Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1905-11-10
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it may be admitted that his influence
at Washington has been in large
measure destroyed, just as Senator ST.
mons influence was destroyed by
other processes. there was a certain
amount Of consideration for the feel
ings of the senator and for the equities
and the courtesies due the situation
that should have been shown. Com
mon decency would have dictated that
the suggestion be made 20 the senator
by % committee Of persons, who, at
least. had not been actively engaged
IN fomenting his downfall and bromot
ing his prosecution. A committee Of
gentlemen who had been his political
friends. not merely recent followers
Of his successful standard, who had
gone TO him In good faith and pro
posed to him as an act Of patriotism
and justice that he give up the place
that the interests Of the state might
be better promoted at a very trying
time in is history honest men, i'm.
bucd with only the best Of good feel.
ing for al concerned, could have made
some impression on the senator and
could do 80 still, In our opinion. Thcy
could approach him in the right spir.
Il and ask as favor what form the
other standpoint was demanded by po.
litical enemies.
Every human being has interests and
feelings and considerations that he
must be loyal 70. Senator Mitchell
has been a loyal friend Of Oregon.
Bo has given bis life and his services
In an unsparing manner. II he had
been asked by friends as an act Of
patriotic duty 90 sever bis connection
as representative IN tho upper cham.
bcr he might have considered H. We
do not say that ho can consider a
now But We DO say that IN bis old
age he should not have been roughly
asked % lay down tho crowning hon.
ors of a lifetime iio should have been
asked IN Kindness. The friends who
asked Il should have made efforts not
20 have tho act used or construed
against him. They should have en-.
listed the governor OF tho state 20
agree 20 not appoint some personal on
omy Of the senator Tho governor
might even have consented 20 have ap |
pointed some man who has not only not
been taking sides against senator
Mitchell, but might have named a
Democrat, who was bis personal friend,
Under such circumstances the resig !
nation Of tho senator might have been |
obtained n the matter had been ap |
preached Ia tho right spirit and with |
some decent observation OF tho re,
quirements of tho situation. But the /
senator's resignation can never be
procured by the use Of a club, or pres
sure OF hostile public sentiment.
The Capital Journal Is not suggest ]
ing that Senator Mitchell should TO
sign nor how his resignation should
be brought about. Il realizes what all
fair minded men must admit, that the
senator had a perfect right 10 appeal
20 the supreme court OF the United
States, and 10 stand upon his right Of
appeal, aud pending which he has ey'
cry right 10 be adjudged innocent and
uneonvieted Of any crime. There Is no
legal or moral obligation resting up
on him, or that can be created out Of
the facts Of the case, that oblige him
or require him 20 resign, But when
his resignation is brought about, IL il
is ever accomplished, il viii have 20
be done along the lines indicated. He
can never be dragooned into resign
ing. His trial savored more Of the po'
litieal court martial than OF a pro-
eeeding In a court Of justice. Ii took
all the power and pressure Of two cab
met officials and an unknown back
ing and unlimited power Of the pFesi'
dent at the command Of District At.
torney Honey 10 secure a conviction.
Under different circumstances he could !
not have been convicted. Indications
are that Mr.. Heney is not received |
with such awe and reverence in other
states as he is in Oregon. There may
yet come brighter days for senator
Mitchell. But even a man on trial
for his life is entitled in a free coun,
try TO all the equities and eourtesies
that are due him.