New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-13
A CONDITION PRECEDENT.

1t rests with the Republicans Of tho country
TO say whether or not the House of Represent
atives Of the LNIth Congress shall be con-
trolcd by the friends and supporters Of the
Administration. 1t is necessary for them 10
comply with only one condition. according n
the officers Of the Republican Congressional
Committee in Washington, who speak by the
card. The condition is that Republicans shall!
arouse themselves, and from this time on until
the night of Election Day put forth their best
efforts as they did in 1894 and 1896. But they
must work. and when the time comes 20 10 the
polls and vote and persuade their friends and
neighbors TO do likewise. or a majority hostile
not only TO the Administration but 20 the best
and most vital interests OF the country. includ-
Ing sound money. will control the next House
OF Representatives. This Is the plain truth,
and il would be foolish and idle for any Rcpub-
lican 10 blink II. We cannot conceive how any
member Of the party. or any other friend and
supporter Of the Administration, with so easy
q possibility Of victory before him can fail to
comply with the one condition necessary to
convert that possibility into fact.
And yet various excuses are offered by we'll
meaning Republicans for indifference ncs-
lect. One blandly says that effort is unneceS-
sary this year. that confidence IN the Admin
istration and pride in its achievements both in
peace and war will carry the party safely 10
victory. Against him there is a cloud OF wit
nesses including the sagacious and vigilant
party pilots who know where the shoals and
rocks OF danger lie. Whether lie he Overconii-
dent or simply lazy. his philosophy and ex-
ample are both dangerous because alike con-
taglous. Another remarks. In a tone of resiG-
nation, that a National Administration always
expects and regards as Inevitable a reverse in
the elections of an off year. third supple
nents this with the sspient observation that It
really doesn't make any difference this year.
because TO matter what may no tho political
complexion Of tho LNIth Congress II viii be
compelled by public opinion TO heed and mp
prove the recommendations Of President Nc
kinney. and. further. that II II should be so
unwise rs 10 pass n Free.SIlver bill. for ex-
ample hc would promptly veto II, so there
would he no danger on that score.
II is somewhat difficult 10 deal respectfully
with come " these excuses In view OF the mo-
mentous issues involved. TO tho fatalist, who
saws that a National Administration always cx-
poets ami regards as inevitable reverse in the
elections Of an on" year. II may be enough 10
eay that he is mistaken. and ask him TO re-
member that the House Of Representatives
which passed the Mills Tariff hin was elected
In the of wear Of President clcvelnnds first
Administration But his Is minor excuse.
hardly worthy Of mention. II is otherwise
with The excuses offered by the man vino thinks
1. really doesn't make any difference this yenr
Does he or anybody else. in view Of what oc-
Cured In the House Of Representatives last
spring, believe or Imagine that II that body
had been under the control Of Mr. Bailey. Of