The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-12
FOR THE MADIsONIAN.
THE PILOT LAW.

THE PILOT LAW.
Mr.. EDIroR-In my last communication informed
you that attempts have been made in New York to
manufacture public opinion in order that Congress may
be deuded into the belief that persons said to be the
most deeply interested in the proper regulation OF
Pilots unanimous in their opposition to the repeal
of the act of Congress, this subject, passed in
1887. In proof of my assertion, told you that
meeting composed of but twenty-three persons is
magnifed into assemblage comprising +" the ship
masters, owners, &C." of the port of New York
The little article which have underlined is calcu
lated to produce the impression that all the ship
masters and owners in the city Of New York were
present in person or by proxythe &c., that number
less other persons interested in the subject gave the
magnificent convention the benefit Of their presence,
and the resolutions passed the sanction of their vote
The ship-masters, the owners, the etceteras when
counted formed the stupendous aggregate OF twenty
three The said ship-masters owners, and etceteras
however ordered memorial to be prepared and cir
culated for signatures and when the said ship-mas-
ters and etceeras shall have obtained suf-
hcent number Of foolscap sheets, neatly pasted to-
gether, filled with Names then will Congress be edi-
fed with learned memorial and with the unrol.ing
tons and post notes. of signatures and shinpasters
no one requires any calculation on these familiar to-
pics Ofthe probable character of the memorial and
the signatures, shall therefore say nothing
But the inference deduced from tine fact, that
meeting of ship-masers, owners, and etceteras did
take place and pass resolutions protesting against the
repeal of the law of 1897 requires brief comment.
That inference, find it stated in some of the New
York papers, is follows Whereas, the "shp-mas-
ters, owners and eceteras of the port of New York
opposed to the repeal of the law, therefore Con-
gress should not repeal it, Now, even supposng that
the shpmasters, owners, and etceteras, adverse to
the repeal to be not only more than twentythree in
number, but to include every man in the city of New
York. whom certain editors may choose to comprise
in these three grand divisions still maintain that
the consequence is by no means legitimate, that Con-
gress is bound to continue the law as it is.
Congress, no doubt, should give respectful consde
ration memorials, representations and arguments
specially submitted all matters properly subject to
its legislation but it is not bound to egislae tamely
and blindly in accordance with the representation
thus made If the doctrines of memorial transmitted
by any set of men in New York in any other place
is imperative law for the government of Congress,
then legislation becomes mere nullity and the mem
bers of both Houses would best subserve the interests
of the country by dispensing at once and going home
attend to their private affairs. Such notion may
when thus represented appear absurd, bat it is &C.
riously inculcated by of the New York presses
Because ship masters &c, it said, in the city of New
York opposed to the repeal of the law Of 1897,
therefore it should not be repealed.
Congress should respectfully consider, as have
said in the preceding paragraph the arguments of the
memorials, but is not bound blindy to obey them.
After this respectful consideration its appropriate duty
of legislation commences. Its first inquiry is not who
is friendly or who is hostile to the law, but whether
the law itself is constitutional? My investga-
tons have taught me to believe, that it is not. My
want of legal knowledge teaches me to place but little
reliance on my own judgment in this matter, but
learn that eminent jurists advise that the law is
constitutional. If such be the case--if the law of
1887 be repugnant to the Constitution, if after mature
examination, the wisdom of Congress becomes salts
fed that it is 50, then it ought to be repealed. The
first duty of the Legislature is confined to this simple
inquiry
But may be objected that the interests of mer-
chants, shp-owners, shipmasters, and underwriters
will be materially injured, if the law is repealed
Grant that such may be the consequence the only
ply to the objection is, that they must seek protec
ton for their interests by compatible with
the Constitution of the United States The Consti-
tuition ia to be lrodden under foot for their nte
rests especially when they be Otherwise secured
With your permission, Mr.. Edter, shall return to
the subject Of The Pilot Law.
AN OLD MERCHANT
THRILLING STORY.