The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-14

When party departs from the prln-
cipies upon which It is founded, II Is
singular to observe how rapidly II pro-
ceeds in precisely the opposite direc-
tion. without noticing how far it is
leaving behind its traditional attitude
on public questions. The fundamental
policies OF the Democratic party In
the earlier days OF its history were a
strict holding to the federal idea. in
opposition to the national idea. of the
general government, and a tenacious
clnging TO the doctrine of state
rights. The lingering remnants Of this
tradition are shown In the present OPP
position to the exercise by congress OF
the power OF governing the newly ac-
quired territory Yet on many new
questions arising. that same traditional
attitude is entirely lost to sight.
An illustration of this is seen in the
present Democratic attitude on the
question of election OF senators by pop
ular vote. As originally constituted,
the federal government was neither
wholly national nor wholly federal In
the scope Of its powers, as is clearly
set out by Madison In one of his ar
ticles IN the Federalst, but was dis
tiuctly and OF a deliberate purpose
compromise between the two. The
house Of representatives derived its
powers directly from the people, who
are represented therein In the same pro-
portion and ON the same principle as
I'm state legislatures. SO far the gov
eminent was national. In the selection
OF the president, under the original
plan contemplated by the constitution.
by electors, officers OF the state govern
ment. allotted to the several states m
"a compound ratio which considered
them as partly distinct and equal and
partly as unequal members in the same
society. this branch OF the government
had mixed character. presenting as
many federal as national features
The rclegation of the electoral col
icge 70 mere instrument Tor the re-
cording Of the votes Of the people. and
the adoption OF the practice OF holding
nominating conventions in which the
states were represented on the basis
OF population. has emphasized the na-
tlonal character Of the presidential clec-
ton. and eliminated all OF the federal
features. substantially 1t Is the people.
not the states. who elect presidents.
save Ia the remote aud under present
conditions almost Impossible contip-
gency OF the failure 81 any candidate
Co receive a majority Ia the electoral
college.
In the present development Of the
government 81 the United states. IN
whist 3, has unquestionably departed
. In great measure from the original plan
q tbs constitution. 10 is IN the election
Of senators atone that the states. IN
their relation TO the general govern
ment. act in their political capacities
The selection Of senators is made by
the state asa distinct political entity.
not ny the people % the state as indl-
ysduals
Now We rnl ne pcmocrap, party
everywhere aN.tatng the 'lcrtton 90
senators by direct popular vote, step
witch, II taken, will wipe out at once
ana forever an of federalism Ia the ma.
tionM government. aud leave Il distinct
lively national IN all Of rs branches.
while the states remain mere municipal
titles. with powers OF local self govern
menL hut with 40 voice, as distinct pc
liticai entities, in national Affairs, This
is not Inconsistent with past political
evolution, but it does seem singular that
the last step toward wiping out the last
vestige OF federalism In the coustttu-
ton of this country should be 81 warm
Iy advocated by the Democratic party,
the traditional upholder of state rights,