The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-09-25

,1fa II
An attentive observer Of, the proceedings Of
congress since its organization, cannot fail to
have perceived, that the Representatives from
the Southern States have gradually acquired
an influence in the Federal Councils far trans
cending that of the members from New-Ens-
land. This has indeed not only been &C.
knowledged as fact, but has long been a
theme of complaint in the Northern Section Of
the Union. An inquiry into the causes Of this
difference of influence, will aid us in accom-
pfishing the object proposed in our former
speculation, Viz. to determine the essential
qualifications of Representatives, and the
principles which should always govern us in
electing them.
An inspection Of the national register will
convince us, that in their Representative e.
lections, our Southern brethren have pursued
policy, differing AS widely from ours, as does
the weight of their political influence. With
few exceptions, it has been their practice to
re-elect such members as have proved them
selves useful, so long as they were willing to
continue in the publick service. With .Ment
political studies and employments seem to
have become professional as much so as the
reading and practice of the common LAWYER!
Their young men are encouraged to prepare
Tor and engage IN the duties of legislation, by
prospects OF official business no less permanent
than the Common Law offers to its voiaries.
They have reasonable expectation of being
continued, when once elected, SO long as they
continue to deserve confidence The yene-a-
Die Macon, of North-C Carolina, has been a
member Of Congress, if mistake not, from
It's first session to the present time. Mr..
Randolph, Mr.. Grundy, Mr. johnson, and
many others, have grown old, if not greg,
IN their legislative capacities. Mr.. Madison
and Mr.. Giles were constant members until
they declined further service. In New-Ene-
land, generally, and in Massachusetts particu-
Iarly, If we except the period of Washington,s
administration, few instances can be named of
alonger service than six years. In most cases,
the term Of time has been still shorter.
We seem to have been devoted converts to
the too popular doctrine OF frequent rotation in
oiice; doctrine undoubtedly correct. and
truly Republican, when confined to its lesiti-
mate objects; bat with universal application
il frequently endangers the very interests It
is expected to project. We have not hestated
to apply this principle, with unsparing rigour,
TO legislative Offices, as well as to those which
require no very laborious preparation in those
who are to fill them. 1t is indeed some what
amusing to observe, that notwithstanding we
are said to have CHERISHED most of the Aristo-
caticl notions of the old world, and our South
ern neighbours obtain credit for nearly all the
Republican simplicity Of the ne0; yet IN the
exercise Of the privileges secured to as all by
common Constitution, zoe manifest a wonder
ful fondness for the fluctuations OF Democra-
cy, they strong Partially for whatever is
permanent in Monarchical Institutions. Much
argument, however, can hardly be necessary
to satisfy any one, that their notions OH the
subject Of Representation, are decidedly pref
crabte' to ours, and that their system will sutis
GENTLY account for all that superiority of in
auence in the affairs of Government, which
we have long justly contemplated with so
much jealous concern. In the first place, no
inccusiderabe time is requisite for obtaining
che information necessary to enable Repre-
sentative to speak AID vote unlesstaniingly