The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-06-19
FAcTIous SPIRIT OF THE MINoRIT

FAC IIOUS oflhll Or ! lie. mll>onlA i.
Chief Justice Popham, when he was Speak
er, and the House of Commons had sat long and
done in effect, nothing, coming one day to
Queen Elizabeth, she said to him "now Mr.,
Speaker, what hath passed in the Commons
House," He answered, If it please your
Majesty, sepen aDeeks." .,
To similar question, frequently asked, we
are obliged to make similar answer relative to
what is passing in our House of Representa-
tives Two weeks have passed, and that is
about ALL Though called together to deliberate
upon grave and weighty matters, in which the
People are deeply and Immediately interested,
they have yet employed themselves in debating
the Rules of proceeding at an expense of some
$4,000 or 100000. There has been scarcely
an approximation to any action, and hardly
thought of the great measures for which the peo-
pie are eagerly looking. As to the minority they
do not intend to make any effort for the country
they are purely faclious, and have no other
aim but to embarrass the majority, and TO de-
feat, if possible, the hopes and wishes of the
people. There are, also, few sgitators, who
think of nothing but themselves, and cherish no
thing but their own love of notoriety. The
House seems to be too large, and to entertain
too many extreme opinions, and adverse inter
ests, to succeed well in legislation. 1t is only
when great national principles unite large and
entire party, forming majority, that there can
be any harmonious action and despatch in bu-
siness. Party discipline, such as we were ac'
customed to witness during the days of General
Jackson, seems to have fed from the Hall. To
break those shackles was great struggle. and
those who accomplished it fought for indepen
dence of action and freedom of thought. Tha,
the interests of the Republic are more safe when
each Representative acts upon his responsibility
to the country, rather than 10 party, there car
be no doubt. Party is frequently blind, and ex
perience has shown that il moves 10 the accom-
plishment of its ends right or wrong, withou
regard to the means.
But there is party Of great and resistles.
power-a party that can create and uncreatt
Congresses, Presidents and Cabinets, and tina
party is the PEopLE. That party tried the late
administration and its measures, and found boil
wanting. They rendered verdict, clear ant
decided, against Loco-foco men and loco. foct
measures-they decided upon change of both
and indicated very plainly what that chang,
should be, and they sent President and Con
gress heie to execute their verdict. They will
not thank their representatives for trying thu
cause over again-they demand Execution
prompt, quick, thorough EXECUTION.
But it will be observed that the same meI
against whom judgment has been rendered, arr
those who strive against its execution. The,
throw objections in the way Of almost ever!
motion, waste the time and weary the patienc
of the nation in raising points of order, and il
making motions TO adjourn, and calling TIL
yeas and nays. An examination of the list
yeas and nays will show that the Loco-focos ar
the movers and voters for adjournment. 1t
their settled policy, in our opinion, to do nothing
and think Of nothing, except to embaTrass tn