Debate of May 17, 1894.Question: "Resolved, That members of the Cabinet shall have seats in Congress."
Brief for the Affirmative.D. King and A. F. Travis.
Best general references: Annals of the American Academy, Nov. '91 and Nov. '93; No. Am. Review, Vol. III, p. 330; Nation, Vol. 28, p. 243 and Vol. 32, p. 107.
I. This proposition is practicable. (a) It is constitutional. (b) It would not introduce "cabinet responsibility."
II. Legislation would be greatly benefitted. (a) By the direct oral questioning of the Cabinet, resulting in fuller knowledge of the acts of the administration. (b) By the right of Cabinet members to speak and introduce bills, resulting in (1) less loss of time at the beginning of Congress, (2) precedence being given to important business, (3) greater continuity of legislation, (4) broader and less sectional legislation, and (5) a better understanding of the proposed measure by Congress and the country.
III. A better administration would be secured as the tendency would be for the Cabinet to be selected from the best men in Congress, and the presidential candidates from the most able Cabinet members.
Brief for the Negative.W. S. Hockley and M. S. Hyman.
Best general references: Nation, XVI, pp. 234-5; Morrill, Cox and Thayer in Cong. Globe, 38th Cong. 2nd Sess, pp, 420-24, 437-44, 446-48; Senator Morrill in Cong. Rec., 46th Cong. 1st Sess. pp. 971-74.
I. The change would be ineffective (a) Committees will still control legislation. (b) Information about affairs of departments will not be more available. (c) Cabinet ministers will be no more responsible than at present. (d) Congress has no time to devote to listening to explanations and answers. (e) No improvement in the quality of the Cabinet will result.
II. If sufficient other changes be made to make this one effective, the result will be harmful. (a) The departments will suffer: (1) If the president appoints men for parliamentary ability the executive work will suffer. (2) If he appoints men for their administrative power, the departments will suffer from weak representation in Congress. (b) Congress will suffer: (1) Much time will be wasted in badgering and cross-examining Cabinet ministers. (2) Demoralizing influence on members of Congress would be easier.
III. The president would probably appoint able parliamentarians who can lead Congress and who will still be subject to him. This will give the president great and dangerous power.
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M. I. T. Games.