New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-02
TILE PLALN LINE OE DITY.

II is to be hoped that the Congress which meets
to-day will proceed upon the lines Indicated by
the initiative taken in the Republican caucus
on Saturday night. The unanimous NOMINATION
by acclamation Of Mr. Reed for Speaker signified
something more than tribute 10 that gentle
mans ability as presiding officer and his cour-
400 ne q leader II meant that the party which
under the same leader in the List Congress went
straight forward to the work which the people
had distinctly set il to do. and did it with sin
ceritv and high purpose. fully comprehends the
meaning of the popular vote by which, after four
wears of absence from power, It has been returned
to rho control of the legislative branch of the
Government. 1t resumes its functions, recog
njzipg The fact that It has been called TO the re-
sponsblties of legislation by people who. after
a most distresSful experience with Democratic
feebencss and incapacity. have deliberately re-
corded their desire for return TO the principles
and the policy which governed the action of the
List Congress The four years nightmare is
over and the reign Of common sense ana com
mon honesty in Federal legislation has been re-
sumed The hare Drained theorists and mischiev-
Gus demagogues who have been experimenting
with the finances of the Government ana the
busiress interests Of the country at such an
the party which made the country really great
and led it to the highest place among the nations
Of the earth has been called back 10 the duties
and responsibilities of legislation. Called back
TO confront task made graver and more serious
bv the plumbers and follies OF the last two CON
crosses. For that task. with the highest states
manship. unfinching courage ard steadfaSt de
votion to principle are needed.
The Tribune does not disrust the wisdom or
discretion Of this Congress. II is NOT ambitions
TO direct its deliberations or dictate lis pclicy.
Rut. as representing what ii believes 10 be the
wish and the will OF the great body OF VOTERS
who elected it. The Tribune ventures to remind
it at the threshold Of its career that the
conditions under which It was elected leave no
doubt rs 10 what is expected of il. lis members
were not chosen in a freak OF DISSATISFACTION
with the opposition, or out of mere pique ana re-
sentiment on the part Of the voters at having
been fooled by Democratic demagogueS. They
owe their election 10 the fact that the whole
country had been suffering. as II still is from
the consequences Of mischievous and foolish
legislation and reckless fumbling with the Nj
tions finances The people. out of actual distress,
cried for some measure Of relief. They did not
elect this Congress in order that 1t might occupy
the session with discussion and talk preparatory
TO the Presidential election of mex. year. but 10
do something 1t was elected as Speaker Reed
said Of the List Congress. to do business. Like
that Congress. it should proceed to do it con
scentously and bravey, without being hlndered
from il by factiOus opposition or parliamentary
obstruction or detained by considerations of the
possible effect upon the Presidential contest of
1896 1t Is not time for tmd counsels or for
hesitation The Republican party never suffered
vet from meeting any issue confronting it with
the courage Of it's convictions. 1t has suffered
reyerses at times when under the guidance OF
timid leaders il seemed 10 hesitate and shuttle
The condition of the National Treasury and of
the business interests Of the country resulting
from the financial follies OF the present Admin
istratjon and the foolish legislation Of the last
Congress demands speedy action. The party that
enacted the protective tariff of 1890 has been
called back TO remedy the evils that have resulted
from its repeal and the enactment Of the Wilson
tariff in its stead The voters have declared with
unmstakable dstinctness in favor Of return
10 the protective policy under which the country
prospercd The duty Of Congress is plain. 1t is
waste of time to talk of increasing the revenues
by any makeshlft in the form of taxation Nor is
il nj all to the purpose 10 say that because any
tariff legislation in the line Of Republican teach
ing and doctrine is likely To he met with Pres
idential vet0 a Republican Congress should on
that account deviate from the strict line of prin-
ciple in order to meet the views of the President.
Those views have been distinctly rcpudiated by
the people Any attempt TO conform 10 them by
variation from the straight line Of Republican
doctrine would be a betrayal of trust The duty
OF legislation IS laid Upon Congress. Let IT be
discharged conscicntiously and courageously.
leaving with the President the responsibility Of
his own proper functions. The main thing TO BE-
kent In mind is that this Congress was elected
TO do something this year and not TO waste time
talking about the possible effect of its action
upon next years election.
LL,l uL q \ SLLIN