Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-12-04
A NOTE OF CAUTION
Temper Of Republicans in Both
Branches Of Congress.
TEE SPIRIT OF Mr.. REEFS SPEECH
Present Conditions Different From
Six Years Ago.
NO FALSE ECON ONLY

Leading republicans are talking in the
same strain at both ends of the Capitol.
The note is one Of caution, of conference
rot of timidity or irresolution, for there is
none of that; but of desire to meet a
great emergency in the best way possible
for the country, there is very much.
Mr.. Reeds Speech.
This spirit is large in Mr.. Reeds speech
to the caucus. That deliverance puts the
Speaker in new light before many of his
admirers. 1t does rot reveal a new man,
but simply the same man in conditions the
opposite of those in which six years ago
he made his reputation. Then he was in
augurating a parliamentary revolution.
His majority on the floor was small, and
appeared at the start to hesitate. But he
did not hesitate. The moment he mounted
the box and took the reins into his hands
he ordered the brake dismantled, and as
soon as the wheels were free he cracked
his whip and plunged ahead 1t was rather
a lively ride for a while, but he kept his
seat, and made the others keep their seats
and he arrived at his destination with
every wheel on the ground and in prime
running order. 1t is the most notable trip on
record
The Case Different Now.
Now the case is different. Some of the
passengers are impatient and want to I'M
Of such a whirl as that the Fifty-frst
House experienced. But the great whip
from Maine knows his business too well to
indulge them in anything of that kind He
reaches for the brake with one hand while
taking the renS with the other. This is to
be a different sort of trip. For one thing,
the coach is loaded differently; and, besides,
while in other hands it has recently I'M
dergone a severe strain. Creakings are
heard, and much uneaSinesS exists. He
thinks it best. therefore, to 60 SLOW and
avoid heavy jolts, until at the different
stopping places from time to time repairs
can be made. OF course, he could. at much
risk, as he did before. send the team along
it would be wise. The case is such that
lether risks should be taken nor pranking
INDUCED.
The HumOr of the Senate.
Evidently the Senate is in similar humor.
Conferences are TO be held over there. Some
very definite policies are advised, but are
rot, so far, insisted on. Men like Mr.. AL
drich keen, experienced, reSolute, want to
hear from all sides and all sections before
taking a single step that will commit the
party. The big majority in the House has
been in existence for year, and the verdict
of November in existence for a full month.
The general meaning of both verdicts-that
of November, "a, and that of last November
is well understood, but details are now in
order. The republicans nave giant S
strength, and a commission from the people
to do giants work, but moderation is
Urged even upon the giant. He is advised
not to be prodigal of the ore, nor reckless
in the execution of the other giants best
performance is when he takes care, and
observes the rules that guide ordinary men.
No False Economy.
But this caution, this moderation, this
spirit of conference are not construed as
symptoms of either cowardice or niggard-
illness. That the government is to be well
supplied in all of its departments is not
doubted by anybody. False economy, or
economy at the wrong time, is a species of
crime. This is regarded being especially
true in the case of Congress, which legislates
for all the people. and has 1t in its power to
add to hard times or to relieve hard times,
as 1t may take a liberal or a stingy view of
its duty and functions. The republican party
heretofore has been on the right side of this
question, and hence the belief that it will
take the right side now.