The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-09-27

TALK OF WASHINGTON
Democrats in a Hole and Can't
Get Out.
WILL TAKE EIGHT YEARS
The Republican Majorities in
Houses viii Govern.

Washington, Sept. 17.-Everything now
points to an extremely listless Presid n
tial campaign next year If for no other
reason, the contest viii be lacking in
frst-rate Importance because of the ex
tent of the Republican mastery of the
senate. which could not by any reason
able possibility be overcome during the
next Presidential term A Democratic
President could do nothing without some
Republican support. Air. Bryan could
be elected and no free silver bill passed.
Mr.. Cleveland could be elected and there
need be no tariff revision except on Re-
publican lines. In these circumstances.
the Democrats could not hope TO accom-
plish much by winning the Presidency.
nor would the Republicans, so far as
organic results are concerned. lose much.
Either side would have the patronage,
IN the event of success. but the Ameri-
can public can never be aroused to a
high pitch Of excitement over which of
two sets of oaice-holders shall fill the
places. The house of representatives a
new body each two years. might be car
ried by the opposition. In fact, the Demo-
Gratis could hardly elect President, with
out carrying enough of the country to
give them the house.
The senate contains ffty-seven Repub-
iicans and thirty-three Democrats. One
third of the senate, or thirty members,
are already elected for terms which do
not end until March 3, 1903. OF these
eighteen are Republicans and twelve are
Democrats. OF those whose terms expire
two years earlier sixteen are Republic
ans and fourteen are Democrats OF
those whose terms expire with the pres
ent administration twenty-three are Re
publican and seven are Democratic If the
Democrats should begin at once to carry
every state that they stood any chance
of carrying in the party's best days. they
could not recover the senate before he
expiration of the next Presidential term.
Nor is this outlook without practical
effects. It is commonly remarked that
the stock market VIII continue low until
the Presidential election has been safely
passed. But there can be no legislation
before 1903 in the senate affecting railroad
or financial interests which does not Sc
cure considerable Republican support,
and the Repub lean party may be counted
upon not to wander far from the desires
of the dominant commercial forces. In
case the Republicans put plank in their
next platform calling for a revision Of
the tariff by its friends it might seem
the part of wisdom for those who have
any confidence in such revision to give
them support. since revision by its oppon-
ents VIII be out of the question for at
least another four years
J,
been attracted to chance in the fourth
class postofice at Greenwood. Del yield |
ing a salary of $40 a year, illustrates /
anew The reaching effect of an occa- /
sional tackless remark. The allegation /
that Miss Huldah b Todd. who perform (
ed the duties of the Office faithfully, was
particularly and personally obnoxious
TO Senator Alice. either as an expression !
of MI. faynes own estimate of the case I
or merely a quotation from Senator Al I
lee was most unfortunate Tor all con /
cerned in the utterance. 1t is estimated /
here thai this single phrase viii make /
Delaware cost Addiclls 100000 more than I
otherwise would have been necessary the /
next time he has to buy il.
There is nothing srikingly unusual (
about The case aside from the vulgar and /
brutal way IL which the spoilsman's side /
has been presented TO the public. Patron /.
age is constantly changing with the per 4
sonnel of the senate. Without doubt the /
elect on of AR Durham of New Hamp- /
shire. Who succeeded Mr.. Chandler. has f.
affected scores of offices. Divisions of /
territory are by no means unusual, esoe- (
cialIy where senators are identified with
opposing factions Messrs Hanna and
Foraker have long had division of ter
ritorv in Ohio and their private secre- +
taries often meet for amicable conference /