The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-06-15
FAcTIoUs SPIRIT OF THE MINORITY

Chief Justice Popham, when he was Speak
err, 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 il please your
Majesty, seven ireeks."
To similar question, frequently asked, we
are obliged to make a 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, y 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 10 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 Blu :
siness. Party discipline. such as we were ac-
customed TO witness during the days Of General
Jackson, seems to have fed from the Hail. To
break those shackles was great struggle, and
those who accomplished it fought for indepen-
dence of action and freedom of thought That
the interests Of the Republic are more safe when
each Representative acts upon his responsibility
to the country, rather than 10 party, there can
be no doubt. Party is frequently blind, and ex-
perience has shown that it moves 10 the accom-
plishment of its ends right or wrong, without
regard TO the means.
But there is party Of great and resistess
power-a party that can create and uncreate
Congresses, Presidents and Cabinets, and that
party is the People. That party tried the late
administration and its measures, and found both
wanting. They rendered verdict, clear and
decided, against Loco-foco men and loco-foco
measures-they decided upon change of both,
and indicated very plainly what that change
should be, and they sent President and Con-
gress heie TO execute their verdict. They will
not thank their representatives for trying the
cause over again-they demand EXECUTION,
prompt quick, thorough EXECUTION
But it will be observed that the same men
against whom judgment has been rendered, are
those who strive against its execution. They
throw objections in the way of almost every
motion, waste the time and weary the patience
of the nation in raising points of order, and in
making motions TO adjourn, and calling the
yeas and nays. An examination of the list Of
yeas and nays will show that the Loco-focos are
the movers and voters for adjournment. II is
their settled policy, in our opinion to do nothing.
and think of nothing, except TO cmbarrass the
majority, and TO bring, if possible, the whole
House into disrepute, in the hope of proitng
by it in the future. This selfish and factious
conduct deserves the scorn and contempt of the
whole nation