The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-08-04
THE IRON RULE.


Some rather interesting secrets were suffered
TO find the light of day in the Senate On tues
day Iast-nor are they the less important Tor the
repeated cry that the majority are not governed
bv Caucus dictation. When the Tariff was un
der discussion, Mr.. Berrien made some very
pertinent and sensible remarks respecting the
land clause. The honorable Senator suggested
the propriety of postponng the operation OF the
Land bill until the year 1874, and suffering the
proceeds, in the meantime to go into the Urea
sury. He referred to the declaration OF Mr.
Evans, showing the necessity OF II, and mt
mated that an amendment to the bill. embrac-
ing his suggestion, would obviate all difficulties
in the way of its final approval, and be the means
of reconciling bitter and conflicting opinions
Mr.. B. then declared that he would move sue
an amendment himself, but that he could not,
in consequence of the iron rule that had been
brought to bear upon him and others. He did
not say what this iron rule was, but 1t requires
no prophet to interpret his meaning and that
the world may know, we will give solution OF
this mysterious expression.
1t had been previously determined, in Caas-
Gus, that the bill must pass as it came from the
House of Representatives, and without any
amendments. To accomplish this, with some
appearance OF fairness, friends and foes must
be alike prevented from indulging in grating OF
pruning. Hence the resolve of King Caucus
was, that all amendments should be rejected,
no matter whence they came. This was the
iron rule alluded to by Mr.. Berfien, and the ope-
ration of this rule, introduced by the Wing ma
jority, will, in all human probability, prevent
the passage of any Tariff bill at this session.
The suggestion of Mr. Berrien would have
opened the way for adjusting these vexed ques-
his idea in the shape of an amendment; but
the goodness of his heart was bound in the fet
tiers of Caucus rules, and he could not sunder
the iron chain that CALLED his flesh.
We have been told repeatedly that the majo-
rty holds no Caucus, yet here is one OF their
most distinguished members rising in his place
and openly confessing the loathsome collar that
is bound around his neck.
1t would not answer the purposes of the ma
jority 10 allow any interference with the repeal
ing clause as it now stands, for they require
another Veto to carry on their game; and any
thing that would tend to induce the Executive
to sign the Tariff bill, would efectually destroy
their dark designs, and probably prevent Mr..
Bolts from obtaining hi. InquisitorI Com
mittee.
For our own part, we consider the proposition
of Mr. Berrien very just and proper, and we
should like to have seen it in the shape OF an
amendment, with the yeas and nays upon 1t.
The impotence Of gentlemen who really wish
to serve their country, and are yet bound by the
iron rules of party Caucus, is the cause of one
half the troubles now existing and the desire
to make all legislation mere party stratagem
originates the iron rules. If those whose thong hts
are for their country's good, would allow their
acts to tally with the "monltor Within" we
should have less party STITCHES Jaundiced
feelings, and more permanent benefit from the
sessions of Congress; but while the rod Is
feared by those convinced of error, and freely
used on Caucus recreants, we cannot expect TO
see that free and unclaimed nobility Of soul
which graces all legislative bodies, and most OF
all, should adorn the Senate of the United States