New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-07-03
THE OPPOPTTNITT or PtTRiOIISN


In the chorus of comments upon the PreSl-
dents proclamation convcnlnG Congress III
extra session early next month note OF DIS
content which is not creditablc to those VINO
emit il may he detected. \ member OF 'oh-
gress who does not perceive the need OF
prompt action on the financial question, or Is
persuaded that wise legislation in the near
future is practically impossible. does not
necessarily bctray lack of patriotism when
he expresses disapprobaton of the President
summons. Though he may thereby disclose
his untitness to lcgSlatc for others it would
be unjust to condemn him without further
evidence for a gravcr fault. But the Con
gresham who in this cmel Gcncy makes his
personal convenience and comfort an ISSUE
and complains Of a midsummer session be-
cause he has formed other plans or on the
ground that Washington is hot and unhealthy
in the dog days. invites sharp ccns,ne.
As our Washington dispatches have shown
the capital is not now the unpleasant and I'M
wholesome place in summer which 1t once was
and which perhaps it is still supposed to be
by persons whose recollections OF past era
deceive them. The streets are broad and
well shaded, the open spaces are numerous
and delightful, great extent OF territory
which formerly subjected the adjacent city TO
,nhcalthful influences has been redeemed, and
sanitary operations on a large scale have other
wise transformed the capital There is no
reason to suppose that any prudent man en-
dangers his health by attending to his public
or private duties in Washington at any season
of the year These facts are well known 10
members of Congress. though others may he
unaware of them: so that it is hard TO AVOID
the conclusion that objections To an extra Sos
sion on the score of health are 6i>ingcnuous
Moreover. the conclusion which known con-
ditions suggest is confirmed by experience.
The long session every other year has not de-
stroyed large number of precious lives
though it may have shattered some reputa-
tons.
But If the facts were reversed; II Wash
ington were the most unwholcSome spot on
earth, there would nevertheless be more credit
in taking the risk of an extra session ut the
most dangerous season Of the year than In
manfesting a disposition to run away from
duty. The financial condition OF the country
however brought about, is critical. DIstrlSt
and dsmay have reached a point where they
must be quickly allaycd if the country Is 10
escape widespread and prolonged calamity
The opinions of public men and private ctl-
zcns differ as to the cause and the cure, but
there is an almost universal demand That
remedy be sought promptly, diligently and
conscicntiously The spirit which appears 10
animate some representatives of the people Is
the spirit in which the people dislike to be
served at any time and most OF all at time
like this. The most devoted, patriotic unself-
ish thought and effort on the part of those
whose duty it is to try to devise and adopt
measure of relief is imperatively required by
the exgcncy into which the country has been
brought. and by every good citizen without
regard to party.
Honest criticism Of the past conduct OF
parties and individuals is proper and may be
useful Men may continue to condemn with
ont discredit TO themselves or disadvantage TO
the public acts and policies which in their
Judgment have contributed to produce the cx-
listing stress and danger. Some may sincerely
complain because the President waited so long,
and others may not be able to see any pros
pect of advantage from his final decision. But
an extra session has been called, and it is the
duty of every member of Congress to take his
seat on the appointed day, with patriotic
purpose to serve his country to the full meas
ure of his intelligence We mistake the tenn
per of the people if they arc in mood to
listen with equanimity to selfish pleas and
complaints.