New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-08
A CREDITABLE SESSION.

Iawmaking is not one of the departments OF
human industry in which the efficiency Of labor
increases with special rapidity On the contrary
after almost every session of Congress or State
Legislature there is likely TO be general disap-
pointment because so much that ardently
desired fell through was postponed. The fact
remains however, that Congress has done much
admirable work at its late session in the line of
redeemng pledges on which the Republican
party appealed to the people and won four years
ago 1t is true that there has been earnest COM
plant. there invariably is. with greater or
less reason, because of failure to act upon pend
ing measures of Importance. One difficulty is
that time is too freely wasted in partisan and
personal controversy. The hours spent In hear
ing honorable gentlemen inform each other that
they are not honorable, in listening to ISLANDERS
which spite prompts, and to the responses which
such SANDERS call forth, and in seeing the bust
ness of the body brought to a deadlock by mis-
use of the rules are too many at every session.
Yet it must be remembered that. in spite of such
delays as the serious and responsible leaders on
either side cannot desire and might prevent, so
early adjournment has not been achieved
before for a long series of years.
This year. moreover Congress has deserved
credit not only for doing much that needed to
be done, but also for its refusal to do things
impatiently demanded. Bills have gone over to
another session, to the great disappointment of
many which were wisely held back in view of
considerations which their advocates have not
fully weighed. Probably a large proportion
even of the captious critics of Congressional
action outside Of Congress will come 10 realize
that 1t particularly wise in refusing to go
further than 1t did in attempting to make laws
for the new possessions of the Union. 1t is OF
the utmost Importance that a false start in this
business should be avoided, and if a decision of
the Supreme Court can be obtained before an
other session begins determining the power of
Congress regarding many points in dispute it
may save the country incalculable harm and
loss. For long doubts are widely enter
tanned respecting the power Of Congress in one
direction or another the proper concentration of
opinion strength upon the general policy
which ought TO be established is rendered far
more difficult. Similar considerations make it
fortunate that no final action reached on
various other topics, such as the contemplated
reduction of the revenue, which have seemed
urgent to many good citizens.
The armor plate deadlock, which prevented
adjournment at the hour fixed on Wednesday,
is not a novelty, nor Is the question simple as
some imagine. If the United States had already
built and fully equipped its own plant for the
production of armor plate 1t would still be a
serious problem, TO be met year after year by
exhaustive tests, whether or not better armor
could be obtained from other sources. The
American people would not long be content to
see better and more thoroughly defended
sells built in shipyards of this country for
nations which might at any time be at war with
the United States. The responsibility for OBJ
tanning the most perfect armor anywhere TO be
found will have to rest upon somebody, and also
responsibility for determining what price the
country ought to pay. If men will consider the
matter without passion they will that the
ownership Of an armor making plant by the
Government would not essentially change the
character Of the problem, many persons
suppose.