The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-12-13
HOUSTON, TUESDAY, DEC. IL, isos.
TEN PAGES 17llDA Y,
"BAILEY VS.. wnEELisR.'

There Is no better fighter for what be con
siders right and no man who less appreciates
Y when he Is whipped than our own valiant Joe
Bailey. But there Is u. time when dscretio,
Il time should come before Bailey makes NJ
attack on grand old Joe Wheeler. And Il
strikes us Baieys attack on Wheeler's Right
10 exercise his privileges as member Of CON
gTess at this time s very much out OF place
y lii such n matter IL would seem that Wheeler !
cons tituents should be better judge of what
never known before Iii the history OF the
United States General Wheeier's constituents,
democrats. republicans .populists and part
sans of every conceivable color voted unani;
incusly for his recollection to congress- while
4 yet he was In the army iighting for fis eoun-
try And 1t DOES seem ont OF place Tor a
young MAJ whose sword was not for q mo-
ment drawn IN that contest low to take Is
sue with Wheeler'5 rights md his conasitu-
! ents' desires. We can net believe that sentl-
nont animatcs Bailey in tnis attack, as nc.h-
ing Is known OF any hostility he has against
the grand old man. But o sentiment OF a
different complexion should stay his hand un-
less the law absolutely commands him tn
make this attack.--Austin Statesmen.
The difference between MIR Bailey's way
OF looking at the matter in ques ion and
the ststesman's way is the difference be-
tween a man who has ar honest devotion
to tho constitution ard his oath of office
and the man who would sent,meutally ask,
What Is the constitution between
friends?'
Tho case is not one where sentiment
should play any part whatever II is a
queFtion OF right and principle involving
the possible violation Of the plain letter OF
tho constitution ard possibly establishing
precedent that may be of vital Importance
10 the Nation as we enter upon an era of
imperialism and militaMsm. The time
might not be far distant when booted and
spurre5 military chieftains would occupy
seats in the senate ard house, as undsr the
nonarchical establishments OF Europe. II
General Wheeler were declared authorized
to hold major generals commission In the
army and seat in congress at one and
the same time.
Mr. Bailey Is big CROUCH rot to allow
any popular gush over grand old Joe
Wheeler" or grand old anybody else TO
obscure In his mind the serious consli,l.
tional question raised. 1t is "sentim mt
just now that is rushing us into all sorts o,
trouble.
Paragraph Q of section 6. of article 1.
OF the constitution says:
No senator or representative shall
during the time for which he was elected,
bc appointed to any civil Office under the
authority OF the United States, +.
ana no person holding any office under the
unitet States shalt be a member of either
house duglng his continuance In office"
AS major general IN the army. Ia Gem
eral Wheeler holding any office under the
United states?' II so, has he any right
Whatever TO a seat In congress? II he has
no right, should the constitution BIO "senti.
mentally violated for his bepea.?
The country is willing to do great deal
for grand old Joe" but II can hardly he
ASKED to set aside its organic law for his
special Accommodation