The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-04
CONGRESS AND THE PEOPLE.

Some of the expressions of congressman
during the last few days seem to show
little heed for public opinion regarding the
the people are not correctly informed. that
the newspapers do not know what they are
talking about. that the criticisms of con-
gressmen are impertinent, that the storm
will soon blow over, etc. Such expressions
do not show proper estimate of popular
intelligence or proper regard for public
opinion. They are the result of kind of
official self-complacency that seems to
breed in the atmosphere of Washington
and make public men sometimes forget
that the people are sovereign and that Con-
gress. all-powerful as 1t is in matters Of
legislation. cannot afford to play with that
most dangerous explosive. popular disap-
prevail. 1t is old question. in political
ethics whether a congressman should obey
the instructions of his constituents. Some
survived such action. but 1t is a dangerous
position to take. There may be occasions
involving a great principle or conscientious
convictions when congressman is justified
in regarding his own conscience as a higher
law than the will of the people. but these
occasions are rare and the rule cannot ap-
ply to mere questions of policy expe-
diency. There is no better illustration or
more impressive phase of popular govern
ment than when the people make their
xvoso 49,, A. - H.
warning their representatives in regard to
some particular measurs or policy. 1t is
proof that the people take an interest in
public affairs and legislation: that, busy
as they are in other matters, they keep an
eye on Congress. and that they have views
whic., their representatives. with all their
discretionary power, cannot afford to dis
regard Therefore, 1t argues a wrong view
of popular government for congressman to
pooh-pooh popular protest. to say that
about the impertinence of newspapers that
criticise their action, especially of their
own party newspapers that must be cred
tied with sincerity. Such a position on the
part of congressman not only argues a
wrong view of popular government. but it
is dangerous position to advantageous
for the congressman who takes 1t and dan
gerous for his party. There have been in
stances Of congressman losing their seats
and parties their majorities in Congress
| 1873 when, in open disregard Of a strong
popular protest and a general warning
| from the press. Congress passed the So
called "salary-grab" act. 1t was clear
| case OF defying the popular will, although
many congressman could not or would not
see it. Congress passed the b.il and 1T re-
suited in retiring some of the best men in
| the House and contributed to the political
| tidal wave of 1874 The act was repealed at
| the next session after it was passed, but
| the mischief was done. General Garfield,
who had engineered and voted for the orig
inal act, voted for its repeal. In a speech
| on the latter occasion he said:
There is a circle of individual right with
| in which every mans opinions are sacredly
his own, even in defiance of public opinion
/ and which his manhood and self-respect
demand that he shall never surrender. But
| there are public questions like that which
/ we are to-day considering on which the
| voice of public opinion has right to be
| heard and considered by every representa-
| tive In the national legislature.
| General Garfield, like some others, was
slow to hear the voice of public opinion re-
garding the salary grab" but when they
finally heard it they knew what it meant
The present situation is equally illustrative
of the Importance of hearing and obeyine
| the voice of public opinion.