The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1823-10-21
The NEXT CONGRESS

We published, in our last, list Of the mem
bers of the House of Representatives in the
eighteenth Congress. We select, from the New
York Statesman, the following remarks, contain
ing much practical good sense and political Wis
dom, in relation to the subject
A glance at tie list, with its discriminating
marks will explain 10 the reader in a very
striking point Of view the difference between
the policy Of the northern and southern states.
By looking at the delegation from n. York, il
will be seen that very large proportion Of
them are new members; while in Virginia,
nearly all the old members are returned. Some
of them have been 10 congress for many years,
and are known not only TO their own con
stituents and their own state, but the nation.
Every person will readily perceive what an
advantage this will give to the south, and how
much we lose in point of influence by not adop-
ting the same policy. There is as wide DIFF
ference between an old and new member OF
congress, as there is between veteran, who
has fought a thousand battles, and a raw re-
cruit. Discipline and experience alone can
give tact and courage aad confidence to either.
Whatever may be the talents and theoretical
attachments Of the novice 10 legislation, lie
will necessarily feel and appear awkward un-
til practice has rendered him familiar with
his duties, and taught him the skilfuI applica-
ton of his powers. To resume figure drawn
from the camp, he will advance 10 the onset
like an abe-bodied soldier encountered with
weapons, which he knows not how 10 WELD.
The politicians of the south constitute well
disciplined corps. They have patiently un-
dergone the drill, and seen much bard service.
They have fought thousand battles side by
side, and learned to move in concert Such
a phalanx, having imbibed much Of tie esprit
du corps. must necessarily possess greater
power and greater influence, than the confu-
sed and undisciplined political forces Of the
north and until we shall give up the favorite
doctrin Of rotation IA office, in our congress
sional e ections, the due weight Of New York
will not be felt in the national councils. New
members will pay Difference to the authori-
~ and submit 10 the control Of veterans ia
legislation 4; and instead Of complaining Of an
ascendancy legitmately acquired, we should
learn wisdom by example and adopt tile same
policy. Men Of first rate talents and attain
ments should be selected, and kept in to the
age Of Nestor, if they lived SO long. So much
for this evil, which At may seem useless at this
time to discuss, since il cannot be remedied
for al least two years.
In many respects, the eighteenth congress
will be one of the most important, which was
ever convened. II comprises an unusual
share oftalent. There will be political giant.
from different sections of the country-Web-
ster, Clay, Livingston, with many others, who
are among the first men Of the country. Be.
sides the ordinary business Of Congress, which
will be various and important, the unofficial
movements Of the members in relation 10 the
presidency will excite great interest They
may mingle, or refuse to mingle, in a nation.
al caucus. On them may devolve the res.
ponsible duty Of eiecting a chief magistrate
Of the United States. They may set high
example Of disinterested patriotism and public
virtue, by consulting the welfare and glory
of their country or bring disgrace upon them.
selves and upon the nation, by low intrigues
narrow views, and sordid motives II will EN-.
phatically be season, which viii try mem.
souls; and happy will he be who shall pass the
ordeal with clean hands and pure heart.