Smyrna times., 1894-04-25
For The Smyrna Tines.
Congressional 0bstructionists.
Mr.. EDITOR:

MR.. EDITOR:
There are some TOPICS agitatinp the
public minds just now that | have n
mind to discourse about. One that l
nave now on my mind is the general
conduct of the Congress of the United
States. The time may have been when
Congress consisted of the congregated
wisdom of the nation. But the idea
has of late years become a standing
joke. The trainers of the constitution
certainly believed such a BODY to be
necessary to amend the laws or make
new ones as the changed or improved
condition of the country might seem to
require. If the men sent there are men
of even ordinary intelligence thew must
know that they are sent there for "a
purpose. AS they are we'll paid, as
men of honor they ought to attend
promptly and faithfully to their duties
until the work is done. Now, we find
them set of Obstructionists who in
stead of assisting to advance legislation
are doing all they can to delay and de-
feat the others. 1t is worse than idle
ness. If they would be satisfied with
simply doing nothing, others might 90
on, and the necessary business might
be accomplished. 1t has become neces
sary to coin a new word to sufficiently
emphasize this dishonest and cOntemp-
! tible conduct FiLibuster is the term, a
term not likely to be found in any
dictionary, not a corresponding term
to be found in the language of any
country.
This determined effort on the part oil
factions, to obstruct and delay foi
weeks necessary legislation calls for an
epithet to characterize its infamy thai
had not been required at all until OF
late years. 1t may be argued tha
legislation is proposed that certain
parties regard as mischievous. If so
there is always opportunity for every
one to be heard in q way that is cmi
nently right and proper; and tha
would not be subject to any censure
Both parties are represented on al
committees, and they can offer bills t.
their own liking,or can propose amend
ments, and debate or oppose, amend
ments offered By others; and whel
properly matured let it 20 to the House
There they can advocate or oppose any
bill, can say all that they have to say
for or against it as they deem to l.,
right or for the best. All this is right
and though a majority should diie
from them, and pass, or defeat meas
ure, the responsibility is with the ma
jority.
People who speak and note prompt,
their honest convictions, will be re
spected by all parties, as they are do
ing what they are employed to do, ant
giving opportunity to others to do th,
same.
There are evidently men there VIII,
care for the interests of their party
more than their country and woul,
fain foist vicious legislation upon tn,
people if by so doing they can heal
Odium upon their political opponents
Ifmen are unable either by their speech
or their votes to get their bills o
amendments through, they should no
try to block the wheels of government
1t is about time Congress should asser
its authority, and if people will SEM
cranks there to do nothing bat fiji
buster, and hinder and delay import
ant business, they should be relegate(
to back seat. Members should be re
quired to vote when a motion is befor
them. But all evils will in time worl
their own cure, and we will afterwar,
wonder at ourselves that remedial act
ion was delayed so long. VERITAs.