The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-12-09
THE OPpoRIUNIsM OF THE PARTY.

The argument which controlled the
Democratic senatorial caucus and MADE
II reject the proposition TO amend the
rules of the Senate so that the body may
vote upon any question after II mas peeh
reasonably debated was that the Repnp-
licans are about coming into power, ana
that IL would be suicidal in a Democratic
Senate TO turn over TO its opponent that
full control over legislation which that
opponent denied to Democrats while they
held power.
This argument, in its general bearings
is more frequently allowed to control
human action than any other that Is
ever advanced, and yet we are utterly
unable TO yield our assent TO 1t for any
case. A proposal is either right in itself
or It is wrong in itself. If 1t is right, it
should be assented to whenever 1t Is
brought forward. without regard to the
party propounding it or the moment wheh
IL Is propounded; If it is wrong, 1t should
ne rejected never mind by whom made
or the circumstances upder which 1t Is
made.
Experience has demonstrated that
cloture rule in the Senate is necessary
for the transaction Of public business
and the American people are overwhelm-
ingly In favor of one for the Senate Ihe
argument made against 1t mot that we
have been considering, but that which Is
Of no
itselD is neither philosophical nor con-
sistent with republican institutions. That
argument is that unlimited debate fire.
ouentlv enables minority to thwart
partisan legislation that would nave dis-
astrous effects. But this argument is
negation of the very fundamt rtal ldea Oh
Democratic rule, which is that the ma
ior;ty shall prevail. If, after the people
representatives are sent into conclave 10
consider of the peoples needs, minority
of the conclave are TO be able TO thWarl
the views of a majority Of it, then we
are not founded on the idea that when
a subject has been fully debated before
the PEOPLE and they have declared ther
will by majority vote. that will Is 10
be the rule Of action: but, instead, we
are founded upon the idea that the VIII
Of the minority is TO be the rule of ac-
ton. This is not the principle upon which
our system of government Is based.
But again. If the issues of the day
have been fairly and fully debated be-
fore the people. and they have sent
majority of their representatives 10 the
seat of Government instructed TO pursue
a. certain line Of conduct, 1t is far better
that this majority should be allowed 10
carry out the purpose in the minds Oh
those they represent. however evil DINERS
may think them, than that majority shall
be thwarted by evasions of the constitu-
tional principle Of the Government. Far
less injury will be wrought by letting
them have their way than by defeating
them through resort TO what is at bottom
no more than a trick and device in direct
antagonism to the very cornerstone OF
our institutions. The curse or the Demo-
cratic party in recent years has been
its tendency to opportunism. Instead OF
planting itself squarely upon Its founda-
ton principle Of equality of all before
the laws. and the same justice for every
citizen, and resisting every idea as II IL
advanced, however tempting. that in
fringes In the slightest particular upon
that great and foundation idea, 1t runs OF
after every suggestion that seems to
promise 1t a temporary advantage. and
casts it's noble foundation principle to
| the dogs II II thinks 1t sees a way to get
some salaried offices by doing 1t.
IL 1t will only plant itself squarely upon
its noble and true first principle of the
| equality OF all men before the laws, and
stand there always, and reject all spe-
cious pleas for free raw materials. y
unequal income taxes, debased money
and injurious interference with the free
dom of contracts between men. 1t will
rally TO It's ranks all the thoughtful and
conservative men In the country who
have q stake In life. and It will rule
the country so long a. 1t is true to It.
self.
Ono does not look for ngs from thistles
but II the following article, which VI