF
whatever party can join most heartily in the
Injunction to the Democrats of Congress: "Go
home, rs soon as possible and leave the indus
tries and trade of the country few months
~ nnoco'