The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1900-01-17

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In spite Of all the cizrnor and Intrigue,
the case of Matthew 5. Quay viii go be-
fore The United States Senate on its ner-
its. The report Of o Senate COMMITTEES on
Privileges and elections is not conclusive
II is not even indicative Of the sentiment
of the Senate. Mr.. Burrows, Of Michi-
gan. two Democrats and Populist have
Joined in declaration not to seat Mr..
/ Quay on the appointment of the Governor
of Pennsylvania. Senators Chsndler,
Hoar and McComas viii present a minor
ity report TO seat him. That IS the whole
situation at present.
The issue is 8 constitutional one, and II
is significant that Senator Hoar, the best
constitutional lawyer in the Senate, is
strongly in favor Of seating Mr.. Quay.
Il can not be said that Mr.. Hoar is infiu-
enced by party feeling. he has given
evidence within the last two years that
he will not yield his convictions. though
his party suffer and his countrymen be
shot for them. His position in favor OF
seating Mr.. Quay is that of a constitu-
tionaI lawyer. He is supported in this
position hy the best lawyers among the
Democratic and Republican members Of
the Senate.
A disreputable attempt has been made
10 carry into the Senate the persecution of
Mr. Quay, which was carried into the
courts Of Pennsylvania against all tradi-
tions OF fairness and decency, against the
plain provisions Of the statutes, and
against the judgment of the best lawyers
in the state. The object of this persecu-
ton in the courts of Pennsylvania was 20
defeat the reelection OF Senator Quay by
the Legislature. On the bsldesi pretens-
es a baseless lawsuit was kept before the
courts until the Legislature adjourned,
when the whole anti Quay case collapsed.
1t was apparent the day after the Legis-
lature adjourned that the prosecutors and
prosecutors of Senaf T Quay were with
ont evidence, and that tLey had failed ut
terly to influence the people Of Pennsyl-
vauia against him by their plot 1t was
clear that political trick had been used
70 rob the State of representation in
the Senate There was instant reaction
against the prosecutors of Mr.. Quay. As
the Legislature had failed to elect Sena-
tor. the Governor appointed Mr.. Q1ay.
II the Governor had a right to appoint.
Mr. Quay is entitled to his seat, and the
attempts to revive the conspiracy should
not confuse the people nor defect the
United States Senate from the lawful
course Of action.
The indignation of Senator Hoar over
the petitions sent 10 him asking him 10
vote against Senator Quay because the
signers Of the petition believe that Mr..
Quay is not a proper person for Senator is
fully justified, and there is no doubt his
indignation is shared by every man who
has "A proper sense Of the dignity and du-
ties OF the Senate. The mugwump press
throughout the United States has lost
sight Of the only issue at stake, and, TAX
ing up the cry Of the conspirators, is in
sisting that the Senate shall take cogni-
zance of the court prosecution that failed;
Of the controversy in the Legislature bas-
ed on charges that were thrown out Of the
court.
Mr. Quay stands before the Senate to-
day insisting upon his claim to a seat.
Behind him are the ablest constitutional
lawyers Of the Senate. His claim will be
presented on its merits and argued on its
merits. 1t is to be hoped that it also will
be decided on its merits, and not in def
erence to the anarchie clamur of spleen
ful mugwumps or diseredited party plot
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