Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1822-02-09
!. fFrom the National Intelligence.
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS,
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 81.


Debate on Mr.. TAYLoR's motion TO amend
the report Of the committee of the whole. so
as TO make the ratio Misrepresentation $4,000
Mr.. CoNcKLING, of New York, said il was
with unfeigned reluctance that he obtruded
himself now, for the first time, upon the at
tenton of the house. But, having bestowed
some reflection upon the subject under consi
deratIon-havlnS fixedupon certain principles,
III regard 10 1t, which appeared 10 him cor
rect, and having deduced from those princ-
pies certain conclusions which seemed TO him
legitimate, he hoped he should be pardoned for
attempting brief exposition of his views
and II he did not in any degree enlighten the
house, he would at least engage TO occupy
but very little OF its time. This he conceive;.
to be very important question. The ratio
now to he established must, of necessity, con-
tinue TO be The rule ofaeportionmentf for at least
ten years TO come. But its effect would not
cease with the expiration of that period: for
tins being subject peculiarly liable to be af-
iected by the force ofprecedent, the decision
now 20 be made would probably have ma
9eral influence upon future appointments.
And however difficult it might be To reason
with precision upon the Juesiion-however
impossible II might be to prove that any given
number is preferable to any other number not
widely differing from it, all would agree that,
upon the number of this house, would, in all
human probability, depend, i'm no inconsder-
able degree, the character aud issue ofits deli
berations.
With regard to what constitutes the true
point ofinquiry, there could be no diversity of
opinion. We are, without any regard to per
sonai, or local, or sectional considerations, to
endeayor 10 nix upon such ratio as will en-
sure the best possible representation of the
whole American people. This object, (Mr
en. fond aIl ,,.,e Ill. \
by adopting an high, than low, ratio. In the
first'place it would lead TO the choice of bet
ter men--men of more talent, more intelli-
gem g, and more integrity. BY extending the
fe'd oi seiection-by increasing the number
rom which the choice is TO be made, YOU aug
ment, upon the principles of ordinary calcua-
lion, The chance of making a judicious selec-
zion. Ii may indeed be said that, by limiting
We districts, no one will be- excIuded-that if,
for example, given large district should be
sub-dIvlded, the individual, who would have
been selected To represent the whole district,
had it remained entire, falling, as he necessari-
ny would, within one or the other of the sub
divisions, would nevertheless be chosen Sir,
said Mr.. G. am sorry that my observations
and experience do not leave me at liberty to
concur in this conclusion. But they have
taught me that, in proportion as your narrow
The circle around distinguished individual
you diminish the chance of his being selected
for official station. Distinguished men are ma
turaiiy the objects ofenyy, jealousy, and malig
nifty and if you will prevent the operation oil
these dlshonorable passions, To the exclusion o
men of elevated character from seats in thi.
house, you must extend the limits of YOU
ekction districts till they shall embrace sutIi
Gent OF intelligence, of liberality, and patriot
ISM, to counteract their influence. BUT, sir, by
mn tInltf -.
another effect will be produced calculated to
degrade their individual character.
1t will lower the standard of qualification in
public estimation, make every man think him
sell TIT for seat here, and induce him to com
pete FOR IT.. And those who are to choose b,
becoming fmiliariZed with the idea that {
single representative bears hut avery small
proportion to the whole body, will becom,
csFeless in their selection. But there is We
asother consideration, said Mr.. G.. which
deem OF still higher importance. BY thu
depressing the standard of qualification, yoi
diminish the honor of the station, and thu
weaken, If not destroy the most powerful, a
well as the noblest incentive which can promp
iia honorable man 10 covet seat in thi
house. And in taking away this incentive
what motives do you leave know of nom
butayarlce ndambtion. And what description
oi men VIII come here, under the influence o
these passions Who will ayarice SEM
mere Z Men OF course, whose talents ant
requirements, and occupations, are such
as to render it profitable for them Il
do SO. For, reduce the compensation a
low as you please--6x it if you choos
at FIVE dollars day, and there will still b
men enough who will think they can max
} money by coming here. And who will b
llnpeiIed to seek seat in this House by amb
MN! And III speaking of ambition, Mr.. {
SAID, he would not be understood TO mea
ttat elevated passion which had been some
where GenOminated, but spark too much {
heavenly fire" Uitium propius Ulrtuti--but thu
base passion which, indeed, was little else tina
another name for selishness. There coul
be no difficulty then in answering the que.
tl0n. IL will be those who would come, n,
with view 10 the faithful discharge of tn
duties of the station, but to render il subsel
Went to their own preferment. f}ut an
such men fit for legislators Is it to sue
hands that II would be wise, or safe, to con
NIT the desiipies OF the republic
But, said Mir. &. il an high ratio will 81
sire the choice Of filter representatives ind
vIdually SO also will it cOnduce To A mo,
faithful and efficient discharge of their dot
when assembled. Ifthcre be any truth ~ hic
IS taught by the experience ofeyery day--an
position upon which al men are agreed, il
this: that official responsibility is felt in pre
portion as 1t IS concentrated, and that by d
Nidiug, you inevitably weaken it, will no
said Mr.. &. dwell upon this point but cor
dent myself with appealing to every nembs
o' the house, (and in making that appeal
can hardly be necessary TO say that ihicg