The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1926-11-11

ters can be settled The uncertainty
is such that many Senators remained
in their own district until it could be
definitely decided. Last weeks cleo
tions have left open wounds within
party ranks and certain Senators
make no secret of the fact that they
intend to build up their political
fences before leaving the home
ground. Growing grudges are al
ways dangerous to men in public Of
flee.
The Senators were called to Wash
ington to serve in judicial capacity
as contrasted with the Legislative du-
ties which ordinarily fall to their Tot.
Indications are that the impeachment
trial will be abandoned or at least
deferred until December, when THE
House will be asked to instruct its
managers appointed to prosecute the
English case before the Senate. AL
though the country has witnessed few
impeachment proceedings there are
precedents for continuing the action
against the Federal Judge in spite of
his resignation. Attention has been
called by various Senators to the Bel
KNAPP case wherein Secretry Of War
in 1876 resigned before the Senate
undertook the impeachment proceed
ings. Nevertheless the Senate con-
tinued to take testimony although
they subsequently voted an acquittal
of Belknap.
This is the season of political post
mortems in official life. Groups of
Senators and Congressman meeting in
the Railways or privately at luncheon,
etc., invariably turn, at this porticu-
lar time, to discussion of the re-
suits of the peoples balloting last
week. There is some talk regarding
the possible effects of the wet and
dry referenda in the various states.
1t is difficult to strike an even bal
ance in these matters as the prohib-
itionists and modifcationsts claim vic
tories.
Attention is also focused upon the
political future of the '1ame duck
brigade of Congress. The political
slang words are used to describe g
legislator who has been defeated ano
still has a portion of term to serve
Usually if he has been prominent il
| party councils it is expected that the
administration will stake care of hin
or find berth which may be filled
by Presidential appointment.
The minority has little or no pat
ronage for their losers. Senator
who fall by the wayside in the cleo
tions ordinarily expect appointment
to the diplomatic service as ambassa
doris or ministers at the foreigl
courts. This applies to those VIII
have a private income sufficient t,
defray their expenses as salaries o
diplomats are VIGOROUSLY low and in
! adequate to meet the needs of thei
office. These members of the Senat
and House who have been turned on
of office by the people and for eco
nomic or political reasons desire +
remain in this country look for berth
on independent COMMISSIONS of tn
government which pay salary o
| SIS, 900 to $4,000 per year.
| This system has lead to certain
4 abuses and Senator Norris of Ne
braska has for several years advocat
ed constitutional amendment whic
would shorten the term of the clam
duck" and allow THE newly electe
members to take office in January in
stead of March. As the situation
now stands, these elected to the Sen
ate and House will not take up thei
official duties until IA months hav
elapsed or at the new Congress, Dec
| 1, 1927. There are exceptions to this
of course, as three senators wer
elected to fill the unexpired terms am
will take their place Immediately
They will replace Senators who wer
designated by appointment by tn
governor in various states including