Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1892-02-25
In tho Sonata


''If the amendment to the constitution
which propose is adopted, members of the
| senate will be chosen by q direct vote
| of the people of the several states and it
| will be what it has never yet been, the pop
ulaF branch of the congress of the United
States"
These were the words of Senator Palmer
of Illinois in his speech to-day urging the
election of United States senators by a
popular vote, and his arraignment
of the upper house of congress as an un-
popular body, was in language not often
heard by the venerable members OF
that dignifed assembly. That this
language, too, should been used in the
maiden speech of the new senator was not
in keeping with the usual sdecorum and
traditions of that august body, but
as Palmer fought his way to
seat in the upper house by advocacy of
the principle of popular election of senators
he probably did not feel constrained to OBJ
serve with reverences Of the barriers of
tradition.
The resolution presented by Mr.. Palmer.
and which is now pending in the senate,
provides for the formal submits
sion of constitutional amendment
requiring senators to De elected by
a direct vote OF the psople of the various
states instead OF by the state legislatures
as at present. The senator reviewed briefly
bilc SICdb OOuEldS ana Lincoln SEN
aterial contest in Illinois and then
detailed the successive steps and declara-
tons that had been made by the Democracy
of,IllinoiS in regard to the subject, and which
finally led to the Democratic triumph in
that state and the election of a representa-
tive of that principle to the Uuited States
senate,
The senator insisted the constitutional
mode of electing senators by the legisla-
lures of the states was no longer satisfac-
tory to the American people. He did not
mean to make himself responsible for the
charges of bribery and undue influence thSe.
attended nearly every senatorial election by
indorsing or repeating any of them. None
of the reasons which led the trainers
of the constitution TO deprive the people of
direct control of the executive depart
lnent and of the senate now existed.
Experience long ago demonstrated the use
leSSneSs of electors for the selection of q
president and vice president. All that the
people could gain by, the proposed
amendment would be enlarged powers of
self-defenSe. Senators would be true and
exact representatives of the people, and
would defend their homes and property
from unequal and excessive burdens. They
would dignity the states, for the people
were the states.
Mitchell Of Oregon said he listened with
pleasure to the able remarks of the senator
from Illinois. The proposition had bcen re-
ferred to the committee on privileges and |
elections and by that committee to a sub
committee and he was gratified at being |
able to state that, after consulting major
ity OF that subcommittee, had agreed to |
report in favor of such amendment to the |
constitution. The subject then went |
over.
PETER offered resolutions that the senate |
heard with profound sorrow Of the death OF |
MIR. Plumb of Kansas, etc, and addressed |
the senate in eulogy of the deceased.
Oockrel paid high tribute to the dead |
senator, as die Perkins, ssMorrfll, Hall, Dan |
iels, Dolph and Turpie.
Adjourned.