The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-04-09
Speaker Reed and His Critics.

Boiled down, Speaker Reeds reply to
the kickers in the house is: "lf you
don't like my style. appeal" OF course
his actual words are more diplomatic
than this. The language which he en-
ploys is moderated to a softer tone:
but that is it's substance, and it is a
sensible view to take, too.
Replying to Jerry Simpson the speak
er on Wednesday said; THE chair is
sorry to see that any gentleman in the
house has lent himself TO the sugges-
tions which are sometimes made out
side Of the house with regard to the
power of the occupant of the chair.
1t is a power that is given to him by
the house for its purposes, and its pur-
poses alone, not for any selfish purpose,
not for him to carry out any personal
desires or designs of his own, but to
carry out the wishes of the house as he
understands them, after a faithful and
conscientious examination of the sub
ject. If the house thinks that any oc-
cupant of the chair is not carrying out
his wishes, Is not acting as its repre-
sentative, the remedy is in the hands
of the house at any time, and the chair
cheerfully welcomes any action on the
part of the house, whose representative
he is.'
In theory it is pleasant to contem-
plate tie possibility of assembling a
body of nearly 400 men representing diff
ferent parties, sections, interests and
eccentricities, and capable of moving
smoothly, without leadership and on
the most insensible lines of voluntary
concert. to a desirable end. In a per-
feet democracy, where the represen-
tatives of the people are all constructed
on the millennial plan, such a congress
could easily be elected, and, once elect
ed, would perpetuate itself, under mere
ly nominal presiding control, thing of
beauty and joy forever.
But such a possibility in this lawful
world, and especially in view of the
conditions now presented in American
politics, belongs rather to the domain
of iridescent dreams than within the
province of expected or probable
achievements. Wherever there is pro-
STeSS worthy u lIlS lltiille lIlSIG illuSb Dc
direction, and that direction is likeli-
est TO be effective when it is resolute
and definite in aim. We can readily see
how in the hands of a dishonest man
tn vast powers appcrtaining to the
speakership might be wrested to uses
of intolerable infamy and injustice
But such a risk, inevitable where ma
| jorities govern, is an economical price
| to pay for the unquestionable advan-
| tages of discipline, system and progress
| in legislation.
1t has become the custom for the
| champions of one branch of congress
| to claim for that branch a monopoly
| of merit and to foist upon the Other
| chamber an unearned increment OF
| faultiness. 1t is possible that Senate,
| Hoar, when attacking the present
| speakership, fell into this unfairness
| The words of Mr. Reed,as quoted above
present q sufficient answer; but if fur
| ther vindication were desirable it coult
| be cited in the obvious satisfaction o.
the country with the tenor of his sway
AS between chaos and absolutism, th'
latter is always preferable: but in th'
case of Speaker Reed, what critics cal
car rule is simply the strength of {
brain and will that would dominate
at any time in any company.