Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-05

be drawn closer than for some years past.
The margin of the two parties in the
House is close and the realization of this
compels compact organization. The mi
nority feel that by reason of the small re-
publican majority they may hope to be able
to accomplish something from time to time
by acting in perfect harmony. The ma
jority feel that their slender control upon
affairs must necessitate their standing
closely together.
Adoption Of the Rules.
This was recognized in the immediate
adoption of the Reed rules. During the
summer there was a great deal of talk Of
the amendment of these rules in way to
give greater latitude to the individual men,
bers and to curtail the power of the Speak
er to control legisla ton and the conduct
of the House Mr.. Hepburn of Iowa, who
managed Gen. Henderson campaign for
the speakershtp during its earlier stages,
when management was necessary, was the
leader of the movement for the amendment
of the rules During all of last Congress
he was dissatisfied with the rules as they
were, and after the adjournment declared
his purpose to amend them if he could
cure sufficient support from both or either
party. Mr.. Hepburn was in Washington
great deal of the recess, and in several in
terviews declared his hostility to those fea-
lures of the rules which placed almost au-
tOcratic power in the hands of the Speaker
He took Secession whenever the opportunity
was afforded to solicit the support of mem
bers of The minority for his plan of reform,
declaring that it was through non-parti-
san effort only that it could be accom-
plished. Even after the retirement of other
candidates had insured the election OF Cen
Henderson, his colleague, he continued his
efforts in this direction.
CIcseness of Party Lines.
The fact that he abandoned his opposition
to the adoption of the Reed rules and
voted for their adoption on the first day of
the session of Congress is an evidence of
the closeness with which party lines are
dra wn. Heretofore considerable time has
been taken for the consideration of the
needs of the House before permanent rules
We're adopted, and the adoption of the
rules Of former House have at first been
temporary. A departure was made from
the custom IN this case because 1t was
realized that the republican majority,
standing by the administration in every
thing, would have to encounter the opposi-
ton of a strong and, for once, practically
united minority. The eagerneSs of the con-
test for the minority leadership was be-
cause of the Importance attached by the
democrats to an organization which would
be Harmonious and it is evident from the
course Of the minority on the first day of
the session that they intend to hold TO-
gether, sinking their personal differences
In a common attitude of antagonism to-
ward the general policy of the administr
ton. AS far as anything can be indicated
thus early at the opening of the session, 1t
Is apparent that the democrats intend to
adopt their time-sanctioned policy of oppo-
sition, without assuming the responsible
ty for the initiative.
Plan of the Minority.
Their plan will be to assume no RESPONSE
bifty, but yielding everything to the power
of the majority, to content themselves with
protest and criticism. Their course In the
Roberts case is indicative of this, since
they will not oppose the conclusion arrived
at, it being in response to popular de-
mand, but will criticise and protest against
the method adopted in arriving at this con-
cluson.
In like manner their opposition to the
adoption of the Reed rules was formal and
perfunctory, and they have no regret at
being placed in a condition of helplessness
by these rules so long they can place
the burden of all action upon the slender
republican majority and themselves escape
responsibility.
With reference to all legislation their at
titude will be much the same. Recognizing
that the existing conditions will necessitate
a considerable increase of appropriation
they Will be in an attitude to criticise but
powerless to curtail expenditures. They
will also be relieved of the responsibility
for legislation with reference to the Phil
ippines and other of our new possessions
and in an attitude of helplessness to pre-
vent and criticise whatever may be done,
without the responsibility of the initiative
In any instance.
Hide behind the Rules.
With reference to the trusts they will be
in an attitude where they may declare that
something should be done, without being
compelled to take the responsibility Of for
rnulating legislation. They can always hide
behind the rules of the House, which render
them helpless.
They are not disturbed by the prospect of
financial legislation, which they will simply
criticise and hold the majority responsible
for without being compelled to disclose
any differences of opinion which exist with
in their own line.
Occupying this negative position, they can
make their own organization compact, while
the republicans Will be compelled by this
character of opposition to smother all their
differences and act together regardless of
emergency of opinion in different sections
represented by that party.
Under such circumstances party lines may
be expected to be drawn more closely in
this Congress than in any other for many
years past