The Banner-Democrat., 1893-11-04
THE SENATE VOTE FOR REPEAL

came known that the freSldent would
accept no compromise the question
of repeal was settled. The Demo-
cratic silver Senators said that they
could not continue their opposition
without seriously injuring the party,
and the entire anti-repeal movement,
which had seemed so strong at one
time and so well intrenched that the
majority showed disposition to yield
to it, came TO sudden end.
The failure was more complete and
sudden than had been expected.
While it was evident that repeal was
carried. it was thought that some Of
the silver men would seek to carry
on a desultory and guerrilla warfare !;
but they did not. A few Senators
threw defiance at the majority, bat
contented themselves with this and
made no efforts to carry on the war.
A number of the Senators had an
nounced their intention Of speaking
on the silver question and there
seemed to be prospects of several
long if not deep speeches; but they
abandoned the idea when it became
evident that it was a forlorn hope,
and many Of the proposed orations
did not see the light. Nothing will
be lost by this, for We have heard
pretty much all there is to be said on
the subject. A vote was reached in
very short time, and no efforts
made to prevent it. The antirepeal
Senators, having made up their minds
to cease their opposition, indulged in
no delays or parliamentary tactics.
The several amendments proposed
were voted on at once; and Mon
day, after very short discussion,
the great question Of repeal itself was
submitted and carried by a majority
of eleven. This majority has been
predicted for some days past, as il
was impossible for any Senator to
longer preserve neutral position
he had to he either for or against re-
peal.
This may be considered as bring
ing the great financial battle to an
end, for while there are still some
formallties to be attended to, they
are, after all, merely formalities, and
there can be no doubt as to the re-
suit.
The bill, as passed by the Senate,
will have to go to the House. The
latter body has already passed a re-
peal bill, slightly different. This
measure was, in face, offered stimuli
taneously in both Houses with some
few variations in its provisions, the
House bill being somewhat stronger
and more emphatic. 1t was prompt
ly passed and went to the Senate for
action. In the meantime that body
had taken up a repeal bill OF its own.
This, which it passed Monday, now
goes before the House. The latter
might order its own act considered
or it might amend the Senate one and
send it back for revisal, but II will
do nothing of the kind. The majori-
ty have made up their minds that
this would cause confusion and length
en- out the session. The Senate bill
will be, therefore, accepted and
passed and 60 to the President for
his signature. All this will take very
little time, and there is rothing to
prevent Congress from carrying out
its original purpose Of adjourning
Thursday, leaving other measures to
the regular session.
1t has been two months and half
since it met in extra session. Con-
sidering the strong opposition en-
countered, Mr.. Cleveland has done
remarkably well in carrying this
measure in so short time. 1t re-
quired all his firmness and determine
ton to do it; and even the Repubi-
can papers, we see, give him credit
for what he has accomplished. 1t
looked very unpromising at one time,
with all the chances against repeal.
The country will secure, in very
short time. the financial legislation it
demanded; and it will then be able
to measure to what extent the Sher-
man bill was responsible for the finan-
cial stringency. Aside from this
there can be no doubt that the fight
in Congress had most unfavorable
j.