The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1895-02-01

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SENATOR MARION BUTLER
tors vote as they now talk not q single
distinctively party measure can be passed.
Every one has been catechised on the
financial issue, and it is fixed fact that
there are 46 votes straight out for the free
coinage of silver and there may be five
more. Against the repeal of the income
tax there is certainly majority Of three
and as to tariff legislation, while there is
still a doubt, we have the word of several
senators that there is majority in favor
of letting the country have a rest until
the Fifty-ffth congress acts-to wit, in
1895.
A Peculiar Situation.
Everybody knows that there may be a
tremendous political revolution with very
little change in the senate, but the pres
emit situation is without precedent in that
respect. All the enormous gains of the
Republicans in every northern state east
of the Mississippi have gained them but
one senator. West of the big river they
have gained one direct and in all the south
two Hence, though they swept the coun-
try as no party ever did before. they are
actually indebted for their majority to
their new men from the three states but
half represented in this senate. If even
the Old North State had stuck to her moor
ings, the next senate would have been a
tie, and SO far as affirmative legislation is
concerned there might as well have been
no election last November. The greatest
gain for the Republicans is in states where
one-half of the senate holds over for four
years. Such things give point to that ut
terance of Chancellor Kent II believe it
was hep that ''the people do not really
govern themselves, but those who vote
this year govern those who will vote a
few years hence
Youthful Senator Butler.
OF all the new senators the youngest is
Hon. Marion Butler of North Carolina,
who has been here and cast his own politi-
cal horoscope with truly southern frank
ness. He is very solid and dignified
looking man, neither pronounced blond
nor brunette, but with brown hair aud
beard, and is certainly very good talker
in private conversation and has the ap-
pearance of being an orator. He is 81
years old, Was elected to the state senate
in 1890 and has held some kind of office
ever since. He is graduate and at pres
ent trustee of the state university and
is by profession set down az lawyer and
editor. The Democrats say he is really a
Republican ana only took the Populist
chute because combination of the oppos-
ing elements had become a necessity in
North Carolina The Republicans say he
is crank on the silver question, and here
is what he said for himself the other day:
Il believe there will be a new alignment
in 1895 on the financial question, and that
the people will decide for the free coinage
of silver. There has got to be some sub
stantial, tangible thing to fight for, and
as the people are opposed TO the present
policy the free coinage of silver gives them
the tangible ISSUE Yes, l think that all
the elements of opposition to the present
system will be able to unite in 1896. - His
new Republican colleague does not seem TO
have excited much interest among sena-
tors of that party, and North Carolina
Democrats (but We may assume that they
are little prejudiced) say that the river
will be perfectly safe while he is here. He
will not set it afire.
The Same Old Senate.
OF the other newly elected senators mono
has excited any particular curiosity. Mr..
Thurston of Nebraska is regarded as an
exponent Of the railroad interest. The
resurrection of Steve Elkins is supposed
to emphasize the revival of the old Repub-
lican party. The new men from the late
half represented states are held to indicate
the growing strength of the silver inter
est, and we are told that the uncompro-
missing free coinage men are now thor
oughly organized. with Senator Teller at
their head. / have an idea, however that
events will hurry that issue TO a settle
ment much sooner than cons ress is inclin-
ed to act. A few i'll escn house are so con-
fident of this they even predict that it will
not be an issue in 1896, as ii Will be so
far settled that the people will be unwit
ing TO have the So tiement disturbed. Tn
fortunately they are not able to tell US
which way il will be settled, each man
prophesying according to his wishes To
sum up, We may say that the late srnaz-
ing revolution in politics has practically
wrought no revolution in the senate.
But, oh, what difference in the houses
From ali the 2S northern states the Demo
Gratis have just Is members Ominous
number, And vet the 30 called solid sec
tions show but little change. Let Us con-
trast the extremes The solid SOUTH
proper, and in all OF them there are bus
II changes in persons and two in politics
Alabama sends one Populist and Texas
one Republican All else is Is it was
There is question. however. sbout South
Carolina. and ii is 81 least possible that
three of her new men will be Popui!sts
when they get here. Looking at that par
~ gain in .he senate and its possible
nine or rem IL the house makes Us marvel
az the wisdom Of those New York editors
who so frequently assured Us few weeks
ago thar :ho Populiss party was crushed
out OF existence
In New England there sre ten changes
q persons ard eight la politics Not a
Democrat OF the present delegation sur
wives Bat Hon John +. Fitzgerald OF
Boston comes in fresh. ard &c Is good
one. As IL cre.- statesman Wasi-