Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1836-07-22

The LATE CoNGaEss. The Phiadel
pha U S Gaz,t,e has the following com
mcn,s, among others, upon the proceedings
OF that body which has just dissolved. The
remarks are just and true, and affDrd1 re-
flec,ion for those whose duty and whose
preroga,ive it is, to correct the cvil-an
evil which is increasing every year, and if
not soon corrected, will spread its baneful
Influence over the whole land, and will
shake to the centre the whole fabric Of civil
and religious society.
"The late session Of Congress sand we regret
that whenever il Is spoken of, the unusual hours
selected for its session will ene il to The appela.
lion Of late session. pre- eninenly distinguished
by disorder and uprod". We Use the terms that
first occur. II is no exaggeration to state, that
public morals have received an injury from The leg
isature Of the nation, which can scarcely he
paired the language and conduct Of very many in
that body, has been such TO sanction irregulary
elsewhere, especially rs such language and conduct
have not received that rebulie, which they mered
either from those Immediately insulted, or from the
people Immediately disgraced
The propriey Of time and place has been more
outraged by the last session of Congress, than ly
any other legislative body, certainly, ever held in
this country. The Sabbath has been desecrated
not merely by the transaction Of public business
uncalled for by any national emergency, but by
bros in the great legislative hall of the nation that
would have been matter for police enquiry. had they
occurred N tap room. The dignity Of debate has
been lowered TO personal bickering-and national
measures have been openly and ayowedy decided
upon grounds OF personal, party politics. The
appearance OF attachment 10 government by lrin.
| cipies, has been laid aside, and the avowal openly
made, that attachment TO a man, by the thraidom
sign OF collar and m,rk, was superior TO the devo
ton OF country. We've use the proper term -
uice has made fearful advances, when il is no lon
ger though necessary 10 avow attachment to yirtne
Men must have made themselves sure of an exten.
sive fellowship in degradation, before they utiere
"A boast Of their disregard of honorable attachment.
While we see und amelt this state of things, we
cannot fail 10 admire the conduct of those who have
stood against, if not checked, the torrent: and
wonder what would have been he extent of degra-
lion, If their influence, the influence o. honorable
feelings and national attachments had not wrought
against the tide OF corruption.
| 1t is time that the people awaken ilemselve to
their duties. The doctrine eight years ago breach.
ed and since most literally acted on, that but little
talent and Inflammation were necessary for govern
menl, has produced much of this evil. Party lead
ers have selected from their ranks candidates for
office, only distinguished by reckless pursuit oil
party objects, and when sober and rejecting men
| have doubted the capacities of the nominee, they
have been told that but little ability was required
TO make a legislator. Party pride and selfcom.
p'acency have been gratifed and thus
"One doIl was chosen TO represent The rest"
The ignorant party fanatic, thus placed in nomi.
nal power becomes al once the instrument, as lie
was the nominee of he crafty aud public business
is thus turned int the channel Of personal aggran~
d'zemenl and public morals deuded by the gross.
ness Of The corrupior.
This is matter that belongs 10 the people,
They canno, but see thar we have not exaggerated
The Cause is evident. The remedy is with them
Let them mark The man who has no ieg rd for the
slncsiiy ola legislative hall. Let them remember
that he who has no rule of his own spirit is not fit
10 share in the busi of ruling a nation.