Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-03-28
TuE fli I 4 Sr kyYFrqya al,h MSr'h 81

In looking back on the proceedings the Sc
cond Session of the 10Th Congress, every A
merican must feel pang of regret at the stall
| which the character Of this country has receiy
ed. The man who, coolly and dispassionately
looks into the motives of human action, vii
not, perhaps, be astohished at the pickering.
an8 conflicts which. characterized this session
Of our national councils; but he who is feclnpl,
alive to the glory OF his country, must be deep
ly hurt at The want of decorum, prudence, and
wisdom, which the history of this period viii
exhibit. We look in vain for that arder Of pat
riotism, that calm and temperate deliberaton
and that cool and unbiased decision, which
ought ever 10 distinguish an assembly of the
Representatives Of free nation, called ,oge,h-
CT for the purpose Of digesting and adopting
measures for the general good Ii is in vain we
seek, in what they have done, for that which is
to render tue nation more prosperous, powerful
and happy. We see nothing but few meagre
and unimPortant acts, which necessity, rather
than wisdom, compelled them 10 pass, while
the record of theil proceedings furnishes the
melancholy evidence that their time was devot-
ed TO purposes neither honorable to their conn
try nor creditabe TO themselves History is phi
losophy teaching by example, and The history
Of this session will furnish strong and lamerta.
BILE proofs OF the frailty and weakness OF human
nature. II should seem that no government.
however mild, and no nation, however free. are
exempt from the dominion of those passions. or
the influence Of those prejudices, which contro!
the motives Of man in the best, as we'll as the
worst condition Of society. Where all possess
the same rights, and enjoy the same privileges.
one might suppose that perfect unanlmity
and harmony would prevail, and that every ef.
fort would be directed to the general good: bu,
he history OF republics proves the inaccuracy Of
the position. The restlessness of ambition
the love or distinction, and the eager pursuit
OF power, are felt certainly not less, if NJ,
more deeply, in republics than under any other
existing form Of government "The love of
patronage and Of pre-eminence," says Sir w.
Young, ever have melted, and ever will in.
cite, men to seek political consequence and au.
thority." II is unfortunate for the happiness
OF the world that these motives of action can.
not easily be placed under the control of re ason.
and that men, once yielding 10 their influence.
should push forward 10 the goal with rec kless-
ness and imDetuosity which set at defiance the
stongest admonitioDs of prudence, and the loud.
est imprecations of indignant virtue. What
will the world think Of the legislators of free
nation who necessarily mingle with their delhi.
erations the projects OF ambition, and assa;l
those measures calculated for the good Of their
country, with all the bitterness of irrita,ed and
disappointed feeling? What mus, il think of
men who, instead Of harmonizing in the great
objects OF legislation, labor TO prevent their pas.
sage, or incorporate with them wha, thew be.
lieve Will produce disaffection, wilhou, contri.
outing TO the general benefit? What, in short.
must II think OF men, the Representatives Of a
lree and e9hshtened people, who, from the
mere spirit OF opposition, will resis, the pas.