The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-12
STATE LEGISLATURES AND
EXPANSION.

In times of popular feeling it is hard to
restrain state legislatures from expressing
themselves regarding national issues. Some
times this is desirable as a means of in
forming Congress, especially the Senate, re-
garding popular sentiment. States have gen
orally claimed the right of instructing their
senators how to vote on such questions,
though senator's have sometimes refused to
receive instructions. There is no law nor fixed
rule on the subject, and it is entirely option
al with a senator whether he obey the in
structions of his state legislature or not,
though he may run some political risk if
he disregards the will of the people.
As there will be many Legislatures in ses-
sion this winter and as the Senate debate on
the treaty with Spain is likely to be pro-
tracted, it is quite possible some senators
may receive Instructions from their legis-
latures, especially if they are out of line
with popular sentiment. However popular
sentiment may be regarding the later ques-
ton of annexing or permanently holding the
Philippines. it is undoubtedly in favor of
ratifying the treaty. At least one legis-
lature, that of California has in both
y
resolutions instructing the senators from
that State TO support the Presidents policy
in regard TO the acquisition of the Philip
pines. and to do everything possible to bring
about the success of that policy. This in
struction has caused Senator Perkins, of
California, to change front on the question
He had declared himself in opposition to
latrf no will 10 will
of the people of his State as expressed
through the Legislature He takes rea-
sonable and temperate view of the subject
and his language is worth quoting, because
of it's frank recognition of official respon-
slbility He says:
1 am aware that many senators do not
recognize the right of a legislature to in
struct them as to their duty in Congress
l do not, however, share in this opinion
Ours is a representative form of government
and the people are the source of all power;
wish of his constituents. if he can ascertain
what that wish is. 1 have been twice
as that is practicable. 1t seems to me,
therefore that it is my duty. and | am IN
honor bound, TO obey the will of the people
of my State as expressed through their rep
resentatiVeS in our Legislature. / believe
in the rule of majority, and possibly | am
mistaken in the view ] have taken of this
stand by and Go the best l can for the good
old ship of Republic, and by my vote
and work and influence do all l can to avoid
the rocks and shoals that surround us.
have unbOunded faith and confidence in the
thinking people. l believe that public senti-
men will clear the political horizon, and in
due time we will come out of the dangers
that now, to my mind seem to menace the
principles of republican form of govern
ment
Evidently Senator Perkins is not disposed
to put his will against that of the people,
nor to imagine the country is going to ruin
because he does not have his way. 1t is
said that Senator Hoar, of Massachusetts,
in his opposition to the ratification of the
treaty, misrepresents his State, as nearly all
the Republicans in the Massachusetts Legis-
lature support the Presidents policy on this
question. Senator Lodge, who has sup
ported the President in this matter from
the start and is strongly opposed to Mr..
Hoar's course, has just been reelected by
the unanimous vote of the Republicans in the
Massachusetts Legislature. Perhaps on ac-
count of his age and distinguished services
the Legislature may refrain from instruct
ing Senator Hoar on the subject, but those
who are in position to know say that he
is not representing popular sentiment in his
State. Ex-senator Dawes, who repre-
sented' Massachusetts many years in the
Senate, is a strong expansionist, and says
he feels certain that nine-tenths of the peo-
pie of the Stlte favor the ratification of
the treaty If that is the case Senator
Hoar viii be fortunate if he escapes a reso-
luton of instruction from the Legislature.