New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-03-31
As TO SENATE INVESTIGATIONS.

The resolution introduced in the Senate by
Afr. Hear for an inquiry into the charges OF
dishonesty brought against Senator Roach, OF
North Dakota. is not cordially received by MS
colleagues of the majority, if their mood Is
accurately reflected in Democratic newspapers
indeed it is reported on apparently substantial
authority that they are disposed 10 Initiate
what they call q counter movement for the IN
yestigation of some unnamed members OF the
minority in the Senate. This response 10 Mf
Hoars resolution is obviously intended as
threat and the Republican press and party are
exnected to show alarm and trepidation ana
n Withdraw in haste from the undertaking pro-
nosed nv the Senator from Massachusetts. Some
Democratic newspapers have even betrayed
tendency to exultation, assuming apparently
that their adversaries are on the ragged edge
of exposure and discontinue
This being plainly the desire and expec'a'
tion of some Democratic Senator's and organs
Of the party it gives us pleasure to advccate
a nrompt acceptance Of their challenge. ii that
is what they want to have it considered. IL
does not scare the Republican party IN the ieas'
degree. We do not detect the slightest symp-
tom of alarm. The Democratic proposition Is
not made. we admit in the most becoming
spirit. but if resolutely carried out it would
certainly produce valuable results. IT there
are Republican thieves sitting in the Senate
Of the United States the country wants and
needs to know it. to the end that they may be
exposed and expelled, and, if the statute OF
limitations does not intervene for their pro-
lection. prosecuted convicted and sent TO
prison. If. on the other hand, members OF the
Senate are victims of sanderoms insnuations'
thew. the States which they Immediately repre-
sent and the whole people for whom they are
delegated to act are entitled to such advantage
and satisfaction as full and fair investisa-
ton would give them. ,.'
We say. therefore, to all Democratic mem
hers of the Senate whom Mr.. HOars resolution
seems to offend, and who appear to suppose
that the threat OF counter-inqniry will fright
en- and dispirit the minority. that we hope they
will proceed to carry it out, without hesitation
or DELAY. The frank and cOmmendable atti-
tude of Senator Power, OF Montana, offers
favorable opportunity. lie has asked for an in
yestigation of charges which he understands a.
being directed against his character and record.
The Democratic majority ought to grant his
request, and in so doing they could convenient
" extend the scope Of the inquiry and bring
under the consideration of committee all cur
rent insinuations affecting the honesty of other
members. They should not be deferred by
concern for the dignity OF the Senate. but
fortified, rather, by that consideration. III the
Senate contains members who arc not tit to be-
long to it the longer it shelters them the more
its dignity will be impaired. Indeed in cur
opinion, its dignity is already seriously i'm
pail ed by uninvestigated accusations OF dis
honesty brought by Senators against one an
other. and can only be restored by such action
as will show whether these accusations are
| truthful or slanderOus.