The American Senate is reading a lesson to the Radicals
of Europe. It is an elected body, and it is defying the Repre- sentatives and the President, both of whom are selected by universal suffrage. Its method, too, is rather cynical. It allows the minority who are pledged to the Silver interest to talk as long as they like ; and nothing prevents their talking till doomsday arrives, or a compromise is granted. The Senate, by the last advices, was encamped in a continuous sitting, relays of the majority sleeping on the floors of the rooms outside the actual House, and waking up at intervals to pour in and make a quorum. One worthy advocate of silver, Senator Allen, on Wednesday, made a speech of fifteen hours, and looked at the end of it as if he could have spoken for fifteen more. He should be a Saxon by his name, and all Irishmen in his State should vote him down, for he has beaten them on the line in which they beat the rest of mankind. The outcome of the struggle is expected next week in the shape of a vote repealing the Sherman Act by a fair majority ; but the pecuniary interests at stake are enormous, the Pre- sident is resolute against compromise, and, to judge by Mr. Allen, the Opposition can go on for ever. Suppose our House of Lords exhibited such a scene, what should we not hear of the contempt of a bloated aristocracy for a patient and suffering people !
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