Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1839-12-12
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. OF THE
HOUSE.


Our readers can only expect, during the session
of Congress, an epitome Of its proceedings. Our
attention will be particularly devoted, however, TO
such of its proceedings, as should interest those
whose duty it Is to watch, with a jealous eye, the
conduct of public men, and the bearing Of public
measures. We refer such, this week, TO the ex-
tracts, in another portion Of our paper.
The attempt to deprive the members from New
Jersey of their seats, in the opening Of the session,
is q fragrant outrage upon the established usage Of
Congress and the State Legislatures, and Of the
rights OF the State If New Jersey. The motive,
some of our readers may not be aware, is to pre-
vent the election of a Wing Speaker.
Such a Speaker elected, and we should have a
thorough investigation of abuses-the Administra-
ton party alleging, however, that there Commit
tees would abuse their position, TO advance political
purposes.
The case Of the New Jersey members Isl palpa-
BILE one. These gentlemen presented certificates OF
election, Of the formal character of which, no
question is made. Had The certificates not been,
in themselves, in accordance with the laws of Now
Jersey, or, had they been forged, then, unquestion-
ably, it was proper to scrutinize them, at onee-o-
therwise the members elect could not protect them
selves, for tho door would bs opened to all who
might claim to be admitted. Such was not the case,
however, nor is it so commended.
The next consideration is, who are the members
Of the House Of Representatires, in the opening OF
a session. Universal usage constitutes those ha-
wing good certifeates, os the members, and these
were presented.-But, apart from usage, how can
the House organize, upon any other basis. IL is
contended. that the seats Of the New Jersey MEM
bers being contested, therefore. they must be ex-
cluded, in the organization. Might not, it was apt
ly and conclusively demanded, the seat of every
one, who held a good certificate, be contested D.
and then, where is the House? None could, in
such an event, be constituted. Such would he the
effect of going behind tho certifcste.-Again who
have the right to exclude these gentlemen7 Take
a case to illustrate. A quorum Of the House is for
med, without the New Jersey members. A reso-
luton 10 offered, that the House proceed, say, to
appoint a Committee to examine and report upon
this case. Uho are to vote upon that resolution
There is no evidence, at this stage, of the matter,
that the New Jersey members are not entitled to
their seats, and they have the legal Certificate
How, then, in such a case, can they be excluded,
and who are to exclude themi fthey can vote,
upon this resolution, then, they are members Of the
House.
The most that could have been required, at the
hands of all the Wing members, and they would
not have opposed the course, was--the New Jersey
members being admi,ted-to examine the claims of
those contesting their seats, before going into the
election of a Speaker. Although this course would
have been contrary to usage, yet it would, and pro-
badly ought, to have been acceded to.
1t is not that the Administration members of the
House have The right, on their side, that this con-
test arose. Men of sober judgment and enlighten-
ed patriotic feeling, know to what fatal influences
to refer this unfortunate controversy.