The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-15
From the Baltimore Clipper

INFORMANT PAPERs.-Two communications from
the President of the United States to the House OF
Representatives, will be found in to-days paper-the
one in relation to the impoverished condition of the
public treasurythe other in reference to the arrest
OF another British subject charged with being con-
cerned in the affair of the Caroline.
In the first we glad to find that the President
reiterates the recommendation heretofore made, to
modify the tariff to produce adequate perma-
nent revenue. This is the imperative duty of Con-
gress-a duty which should be promptly performed.
The House would have been much more proftably
employed in digestng and passing proper tariff than
in the discussion of the many frivolous subjects with
which it has been occupied; but as time misspent
cannot be recalled hope that the future may make
some amends for the msdeeds of the past Public
sentiment loudly demands immediate action upon the
tariff that settled and permanent course of policy
may be pursued. The inconvenience of the present
and prospective low dutils Is not felt in deficient
treasury alone it begins to be felt among the people,
in the discharge of mechanics from apprehension OF
loss to the home manufacturer by the introduction
of the foreign article after June next. AS the day
approaches for the importation of foreign manufac-
tured goods at the lowest duty provided in the com
promise act the laborng classes of this country will
suffer and more, unless Congress shall interfere
for their protection.
When we read over the proceedings of Congress-
we are sometimes tempted to ask whether members
can really possess American hearts-there being,
apparently total Indifference to the interests of
the country. A straw will beget days of animated
discussion, whilst subjects of the gravest import
claim little or no attention The supply Of the trea-
sury-the regulation of the tarif-the exchequer bill
all measures of the greatest importance, are all
contemptuously passed over with neglect, that mem
bers may employ themselves in paltry disputes about
questions of order indulge in vile political ha-
rangues. Fifty intelligent and patriotic men would
transact more business in session of sixty days. than
both houses of Congress will perform in six months
Members appear to be eyes, sans ears, or they
would and hear the indignant looks and reproofs
Of the people-but they are abundantly supplied with
tongues as their incessant gable proves. We tell
them that they doing more to bring republican
institutions into disrepute, than could be effected by
all the monarchical writers Of Europe. From dis
trust of the representatives, may readily pass to
dstrust of the system And will members persist in
a course Of conduct which tends to discredit the
purest system Of government in existence? Can
they not be induced to lay aside selfish party feeling
for the interests Of their common country? The trea
sury is empty the currency is deranged; the me-
chanics are being thrown out Of employment for the
want of adequate protection-and the House of Rep
resentatives is without quorum probably one-third
of its time. Men who can act thus, are callous to
the feelings of humanity regardless of their
duties and utterly unworthy Of public confidence
We not towhat political party they belong they
should be Indignantly rejected by abused people.
1t may be supposed by some that our language is
people. We have American blood in our veins, and
American feelings in our heart, and cannot speak in
moderation of abuses which sully our free institu-
tions tarnsh the honor Of country, and sacrifice
thei interests of the people. What speak, others
feel as members will discover if they do not mani
fest disposition to discharge the duties for which
they sent to Congress