The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1895-10-27
THE REORGANIZATION OF THE
SENATE.

We have printed so many conflicting
expressions of opinion about the re-
organization of the Senate on the assem-
bling of Congress that a short digest OF
them may modify the confusion in the
public mind. In the first place, no one
can predict with accuracy what the eau
Gus of either party will determi is for
its advantage. 1t would be still more
difficult to predict accurately what two
caucuses will agree upon as best for the
two parties.
The best opinion would seem to be that
the determination will be one of policy,
and that the question of patronage will
be subordinate and incidental. Conse-
ouently the personal conflict which some
interested rooters have attempted to in
troduce in order to give the subject a
Fictitious Importance viii not be fea
| ture.
The alleged popularity of the sergeant
at arms and the unpopularity of the sec
rotary are unknown quantities, and large
" depend on the opinion of the speaker.
Personal popularity avails but little
while party advantage sits at the gate OF
the caucus. Instance; There never was
a more popular Secretary t an General
Arson McCook and number of Sena-
tors of contrary politics, but lively re-
collection of comradeship, openly espous-
ed his cause. But when the Democratic
caucus decided it to be to the interest OF
the party to assume control Of the Sen
ate the election of Democratic Secrets-
ry followed as a matter of course and
the question Of selection alone remained.
If the Republicans agree among them
selves that it is necessary to the conduct
of their programme to officer. the Senate
they will effect it, and no personal con
slderation will urge or check them in the
matter.
While General Cox has never affected
any of the arts that cajole and evoke
friendly expressions from all sorts OF
people, his clean handed direction of his
Office and his soldier like performance of
every detail of duty has impressed the
Senate With the sentiment that it was
secure in relying on an official
who would be jealous of IFS
true interests and proper dignity.
The office of the secretary has not been a
rendezvous for plotters in politics or
saloon for conferences of great fnan
cial and industrial interests and of
the States, but it has been what the
laws OF the simpler days of the Republic
meant it to be, and there are not lacking
Republicans who say that this is most
agreeable to their tastes, both moral and
political.
On the other hand, Col. Dick Bright,
who has made most acceptable officer,
is what is conventionally called a popular
maR. His disposition is of the bluff
and CHEEKY sort that makes friends with
an ambassador and newsboy, as they
come on in the procession, and that
swears the padding out of bill for con-
tingent expenses like the wire out of
toy balloon. But when the Republicans
decide that the organization of the Sen
ate will further their plans the prairies
of the State of Indiana will have him as
a resident on the sam9 day that General
Cox returns TO the cotton fields of Edge
combe.
So we end just where we began.
When the Senate meets there will be
no necessity for the immediate election
of President of the Senate because
there is the Vice President; nor for
Secretary because there is one. So that
with head to direct and hand to re-
cord the organization is complete.
When it comes TO filling the one hun
dred vacancies on committees the general
plans will begin to unfold.
. After December the 10th, when the
Republican National Committee will sit
in Washington and viii decree policy
and outline a campaign, the Republican
Senators will be harmonious in their
wishes. What will be the result can be
translated from the classics Of the past
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