New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-03-09

THE PFSPONSJBTLITY.

by an unquestoned majority, not only OIL
its own members. but Of the whole House,
that the consideration of the silver
bill shall not be postponed. 1t Will
be considered, debated and probably passed
It's advocates feel confident that it will pass
both houses and 90 to the President fortu-
natey. there is no danger of It's becoming law.
Should it reach the President, it Will be returned
with Veto. 1t is a circumstance OF some Sig
nifcance at the present juncture that the only
barrier to this sort of legislation, the only thing
that stands today between the business interests
of the community and a great financial dis
turbance if not an absolute panic, is the TACT
that BENJAMIN Harrison, Republican, occupies
the White House and has the confidence OF the
whole people Were any Democrat in that
place-and remembering the facility with which
he loosens his hdd on great principles when the
interests of party are involved, we do not except
Grover Cleyeand-the vote Of Monday would
have caused something more than uneasiness or
anxiety: it would have weakened public conf
dance affected the value Of American securities
abroad and shaken the foundations OF pubhc
credit The fact furnishes food for reflection
For several days before the vote was taken
our Mugwump friends were making frantic ap-
peals to the Republicans in Congress to vote FOR
postponement, in order that the Democrats might
lie saved from a blunder. 1t turns out now that
even IF they had responded to the call it would
have made no difference in the result. The free
silver Democrats have clear majority OF the
whole House. We presume, however, that our
Mugwump friends will continue to hold Repue-
Leans responsible. They usually do. Young
Mr.. IIoar said the other day with
his usual solemniy and something border
inc on pathos that IF the Republicans do not
use every opportunity to help defeat or postpone
consideration they must be held responsible for
the financial results of their action and for the
increased energy which any, even temporary,
victory may give 10 the free-sllyer men," Iha'
is. we suppose, Mr.. UOar will hold them respon-
sible. Saddenng as this circumstance will be to.
the Republican party, II looks as though thc
party would have TO endure it and bear UP under
the weight of it as best it may. 1t has carried
RESPONSIBILITIES almost as great before. 1t was
once he'd responsible by Mr.. Hears older po-
iticaI associates for violating the Constitution
in putting down an armed rebellion which was
directed to the destruction of all that the Con
sti,ution was made for. II has since then in
Cured the responsibility Of differing with Mr.
Hoar on various Questions, one OF which was,
and we believe stu is, whether the party itself
ought not to throw up the sponge and dissolve.
1.-THE New-York TimoS' was very much OF
Mr.. Hoars opinion that the Republican party
would be responsible for whatever happened on
the silver question If they did not actively and
enthusiastically assist in saving the Democratic
party from suicide in order that it might be in
position to carry the next Presidential election
by the old confidence game it has so often played;
by which, in fact, it makes its living. The
view Of THE Times" was that Mr.. Reed and
tho Republicans in Congress ought 10 oppose the
Silver bill at all points, and cordially cooperate
with the opponents Of free coinage on the Dem
ocratic side to that end. Not TO do 1t was, in
itB judgment, ga petty game; mot very high
politics" and would not show much sincerity
or courage or manlincSs." If they would
only vote 10 postpone the bill, 1t thought
they would stand better with the people, and
those of them who have conception OF the i'm
portance Of honest currency and the duty OF
every man in public life to give his utmost aid
TO keep the currency honest would stand better
with themselves would have a clearer conscience
and sense Of having served their country faith
fully and wisely" This, too, was a touch
ing appeal. and calculated to be very effective
among Republicans who remember how anxious
The Imes' has been these many years to
have them stand better with the people" II
breathes such an air Of sincerity and candor and
earnesncss, and is withal 50 redolent Of "high
politics" that only those stubborn and narrow
minded Republicans who are desperate enough
TO disregard the counsels Of the best thinkers
could let it 90 unheeded.
But was it "pety game"? Compared with
The great game which the Mugwumps wish 70
see played in the coming campaign, perhaps go.
That game was by pos poning action on the silver
question 70 leave the Democratic party in posi-
ton to take votes from both sides, from the
silver and anti-silyer men, in the approaching
election Postponement had no other excuse or
explanation. A majority Of the Democratic party
favor free silver Let them have the oppor-
tunity in their one hundred and fifty majority
10 say so, and make the issue plain not avoid
the record so as TO get by tho aid Of the anti
silver men the power TO pass Free Silver bill.
Financial results'. Don't be disturbed Mr..
Hoar There will be none. A Republican Pres
ident, Benjamin Harrison, stands between your
one hundred and fifty Democratic majority and