The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-02-02
The PENNSYLVANIA SpectncIe.

What strikes the observer of the Penn
syIvania senatorial contest-the outside
Spectators the seeming Indifference of
the Republican masses of the State or else
their adherence to the fortunes of Senator
Quay. There have been no such urgent
protests and appeals to the Quay legis-
lators as We might reasonably expect
after the circulation of the proclamation
of the independent or anti-Quay members
This was a ringing declaration of a prin-
ciple of morals as well established as any
Of the Ten Commandments-that the
representatives of the people should vote
for no man for the United States
Senate when he is under indct-
ment for a crime and has himself caused
the postponement of his trial, and also
when there is strong prima facie case
against him. There has been no general
echo of this in spite of the work of lead
ing men in the Republican party. 1t will
be recalled that there was a Republican
majority of a hundred and nineteen thou
sand at the last election in the State and
this was justly regarded as party APP
proyal of Quay and Quayism. The guber-
material candidate was Quay's man.
Regardless of this majority. it seemed
reasonable that the spectacle presented
by Pennsylvania of a prolonged deadlock
from the desperate effort OF the indicted
man to effect break in the Democratic
ranks, would work on the conscience or
sense of shame OF Republicans and lead
them to batter the capitol with protests.
Perhaps the insincerity of some OF the
anti-Quay members has had an influence
in the other direction 1t is affirmed that it
| is not virtue that ails them, but business.
| One county boss, for example, directed
his members against the party candidate
! because members Of his family were not
looked after by Senator Quay, and one Of
his strikers had lost a political job which
Quay might have held for him. 1t would
be hard to get up much of virtuous
hurrah over Mr.. Magee and some others
of Quay's enemies. But this only makes
the whole affair more shameful and adds
to the degradation OF the long degraded
| Republican party Of Pennsylvania So far
| the Democrats have refused to make the
dickers which have been urged on them
| by the Quay managers, but they are sus-
pected not OF political honesty but fear.
| Nobody feels certain that some OF them
will not come to his support at last
; The situation is incredible. 1t is as
founding that so much labor should be
necessary, that such safeguards against
| bribery should have to be established. in
order 10 stave of the election till Quay
has been tried by the courts. As he is, he
! seems TO be the choice Of the Republican
masses. 1t is doubtful If it would be pos
I sible for a man to get such hold on
his party in any other State east of the
Rocky Mountains as TO be able to deadlock
a senatorial contest while under indict-
ment for crime with such an apparently
strong case against him. The State Of
/ Pennsylvania is 4 disgrace TO the nation.
I There is no doubt that de@docks over The cleo
ton OF United States Senators are prolific Of
corruption and constitute a strong argument for
] the opponents Of the present system OF election.
/ but they are not numerous they
years ago. nor are scnatorships - much subjects
| OF barter rs they used to be.-BrOoilyn Eagle.
Was there ever more arrant nonsense?
/ Modern senatorial elections are the most
dishonest things We know.