The Nov lo, k Ileeald in its Paris edition p
ublishes a tele- gram announcing that the American House of Representatives has resolved that a proposal be submitted to the States of the Union for revising the system of electing Members of the Senate. They are now elected for the most part by the Legislatures, but in future should be elected by the direct vote of the people in each State. The Resolution, which was passed by a majority of more than twenty to oue, is purely academic, as the Senate will not concur, but it indicates clearly the growth of a profound discontent with the con- stitution and action of the Senate. Fifty years ago that body was exceptionally conservative and temperate, but it has undergone a marked deterioration. It now swarms with millionaires, who are believed to purchase election by large gifts to "campaign funds," who are always disputing pre- rogatives with the Executive Government, and who make it nearly impossible for the President to have a foreign policy. The Senators can accept or reject any foreign agreement, and they are complaisant or hostile according as they think the President friendly or hostile to their pet interests or ideas. The Hay-Pauncefote Treaty, for example, which would be most advantageous for America, has been blocked, not because its provisions are disliked, but because such a treaty might help Mr. McKinley's candidature. The people are growing weary of this, and the vote of the House marks their desire to make in some way a radical change in the composition of their House of Lords.
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