The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-03-09

never had logical, reasonable excuse for
existence. 1t was notorious when the leg
islature was chosen that Senator Allen
would be a candidate for reelection. When
the legislature assembled twc-thirds of the
Republicans declared themselves in favor
OF the reelection of Senator Allen.
and 1t cannot be fairly denied that
. large majority of the Republicans of
the state earnestly desired his re-elec-
ion. 1t was not pretended that Sena-
tor Allen was incompetent, unfaithful
or impure; it was not pretended that his
Republican majority in the legislature had
been obtained by any corrupt practice, or
that they unfairly represented the public
opinion of the party in the state. The
balioting of the first week of the contest
made it perfectly clear that Senator Allen
and not Judge Turner was the choice Of
the Republican majority. Under these
circumstances there was only one safe so
luton of the situation, viewed from the
high standpoint of the integrity of party
discipline, unity and influence for the fu-
ture. Domestic differences, factional or
sectional, are sure to arise in any political
party; there is only one safe and fair
mode of settlement, and that is to abide
by the will of the majority.
The obstinate refusal of the Republican
minority to accept the will of the party
majority In the legislature as the last court
of appeal has maintained deadlock dur
ing the entire session that is without just
excuse, if this minority expect the sur
vivai of the Republican party for the
future. If they do not expect that the Re-
publican party has any just prospect for
further life, or if they do not expect to act
With that party for the future. then their
conduct is understandable. The friends
OF Judge Turner were excusable. perhaps,
in not Immediately Withdrawing their can
didate until they had fairly tested by trial
the sincerity and the strength Of Senator
Aliens support. but after this was estab-
lished beyond any reasonable doubt it was
most pernicious and unpatriotic as a
matter of party policy to persist in mere
factious resistance.
Nothing has happened in the history of
the Republican party in Washington that
Il so we'll calculated to injure its organized
political efficiency and influence for the
future a. this legislative deadlock that
has been thus far persistsntly maintained
in the matter of the election OF United
States senator. The Republican minority,
who are responsible for the present sltua-
ton. cannot reasonably expect that the
choice Of twO-thirds Of the Republicans
shall DO abandoned to satisfy the spleen
and prejudice OF tho opposition to Senator
Allen. To do this would be to invite
spiteful and selfish instruction against
the rule Of the party majority at every
turn. and the Republican party in WASH
ington would become fairly entitled to
Charles Levers famous description of
certain Irish politicians who were always
Fighting like devils for Cancellation;
And hating each other for the love of God
No candid man can deny that if the
'tail is to wag the dog" henceforth at
every factious opportunity in politics
there IL an end to effective party organi-
9ation in the state Of Washington. The
tude. since they have only done their duty
in refusing to abandon the safe principle
Of majority rule; they are not responsible
for the deadlock; those who have violated
all fair party usages and all sound policy
of party government are responsible for
this totally inexcusable and pernicious
defiance and reputation Of the majority
rule. We believe this is fair. frank, truth
full. dispassionate statement of the pres.
ent situation, which places the response
cility for its existence where 1t Justly be-
longs. on the Republican minority, who
have created and maintained the dead
lock.
The prospective consequences Of failure.
to elect q successor to Senator Allen are
worthy Of serious consideration. If the
legislature adjourns without electinc a
senator then Gov. McGraw is morally Ger.
tain to appoint John B. Alien: he could
not do otherwise without doing violence
TO the wishes of the large majority of the
Republicans Of the state. OF the Cousti-
tutional right OF Senator Alien 10 a seat
in the United States senate under the an
poIntment of the governor we have no
doubt. and furthermore the Democratic
majority III the senate could better afford
10 admit him than 10 reject him. To
admit him means 4 Republican senator
for only two years. In the next legislature
the Democrats might be able to elect sen.
ator. North Dakota. with a clear Repub-
lean majority III her legislature OF thir-
teen. has elected a Democrat But if the
Democratic United States senate refuse 10
admit Senator Alien under the governors
appointment, Why then an extra session
Of the legislature is likely TO be called,
which is morally certain to elect Repub-
iiean senator for six years. The opposi-
ton to Senator Allen can today send Sem
ator Allen back to the United States sem
ate for six years, or they can, by refusing
10 permit choice. force the governor
to appoint Senator Allen, with the
strong probability tha. the Democratic
United States senate. as matter Of poiti-
cal policy, would prefer Republican sen.
ator from Washington for two years TO
certainty of . Republican senator from
Washington for SIX years.
The responsibility for the vexation and
large expense OF an extra session will be
Justly placed By the people upon the MI
nority, If the refusal OF the Democratic
senate to admit Senator Allen unde. the