The rank and file of this party felt acutely, therefore, that they were not accomplishing what the people expected.

Members arrived in Washington full of good intentions.

They found themselves subject to a system which allowed them to introduce all the bills they wanted, but not to obtain action upon them.

Action was the prerogative of a group of old hands who managed the important committees and who were divided among themselves on tariff policy.

And now, the little bills which, by dint of persuasion and bargaining, they had first put through the committees, and then through both Houses of Congress, were cut down by executive veto, turning to their injury what they had counted upon to help them in their districts.
During the campaign, Democratic candidates had everywhere contended that they were just as good friends of the old soldiers as the Republicans.
Now, they felt that to make good this position they must do something to offset the effect of President Cleveland's vetoes.