Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-04-18

AFTER wasting vast quantity of valua-
Bile time in inexcusable contention and
shameful idleness, the House of Repre-
sentattves has adopted a quorum-counting
rule, and now seems to be ready for the
transaction of business. The conclusion
reached Is creditabls to the intelligence of
the House and no member who voted for
bhe new regulation need apologize for that
act, although but little while ago many of
the democrats would have resented as an
insult an imputation that they favored
such a radical proceeding. The adoption
OF such a rule was an absolute necessity
and 1t was demonstrated to be so before
the Fffty-frst Congress gave to Speaker
Reed the quorum-counting power. The
present Congress erred when 1t failed at
the outset to follow the good example set
IT without paying any attention to the nom
material fact that the exemplar was a
partisan opponent. 1t is interesting to note
the great revulsion of democratic senti-
ment on this important matter. The adop-
ton of the rule by the Fffty-first Congress
was not accomplished without a great deal
of vigorous objection. Its suggestion was
denounced as revolutionary and one of the
leaders Of the then minority, but now ma
tority, in the midst Of turbulent scene
asked the question: Must the Representa-
tives Of the people remain silent in their
seats and see the Speaker of This House
inaugurate revolution This apprehension
to the manner in which the rule would
work also played a conspicuous part in that
same debate. Even Mr.. Crisp declared to
the House that 1.-The decision made with
regard to counting a quorum, just made by
Mr.. Speaker Reed, II sustained by your
votes. will lay the foundation for the great
est legislative frauds ever committed in
this country. When you adopt 1t
you stand on the brink of volcano" But
Mr.. Crisp Is richer In experience now than
he was at the commencement of the Fifty
first Congress: he knows that a majority
even when as large as the democratic
majority in the present House-cannot be
depended upon to attend to business. There
Is consolation for those who like to be
considered consistent in the fact that much
of the objection to quorum was
based on the action taken by Speaker Reed
before the House had authorized him to
count the visible heads and evidences of
the presence of heads temporarily and for
obstructive purposes in concealment. Some
who opposed quorum-counting when 1t
vas operated by the Speaker ceased to
oppose when It was authorized by the House.
and many others of the directors acquiesced
when the Supreme Court decided that 1t
was within the power Of the House to make
such a rule for itself. OF course, the action
OF the House Is accepted by the republicans
as a complete vindication of Speaker Reeds
niuch-abused course, but that, to the Amer
lean people. Is merely a minor something
Addressing the House just prior to adjourn
merit, IN 1890. Speaker Reed said: Time
and distance are needed for a ripe judg-
ment, and the verdict of history is the only
verdict worth recording. Confident as 1 am
Of the verdict Of time on what we have
done, / am still more confident that the
highest commentator will be given US In
the future, not for what measures we have
passed, valuable as they are, but because
We have taken so long stride in the direc-
ton of responsible government. Having
demonstrated to the people that those who
have been elected to do their will can do it.
henceforth excuses will not be taken for
non-performance, and government by the
people will be stronger in the land" A
general verdict in favor of quorum-counting
has been rendered by those who arraigned
the Speaker as a revolutionist; and the peo-
pie Of the republic. without regard to party.
are glad that It is SO.