Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-02-18
From the Nat. InteMeencer.

The question Of an Extra SESSION OF Con-
GREss, which has been for the last two months
the subject Of controversy in the newspapers,
begins now to be much discussed in the cir
Giles of the Metropolis.
After much consideration upon the subject
(which has served to modify somewhat our
hrst opinion in regard to iD we have arrived
at the conclusion that the question of an Ex-
ira Session was iii effect decided by the Poo
PIE in November last, when they decided. by
a majority of a 100 and 40 odd thousand
votes, that there should be change of the
Chief Magistrate of the u. s. BY that deci.
sion they determined that there should be
change OF ddninfstyafiOn--a change ofpolicy
"a change IN the measures of Government
They determined that Mr.. VAN BUREN's Ad-
ministratlon should cease on the 4th of March
next, and that Gen. HARRIsoN's Administra.
ton should begin on that day. To carry out
their will, the change Of measures, Legisla-
tive as we'll as Executive, ought, if it were
Practicable, TO commence on that day. But,
since That change cannot then commence, as
lar as Legislative action is necessary, the Ma
tlonal Legislature ought to be called together
a' the earliest convenient and practicable
day.
The effect Of postponing any action by the
next Congress until the day fixed by the Con-
stitutlon for their assembling (the first Mon
day In Dect.) will be to proiong Mr.. Van Bu-
ren's.ddmtnistrationtw twelve or eighteen months
alter Its constitutional termination; for il
would take that time, counting from the 4th
OF March, to mature in Congress any impor-
tant measure. The continuation of Mr.. VAN
BUREN's Administration, Sub-Treasurv and
all: An eXactlon of specie payments, and a
still greater exaction on the 1 st Of july next.
al moment when the Banks are STRUGGLING
10 resume and to maintain resumption Of spe-
Gle payments! These are some of the ineyi-
table consequences of recess of CONGRESS-.
Tor nine months, Instead of this, the People
want new measures, which shall provide for
their welfare, and which shall look both to the
government and from the Government to
them. Their will in this respect can only lie
accomplished by means of an Extra Session
OF Congress. To oppose an Extra Session.
under these circumstances, is virtually to
maintain that all measures of relief to the
teopie are to be postponed for some fifteen
or eighteen months; that is to say, put off,
until large part of the term of the Admins
tratlon, which was to mature and adopt them,
has passed away.
But, II the view of the question of an Ex-
ira Session were restricted to the condition of
the Government alone, without regard to the
wants and the good Of the People, an affirm
alive decision Of it would be inevitable
There IS now, incoDtestably, deficient reve-
nue.. During the next ordinary Session oil
Congress five millions more of this deGcien,
revenue will be distracted by the operation
oil the Compromise act, one-balf of which a.
mount goes oil on the 3Ist of December Of
this year. Suppose Congress not to meet I'M
vi the iirst Monday of that month, how is II
possible to provide in season for this addition.
al deficiency! How, we repeat, and give
} reasonable notice to the merchants 10 regulate
their importations
But, If the People had not decided in favoI
OF an Extra Session, and if the condition q
the Government did not require it, our oppo
nents have resolved, by their course durin,
the present Session, to render it inevitable.
They seem determined to leave every thin,
IN the state of the greatest disorder and con
fusion. They have not made, and refuse +