Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1906-12-01

body. In acting on appointments TO-
ONCE and making treaties, it joins
the president and to this extent is
ments it becomes court, a judicial
body. The senate cannot make a.
treaty nor an appointment to office,
but 1t can prevent both. Certain ap
pointments to office must be made
with the advice and consent of the
senate. and all treaties must have the
approval of the senate by two
thirds vote and then they become the
supreme law of the lani. The senate
is the keystone in the arch OF the
republic.
In some quarters, among those not
wei informed and who do not know
the senate, it is fashionable to talk
about the decadence OF the senate.
The decadence of the senate can only
follow the decadence OF the people,
and would mark a backward move
ment in the social condition, morals,
intelligence and integrity of the peo,
pie. So long as the people grow in
virtue and in intelligence, live in an
advanced civilization and under free
government, there can be no deca-
dence in high places, but instead, ever
increasing virtue and n loftier sense
of duty in our public servants. We
are apt to think and say that the
present is not equal to the past in
all good things, in patriotism, ability
and purity, and that our greatest men
belong to the past, but when the time
comes the present always finds some
one TO take the place of the greatest
that has fallen. The present always
has one consolation. 1t will soon be-
come the past to those who come after
us. We have giants among us. but
they do not always make themselves
known. The full measure and stature
of Lincoln and Grant were not known
by those who knew them best for a
long time and not until after our
great war. The hour produces the
man. Great men come forth when
great things are to be done This IS
the experience in the business affairs
of this great city, in banking, rail
reading, law and other callings.
The debate on railway rate legisla-
ton at the last session of Congress
will stand as one of the ablest ever
had in the senate, some say the great
est.
The senate demands men of ability,
experience and character. The world
is advancing in intelligence and virtue,
mankind is growing wiser and bettel,
and so long as this continues and W.
enjoy the blessings of liberty under
our present Constitution the best men
will be chosen for high places.
Although the senate does not re-
spond to popular passion or clamor,
it has not failed in a hundred years
to reflect the mature judgment and
well ascertained wishes and opinions
of the people and put them into endur-
ing law. 1t has the power most to be
relied upon to resist the encroacn-
ments and ambitions of the executive
if unhappily such things should ever
be.
The continuity of the senate, it's pei
manent organization and its conserva-
tive character insures confidence and
respect for its proceedings at home
and abroad. In times of excitement
and aroused passion, in peace and III
war, next to the supreme court the
senate. is the sure refuge and the safe
reliance of the people in preserving
their liberties and in all crises
proving the surest guardian of the
fortunes and destinies of the repub-
lie.
The assembling of such powers and
the exercise of such functions in q
legislative body made up of able ana
mature men, in free country must
insure wise laws, security of the peo-
pie in their property and lives and
good government.
George F. Hoar, one of the greatest
men that ever adorned the senate, and
one of the kindliest, sweetest and pur-
est souls that ever dwelt in flesh, in
speaking of the senate said:
ut is here only that freedom of de-
bate is secure. Victories In
arms are common to all nations.
But the greatest victories of
constitutional liberty since the world
began are those whose battle-ground
has been the American senate ana
whose champions have been the sen
ators, who, for hundrd years, while
they have resisted the popular pas.
sions of the hour, have led, represent
ed, guided, obeyed, and made effective
the deliberate will of free people"