The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1893-08-14
TOO FAST A PACE.
Congressmen Likely to Get Tired Be
fore Their Two Weeks Debate
Ends.
The Washington Post Comments on
the Situation and the Remedy
for It.
Senate Finance Committee Said to
Have Refused TO Report Repeal
Bill.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14.-The extraor-
binary vigor with which the silver de-
bate opened in the house already raises
o question Of physical endurance az TO-
whether the pace may be retained for
the IA days prescribed by the resolution
adopted, with the existing conditions OF
rainless, sultry weather. Many OF the
new members, who desire to impress
upon their constituents the idea that
their representatives are taking promi-
nent part In shaping the national policy
on this momentous issue. win doubtless
take advantage OF the opportunity af-
forded by the general leave to print.
In this manner they will secure the
publication of their remarks In the dis
cussion, and an authorization to print
sufficient number OF copies to
supply to their constituents with
out taking chances by testing
their undeveloped debating powers
on the floor of the house. 1t is there
fore expected that after day or two
the length OF the days sessions will be
curtailed and that the privilege of de-
manding night sessions will be seldom
taken advantage of, If at all.
Nevertheless, it must be borne in
mind that congress under more favor
able climatic conditions has indulged in
debates on the tariff and other ques-
!. tions far exceeding in length that pre-
scribed for the silver discussion. The
Bland resolution provides for about 90
one hour speeches and about 100 five
minute speeches--or 1850 opportunities
OF oratory to be distributed in house
of $50 members.
Situation Defined by The Post.
The Washington Post has caused
something Of sensation by publishing
in loaded type what il terms a state
ment OF 1.-THE true situation" After
declaring its own position to be ''in
favor of legislation authorizing the sale
of bonds to such an amount as will
bring back to this country its share OF
the gold of the world, believing that
this is the surest way of convincing
Europe that we intend to stay on the
same currency basis as European ma.
tions and of bringing about an inter.
national bimetallic agreement" the
Post continues: 1t is best tc
meet the situation square ly and with
out evasion. The truth is not always
palatable; it may not always be po
litic thing to make known, and yet
when the country Is confronted as it ii
today with condition of extreme dan
ger, it would seem as if the time fol
temporizing had passed.
The purchasing clause of the Sher
man law cannot and will not be uncon
ditionally repealed.
This is absolutely true SO far as the
United States senate is concerned. Il
is not as likely to prove true of tn,
house of representatives.
The Presidents Departure.
Commenting upon the presidents de
parture The Post says: 1t so happen
that lust at a moment when the ad
ministration should, in the words o
Mr.. Bourke Cockran's widely quotet
magazine article. put forward all tn
means in its power to accomplish 1t
ends, the president leaves the capital
II mas be that his love and duty toward
those whom he holds most dear compe
his absence. This is one explanation. /
is not. however, authorized by tn
president, nor by any one who has th
right to speak for him. The only state
ment officially made is that he need
rest and that having called congress
together and made known his desires
the responsibility no longer rests upo
his shoulders, but has been trans
ferred to the national legisls
ture. There are many members o
his own party who take issue with hiI
on this point. Their criticisms ma
not reach his ears. but they are never
thsless current Having chosen him a
their leader, they feel that they are er
titled to his presence and his supper
It is at this moment that the presider
is not in Washington. 1t Is no wonde
that the friends of silver smile and tal
courage.
The question naturally arises, BIZ
this courage any foundation In fact?
undoubtedly has. In the house tl
forces OF the anti-silver men have bee
handicapped by petty and absured jea
ousies over the empty glories Of leads
ship.
It is in the senate, however, that q
insurmountable barrier has been raise
against unconditional repeal Wit
rules that allow indefinite debate. u
senate il a stronghold for determine
minority. A canvass Of the membe
of this body shows that majority
against unconditional repeal. This n,
. newspaper canvass, hastily Al
crudely made by representatives OF Il
press, poorly equipped for such impor
ant work, but an inquiry instituted |
senator's representing all shades
belief.
The silver men, neverthe,ess VI
agree to one compromise. T ey ii
free coinage at any increased tits q. a,
they propose to block the way ". Il
Dther legislation.