The times., 1901-05-27
The south CaroIinn Senators.

For the purpose of considering the
designations of the two South Carolina
Senators, in their relation 10 the people
of the State, it is not at this moment
necessary to discuss the merits of the
political contention between them
Viewing the controversy dispassionate-
iy, it is probable that few people of any
party in the country will dissent from
the proposition that the solution adopt
ed is tie best which could have been
found.
Senator McLaurin. like some of his
colleagues, has seen fit to depart from
the platform and standards upon which,
as his opponents hold, he was elected,
and. according to their opinion, in a po-
IiticaI sense has proved recreant to his
trust. Mr. McLaurin is an extreme ex-
pansionist That fact would not much
matter, perhaps, if it were the only
one TO be taken into account The ma
jority of Democrats are eXpansionists,
Just as Jefferson was. The difference
between them and the Republicans is
that the former believe in expansion
only under the Constitution, while the
latter generally favor it outside of the
fundamental law. and as something to
be accomplished quite independently of
that law.
Senator McLaurin voted for the Sub
sidy job, and is high protectionist. In
these respects his adherence to the
party faith is quite open to question.
Senator Tillman rejects expansion al
most on any terms. In other respects
he appears to be in accord with his
party. 1t is unnecessary to measure
the doctrine or action of either gentle
man by strict construction of past plat
forms or policies. The most extreme
exponents Of the Chicago platform ad-
NIT that issues. if not changing, are at
least shifting in point Of Importance,
and that economic and social questions
are likely to displace or for time OBJ
scure the issues which were made
prominent in the last two Presidential
contests.
Such matters are negligible in the
present connection. The important
thing TO note is that two Senator's. rep
resenting a great American State, have
had the good sense to submit their diff
ferences to the people they represent,
and to bow to their verdict as TO which
is right Both Senators have resigned,
and the primaries viii decide the sue
cession to their places.
There is much to commend in this ar
rangement In principle. the Senate is
an ambassadoriaI body. representing
the States as such. In their corporate
capacity the Senators represent all the
States. But their status is quite differ
ent to that of Representatives in Con-
gress, who are popularity elected, by in
dividual constituencies, and who might
be excused for independence of thought
and action, without regard to the
wishes Of the electorate, which would
not seem proper in a member of the
other House
When a Senator finds himself charged
with being persona non grata to the
Commonwealth which has elected him
to one Of the two highest offices in it's
gift, he has two courses open to him.
He may choose either to adjust himself
to public opinion, or, if he cannot do
that with good conscience, to resign. If
he happens TO believe that his course is
right and viii be sustained by his peo-
pie, there is no easier way to reach a
final decision. In the case under con-
sideration both Senators have resigned
and the people Of South Carolina are
thereby given chance anew to declare
their political policy by procuring the
election of men in agreement with it,
whatever it may be.