The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-11

American, which The Post accepts as both
correct and courageous. would seem to
Justify the conclusion that the Americans
Photographer and editorial writer do not
entertain similar views with respect TO
supporting the plain letter and spirit OF
the constitutions
Mr.. richardson was clearly right 10 pro-
testing against the disbarment OF kope,,s
from the house before he was allowed 70 takc
the oath OF Office Mr.. Richardson refrhineu
from discussing the merits OF the question.
In fact, he let Il he distinctly understood that
II the charges against Roberts were sus-
tanned be would vote to oxpel him. but he
was ayerse. and rishtfnlly. TO the house re-
fusing him permission to take the oath OF Of
nee when he appeared at the bar OF the house
with his credentials in due form, aud WHOM
there was no constitutional objection urged
why he should be ineligible 10 membership.
The precedent which the house was about to
make. the minority leader wisely argued.
would rlsc To plague the country IN years To
come II Is gratifying to ace that Mr.. Rich.
ardsou has the courage to take the right
course, despite the public clNmnr nsainst
Roberts. II argucs we'll FOR HIS future leader
ship. Tho man who does tina, which his do.
lherHte Judgment and enlightened conscience
bid him dc. whether he has ten men ar i
hundred =, his back. Is the Kind OF man the
democracy IN the house OF representatives Is
looking for.
upon the application OF the constitution
TO General Wheeler, who sought tr defy
It's authority and direction, vas just as
manly and courageous In his sand 10
avoid precedcn, that would rise to
plague the country In years 10 come
as is Mr., Richardson OF Tennessee, Who
was honest enough to remember his oath
TO support the constitution amid The
furious storm of public protest hurled al
Polyeamous Roberts
Mir Bailey was the leader OF the demo.
cratic minority when in-consldered pot.
ular clamor' WIS invoked to sweep aside
tho constitution that popular hero might
enjoy the cmoluments OF dual amni''5n
aud double place Just as Mr. Richardson
WAS The leader Of the dcmccratir minority
when the same power in converse sct,rn
was relied upon 10 prevent the recognt-
ton Of credentials Of Gle ion. presented
by the representative OF a severe 81 state.
who was and Is revolving 20 the decent
conscience OF tho country, II the 'hargts
against him be true,
The position of MIR. Bailey carried With
IL no luminosity to General Wheelec, hut
simply stood for the orln-iplo that 10
man. however great. shoulA he consid
cred above the constitution Of hi, com
try
The position OF MIR. Richardson was
that, however Infamous the maa bear'at
1t might be. his certificate of election
from sovereign State was prlna facic
case Of his constitutional risht to the
oath of office. white the ground upon
which his expulsion was soWght was 9roG
erly matter Tor subsequent Investigation
and action,
Roth men were right md tAe fearless
Judgment of patriotic Americans must op-
prove the honesty and rlnrage of bo'h
these minority leaders, dspa"ea in tSa
midst OF terrific ordeal or admit that
the constitution. when popular ciamor
demands and the peoples representatives
are too cowArdly TO obey their clths 20
defend and preserve it, should be tram
pied under foot.