The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-08-21
FROM OTHER PENS
THE HOUSE RULES

It1ES f1OOSE MULES.
The rules OF the house of representa-
tives have been made an issue In the
presidential campaign, They are de-
nounced as inimical to free discussion
and fair action I'M a legislative body.
and as having been administered in
spirit of tyranny by the present speak
er.e - 49,
Mr.. Cannon is not the first speaker
to wear the title Of ezar.s 1t was be-
slowed upon Mr.. Reed, and Mr.. Hen
derson wore Ii in a7mild form judge
Crisp was quite as much entitled to it,
but escaped it because of the fact that
the Republicans could not afford to APP
propriates reproach which the other
side had originated. He administered
the Reed rules much in the Reed spirit,
and was delighted at the chance he
had served in the house long enough to
appreciate the necessity of proceed
ure which insured not only majority
control but expedition in the trans
action Of business.
1t may be that a few changes in the
present rules would be to advantage.
The case may be likened to that of the
tariff. The Dingley law was drafted to
meet a grave situation, and the s1tua-
ton was met. Now 1t is advisable TO
make some changes. But with the
underlying principle of the law-toro-
tection-still kept in view. That should
not be weakened. .s.
The Reed rules were framed to meet
grave parliamentary situation. Fill
clustering was then popular and very
effective. A few members banded to-
J gether for the purpose could, and often
! did, bring business to dead matt.
Majority rule was paralyzed. In cor
recting this Mr.. Reed used all neces-
| sary means. But IL after eighteen
years revision is at any point desirable,
| it should be made with the underlying
principle of the Reed procedure-ma-
jority rule-still kept in view. A re-
| turn to the old order would be an un-
pardonable mistake. The majority
should continue to do business with
reasonable expedition.
/ Mr.. Bryan, as ascandidate, and TOT
campaign purposes. may rave ana
| imagine things, but experienced DEM
| ocratic members of the house. ana
particularly those with eyes hxed on
the high places in that body, know the
value of authority and the necessity or
lodging il in responsible hands. Meth
err Mr.. Clark of Missouri, Mr.. Under
| wood of Alabama nor Mr.. Livingston
| Of Georgia, would care to WELD the
| gavel in circumstances that would pu.
| the speaker at the mercy OF a smah
coterie of obstructionists on the floor.
Washington Star.
PEACE IN PANAMA.
Apparently there will be no need
for American marines in Panama to
| SUPERVISE the elections. Senior Arias,
finding the prospect for election I'M
| promising, has withdrawn from the
| contest, leaving a clear Held Tor vice
President Obaldia. This action, the
news reports say, has given rise to
general rejoicing on the isthmus. 1t Is
| assumed Arias was frightened OH the
track by the large maJor1t1es given
for Obaldia in the recent municipal
elections, in face of the fact that the
power of the president had been used
to depose Obaldia partisans from Of
flee as governors. of provinces ano
mayors Of cities, appointing Arlas
partisans instead. 1t Is probable the
result of these elections was m par
due to the presence OF American
marines and the knowledge that mu-
nicipal authorities could not resort to
l high handed methods.
If the people of. Panama are pleased
Il AS they seem to be-with the new
turn OF affairs there Is reason fo1
qualification in this country. A peace
full election will obviate any necessity
for American intervention, which Il
! desirable. Moreover, Senior Obald1s
and his party are pledged to amend
ment Of the Panama constitution u
| remove the vicious provision givine
the president authority to appoint the
| governors and giving the governors
the power to appoint the mayors o.
cities. They propose, in lieu OF tnl'
| extreme GENERALIZATION, to make tns
J offices of governor and mayor elective
! giving to the people their proper Re
J publican observation-disclosures DIS
1 11afdS- So