The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-05-28
WHAT WILL TIE EXTRA SESSION DOT

/, WHAT WILL TIE EXTRA SESSION DOT
There was great movement Of the people OF this
country in 1870, originating in special causes and
aiming at special objects. The first moment OF ac-
ton for the accomplishment OF those ends, far
Legislation is concerned, will be the opening Of the
approaching session of Congress
Cana special session act any hing but the specific
object objects Of CALI
We confess that considerations of propnely would
10 advise careful regard to the special objects
of the call. There seems, however, to be no rule
either in the Constitution, elsewhere to restrict the
action of extra session II also to be taken
for granted that Congress is sovereign in this matter
and limited only by its discretion and sense of rcspon
sibility Moreover fair Interpretation VI the objects
Of this call may be considered embracing any Of the
special objects Of the late political reform which ur-
gently call for attention. and which conveniently
receive it, The occasions Of the call otherwise
specific than regards the revenue and finances; =
Whereas sundry important and weighiy matters,
principally growing out of the revenue and finances
Of the country" &c.
There is manfestly pretty wide scope in this an
nouncement Of In the first place, there are
sundry important and weighty matters" Next, al
though these sundIy matters are principally con-
nected with " the revenue and finances the manner
Of expression implies that other objects may claim at
tention We not but the proclamation opens the wide
field of legislation, far may be Judged best to
enter il. Indeed, the very and special object Of this
session is to relieve the country whatever may be
cessary.
What leiH The President recommend
ia IN he lyed nny nv he
sage. The Constitution says " He (the Presidency
shall from time time give Congress information
of the state Of the Union and recommend to their con-
sideraton such he shall judge necessary
and expedient"
WiH the action Of The Extra session be confined TO The
objects recommended by the President2
fthis question be limited considerations Of duty,
the affirmative thereof is definition of monarchy
| We all know how distinctly the lamcnted Harrison
announced his purpose to abstain from originating
legislation if he should be elected President. We
know moreover, that the measures which have injured
the country most, and blasted our prosperity, origi-
mated with the President and his advisers, and were
forced upon Congress by such influences the Exc
cuye was able TO bring to bear. 1t in reference
to these acts that General Harrison announced him
self on this point, and we believe do not mistake
in assuming that OF the chief aims of The late po
llical revolution TO the country from this
| species of Executive usurpation.
In the structure of Government, CONF less is
theoretically and should be practically indepen-
| dent branch. The advice recommendation of the
President is not intended to invade impair that in
dependence but assist in bringing before Congress
such suggestions, subjects of legislation, may
arise from the Executive sphere. Congress is bound
receive such advice respectfully and may act upon
it, not in its own sovereign right. Congress is
equally entitled originate legislation, its
sponsibily and to any extent though not suggested
by the President. This, indeed is its peculiar and
appropriate prerogaiive.
Our recent disastrous experience would seem to sug-
gest that it might be better and safer in the working
of our Government if the President hereafter should
be sparng Of advice the subjects of legislation
his constitutional obligations may allow All that
may be wanting for domestic purposes will read
| ly to those who directly up from the pco
Pile and it may safely be inferred tina: if they do not
think of it, it is not wanted Certainly. sA.-e.
imagine that Congress is TO wait for advice from the
President before proceed to action as leeisla-
tive body until we shall have forgotten the nature and
design of our institutions, and reverted back to the
monarchical system.
We confess we sometimes look with concern at the
tendency generally observed to look the advice
of the President and wait for the policy and system
that may be developed by his messages from
time TO time. II cannot but observing minds
that these symptoms indicate lurking tendency to-
wards monarchy, and that they be watched
with too much jealousy.
Theoretically, popular government. supposes that
its great system Of policy should come up from the poo
pie through their representative organs and not tina,
it should be brought down upon them being inflict
ed or imposed Much less that it should originate in
the breast Of one man. For that is the principle OF
monarchy.
Hon. far do the objects Of the late polificair eform in
action
50 far as may be necessary for relief, unqucstiona
bly,. Else Congress might as well go home at once
If the scope of legislation is open have obser.
we'd, can any imagine that Congress has been con
vened out Of the usual course, and great expense
to rie with and mock the sufierings and misfortune,
OF this na'ionl Have we struggled through long an,
tedious years of msrule, oppression, and disaster
hausted one whole year Of moral energies intense
ly applied in accomplishing Constitutional rcvolu
ton have we got in order the machinery of reform
and brought together the representatives of the people
constuonally authorized, and fully qualified, TO re
lleye them; and they to be disappointed D
After all that has been promised in view of all that
expected and will be required will this Congress dar
to go home, having only voted more money and onl,
increased the burdens of the people without afordn,
them facilities, by acts of legislation, that shall enabl
| L. HI.