The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-01-22
Senatorial .'Independence,''

Senator Hoar yesterday undertook to ar.
raign: the president for interfering. with
the dignity and independence Of the SEN:
ate. During this session of congress sew
eral senators have indicated their resent
ment over what they call presidential in
reference, which interference upon ex-
animation proves to be only the deep IN:
terest the president has taken in the ia te
of the recommendations he made in his
last"message to congress- Mr.. Hoar ex-
presses his opinion that the president has,
In, this respect, transcribed his consti-
tutional powers and wants him to put his
views in a formal communication oto 5Gc;oedr! -'
gress and stop arranging wifi Senators
what the senate may do about a treaty or
matter Of legislation. 3. y. i. go
MIR. Hoar would have had rather UNI
pleasant time if he had been a senator in
Washington's time. The ''father Of his
country" used to attend the deliberations
of the senateta matter of duty and ex-
press his opinion on current business
whenever he was SO disposed. Washing.
ton, of course, need not have troubled
himself to j., obtain such close pro-
pinauity to the senate,.. and it
would be- regarded as 4, improper to-
day for President Roosevelt: :, to
attend the deliberations Of that BODY
except on the orthodox occasions now ap-
proved. Mr.. .Hoar, however. would pre-
vent senators from having any conference
with the president whatever about cur
rent legislation. It Is "nobody's BUSH
ness,'' he says, to hold such conferences.
I'VE are an Independent body" says Mr..
Hoar. .,. Ii = S&
Hardly so, for senatorial legislation has
to pass the scrutiny and Judgment of the
house, and the origination of money bills
constitutionally inheres in the house,. The
senate is independent so far as making it's
own rules is concerned and it has the
power to ratify or reject treaties and take
charge Of impeachment cases and main
tain it's uch-treasured dignity" but to
deny the president the right to talk to
senators about the furtherance of his Off
cial recommendations is palpably absurd.
Not a few of "the fathers when de-
batting on the proposed federal constitu-
ton, declared that the instrument mar
ried the president and the senate and
they expressed the fear that the two
would scheme and plot against the people.
The fathers were mistaken In this and
in d good many other of their predictions.
The constitution provides that the presi-
dent, with the advice and consent of the
senate may make treaties and nominate
ambassadors and other public ministers.
judges of the supreme court, and in gen
eral all officers Of the United States estab-
lished by law. In order to carry out this
provision, the president in making ap-
pointments invariably consults senators.
According to Mr.. Hoar, such cons,lta-
lions are very reprehensible and in dis
paragement Of the Independence of the
senate ,r7S:tIa :s1s ~
Nevertheless. the president has the
same right, and it is really his duty. to
consult with senators and confer on the
outcome of the recommended tons he has
made in his message touching necessary
legislation In so doing. the president is
not lobbying in his own interest and is
not, in fact lobbying at all; but is simply,
as IN the present session. keeping in touch
with the trend Of legislation in the. inter-
est Of the public, and the public appre-
ciates and approves his action.