The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-09-09
WASHINGTON LETTER.
The Silver Debate in the Senate-No
Cloture Rule to be Adopted.
IFrOm our own Correspondent

WASHINGTON d. c.. September s. 1898.
The silver debate is still dragging its length along
in the Senate and the time that may be yet con-
Suned in the discussion can not now be accurately
iOreshadowed. The traditions of the Senate and the
lime-honored rules of that dignifed branch of the
legislative dedartment of the government, are rgor
ously opposed TO the suppression of debate II was
this principle of unlimited debate in the Senate,
skfully awaited Of that saved the Southern section
of the Union from that terrible intictio. the Force
Bill for it is fact that with the certainty of defeat
at the hands of n resolute minority. compaced and
maneuvred with mastery skill under the operation
of the rule many Of the leading Republican Sena-
tors Would moi couutenauce the idea of a cloture
rule in the Senate for so great party advan.
tage as the odious measure which promised second
enslavement Of the white people OF the sonth 10 the
dictates of their arrogant party
There il consequently no expectation, or even Tie
slightest apprehension anywhere, thata coture rule
will be adopted a means of thwarting the spirit
OF delay which begins 10 manifest itself on The
part Of some of the ultra silver men IN the senate
But there is very manifest determihauon on the
part OF the well organized Democratic majority o.
the Senate press the voorhees, repeal bill with all
the rmness and vigor that the rules of the Senate
viii permit of. and the number and resources OF the
hlibusterers are not such AS to promise any very
protTacted resistance. II is probable that i'll cou-
Die Of weeks from this time the Voorhees, repeal bill
will have passed the Senate and there is doubt
at all that will be promptly accepted By the House
and the Administration as Satisfactory solutloh 81
the first branch of the monetary problem.
But the progress of the silver debate III the SEN
ate and the strong protests against unconditional
repeal which have been made by such men as
cockrell Vest Coke, Vance, Berry and other south
leaders. show the true strength OF the diseord IN
the Democratic RANKS on ms NeNeu Quesloils hisu
the fact that all these and the many other Southern
and Western Democratic Senators who were pledged
to- oppose the repeal bill. will content themselves
with speaking and voting against II and VIII take
no paTf in dilaiory tactics Of esver state Sen
at0Is Is forcible demonstration OF the skill with
which the soealled steering committee will have
sleered the unwieldy ship of Senatorial delibera-
tons
And herein lies the bearing of an observation on
the great fairness and exact justice of that eminent
and exemplary Baltimore Journal that gives light
for all" AT the opening of the session. when the
prospect for repeal in the Senate was gloomy IN
deed the Sun affected sudden discovery that ena
tor German was the acknowledged leader OF the
Democratic Majority in the Senate, and that as the
Chairman of the steering committee of his own
selection the fate of the silver bill lay absolutely in
his power. Now that the prospect has frightened
wonderfully. and the assured passage OF the repeal
bill is restoring the confidence Of the country and
relieving the stringency OF the financial market the
exemplary luminary appears 10 have forgotten en-
trely the commanding and portentous leadership of
Senator German which IL SO lately extolled and en-
larged upon. II was manifestly anxious that the
Senator from Maryland should have the sole re-
sponsibity for failure; but when success has been
practically achieved 1t forges TO accord 10 him any
Of the merit appertaining TO that result.
Much surprise was manifested when ii was an
nounccd last week by Mr.. Wilson, the new Chair
man Of the House Ways and means Committee. that
il would require at least two months TO formulate
tariff bill. nothing having been already done III that
direction The suggestion that Congress should ad-
jour after dispoSing oil the silver bill until the
regular session In December so as TO await the slow
action of the financial committee of the House, in
which. under the constitution, all revenue meas
ton and tended revival of the criticisms against
the President for making the silver bill the sole
subject matter OF his message TO Congress.
There has been very strong sentiment i'll all
parts of the country ever since the Democratic Ad-
miuistratiou came into power, favorable to the call
Tug of extra session OF Congress the 5th day of
March, last to enter at once upon vigorous reform
of the tariff the lines of the Democratic platform.
The idea of having the extra session of Congress.
already assembled. disperse without taking any
action upon this vital matter, naturally awakened Il
strong sentiment of disa9proval
That any such idea as this should have originated,
or should have received any countenance from the
friends of the Administration, is TO be regretted.
But il seems now to be well settled that Congress
will continue in session and that tariff bill will be
perfected at early day, and Immediately receive
the consideration Of Congress- so that it may be en-
acted into law and be ready to go into operation
not later than May next The Democratic party
will have TO go TO the country again next year in
the Congressional elections and it is not desirable
that after its strong declarations on the tariff ques
ton it should be put upon the defensive by its mega
tive record.
II is Il very pleasant consideration, from party
standpoint of what appears to be the fact that the
extra session. far il has already gone. instead
of creating or widening breach between Congress
and the Administration. has under the wise coun-
sells and patriotic motives which have prevailed in
Congress brought the Executive and Legislative
Departments of the Government into closer relations
and better understanding. NISDEX.