Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1906-06-15
Rnd 81 fhe speoInl seaslon.


End OF the Special Session.
Very considerably the General Assem-
bly, Of Delaware, which had been called
in extraordinary session by the governor,
mainly for the purpose Of electing United
States Senator, adjourned sine die yester-
day. The relief Of the people at this sal
vation from possible serious injury to
their material interests is beyond the
power Of words to express.
While the main purpose Of calling the
special session was the consummation
Of the deal for the election OF a United
States Senator which had been entered
upon by the Republican factions, the
governor specified two other items Of
business in his official call. One was the
Strengthening Of a couple Of doubtful
amendments to the State Constitution
which had been enacted by the Legisla-
tunes of la0S-5. A measure to this effect,
when presented in the House, was prompt
u killed by Democratic action. The
Democratic members, who were opposed
to the special session and doubted the
legality Of it's calling, voted against the
bill and Is It required two-thirds vote,
their opposition was fatal. The other
measure, comprising some amendments
.o the Franchise Tax law, was enacted.
majority vote being sufficient for tho
purpose and the Republican support
saving i from defeat by Democratic
opposition
However, the caucus nomination Of
candidate for United States Senator,
ind his support by al the Republican
members save one, made It possible to
garry ont the main and only real purpose
81 the special session. It was a political
move throughout, and as the business
objects which were specified in the call,
In order 70 give tone 10 the reading thereof,
presumably were not proposed in any
more serious spirit than they were con-
sidered, il may be maintained that the
special session accomplished every object
that it was intended to bring about.
The people Of Delaware may wen con-
gratulate themselves that they escaped
so easily from what was a threatened
danger. They have been called on TO
contribute a few thousand dollars-t the
financial cost Of the special session-for
the purpose Of enabling two sets Of cor
rupt politicians to consummate a bargain
for o scat in the United States Senate,
but they might have been mulcted in
many more thousands. Once started
upon wild career Of legislation and there
Is no telling where the Legislature would
have stopped. The legislative vultures
who are ever attracted 70 the halls Of leg
slation by the prospect Of personal profit
we're only too willing fora proloneation
Of the session that would have enabled
them % get in their work. Whatever
Of condemnation may hc visited upon
the sponsors Of the special session. there
lore, it will he modified by measure Of
praise for their wisdom ID seeing that the
session was brought to 4 close as soon As
lts principal object was accomplished.
But one good purpose the special ses-
non may serve. II should be al object
lesson to the people Of Delaware, 70 show.
hs in picture of vivid colors. the IL.
capacity and utter responsibility II the
political influences which have been para
mount in this State for more than de-
sade. These influences have controlled
Legislature after Legislature. with prac-
tically nothing in the way Of wholesome
legislation 70 show for their rule. They
have encouraged, instead Of suppressine
the crime Of election corruption. leaving
i 70 an organization Of private citizens
70 inaugurate measures Of reform. They,
have failed repeatedly TO elect United
States Senator, and the special session
was the direct result Of this remissness
on their part at the regular session Of
1905.
The campaign which will result IN the
election Of new Legislature is now under
way. DO the people want another Leris-
lature chosen BY these undesirable political
influences 1t is Tor them to say by
their votes