The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-06

II the Admiral Of The Navy were never %
perform another political service to Lis
country he would still have earned its re-
spsct and gratitude through the words
of warning which he uttered at his Was1-
ington home last Wednesday. To my
mind. said Admiral Dewey. the on g Of
President as contemplated by the Cousii-u-
tioa is wholly executive. Il is not my idea
that the President should dictate to Con-
gress. but. on the contrary. I believe he
should execute the laws which Congress
enscts faithfully and without fear or preju-
dice"
It is high time that the matter covered
BY the foregoing two sentences should lie
brought wildly and fCrcefully to the atten-
ton Of the country. II is fortunate that
the message comes from a citizen Of Ad-
miral Dewey's commanding position and
influence. because to what he says tie
American people will give earnest con-
sideration. Il is true indeed that the
Office OF President as contemplated by the
Constitution is wholly executive" In
happily. it is equally true that under the
practice which began under Mr.. Cleveland
and has grown and lourished during the
present Administration. the office has come
TO be something very different. 1t IS 70
longer strictly executive. Its present in
cumbeut ard his predecessor have both re-
garded it as concentrating within Itself the
power aud authority to initiate and control
national legislation.
By degrees the executive branch Of the
Government has become practically the
whole Government. Outwardly. the old
form OF things is preserved, but the spirit
and fact II the constitutional order have
departed. never to return while the trusts
and protected monopolies shall be able to
keep the Republican party in control OF
the country. Through the power Of the
parry mschine and a vast patronage be
slowed solely in consideration Of political
service and servility, an American Presi-
dent today is enabled TO say what legisla-
tivc measures may OF may not be passed in
the senate and The House OF Representa-
tives. aud. b. his autocratic word, exact
from Congress whatever he and an inter
Cst ID syndicate OF outside associates may
desire The Presidential Office at this mo-
neut is supreme over every branch Of the
Government but the judicial branch and,
al the present rate OF progress. may be eX-
pectsd 10 absorb even that by the simple
method Of filling vacancies on the Supreme
Bench with subservient tools OF the trusts.
This is not the constitutional conception
Of the Presidential office, but it is the
Hanna, Rockefeller. and Carnegie coneep-
tion. The Constitution DEGREES three iude-
pendent and coordinate branches OF gov
eminent. The trusts desire but one-an
Executive whom they can control.
For this terrible evil, which is sspping
the lie and threatening the existence OF
our Institutions there IS but one remedy.
aad that is TO drive from power the people
who are responsible for IT, II they are al
lowed to Ecmsin in oflce for another Presi-
Dental term. there is every reason TO ey-
poet that they viii still futher fasteu the
chains OF trust slavery upon the Legisla-
ture. and perhaps make new and serious
inroads urou the Independent character OF
The Supreme Court.
Admiral Dewey has sounded a warning
note. The people VINO have heard should
act upon IT,