The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-24
THE DAY is BREAKING

he In DREAMING.
Hopes are entertained that better state Of
affairs is about TO take place in Congress. and
That the important interests OF the country NAV
hereafter come in for at least a moderate share
OF the attention Of that body. 1t must not be
supposed that, in the frequent appeals which we
have felt il ourduty tomake to The nation, respect
ing what we have conceived TO be most wan
ton and injurious disregard of matters vitality
connected with the welfare, if not the very ex-
isence, of our national institutions, we have
not drawn line of discrimination between the
really patriotic and the self-nterested members
of the National Legislature. Whilst there
have been many DESTROYS TO attend 10 the i'm
porlant business of the nation, the number of
those, who not so well inclined, has, unfor-
tunately, been SO great as TO place insurmounta-
BILE obstacles in the way of salutary legislation.
OF this fact, the People are ofcourse fully aware,
and, when the proper time comes, will take the
most efficient means OF preventing the recur-
renee of course of conduct calculated to lower
us in the estimation of foreign nations, and to
paralyze every branch of the public service
Before it is too late we would entreat the mem
to unite and rally around our Institutions. Let
| them cast aside all minor distinctions, and form
| an American party, the object of which shall
be to do good for the country, and to place pub
lie affairs in healthy and prosperous condition
Partisan feeling is not only TO be expected but
is essential to the watchfuIness that forms the
! great safeguard of republican governments, but
there is point, beyond which, it assumes the
| character of faction, and only serves to prevent
wholesome action. We regret to say that a
most powerful illustration of the truth of this
remark, is TO be found in the course pursued by "a
| majority OF Congress during its present session,
| a course which has involved the nation in dis
| grace, by destroying its credit, hindering the
public service, and creating an acrimony of feel
! ing that must lead to the most deporable conse-
quences In seeking strict scrutiny on the
J part Of the People into its doings, the Execu-
| tive branch Of the Government, asks, at the
hands of the nation, similar process with refe-
renee to the policy of the Legislative Depart
ment. Whilst it has set forth in spirit of the
most uncompromising candor and honesty the
wants of the country, the Administration only
asks for such support from Congress, as these
wants, well established and authenticated, may
demand Let, then, the inquiry be, whether the
acquisitions made be founded on due regard TO
the public safety and prosperity, and, if such
be found to be the case, let supplies be granted
adequate to the demand, There neither is nor can
there be, any sinister motive on the part of men
who are, not only willing, but anxious to be es-
timated by the measures which they propose,
more especially when the effect of injudicious
expenditure, or wilful msappcation ofthe public
treasure, must recoil upon themselves. Honest
and right-minded themselves, they only desire
to receive credit for purity Of intention, coupled
with fair share of sound judgment, and,
should they be denied this by Congress, their
only hope is in the American People, whose de-
cision they will await with cheerfulness
A word before we conclude about ourselves
and our political course. tmay have happened
that in the warmth so apt to spring from a dis
cussion Of the merits of public men and mea-
sures, we have used terms implying moral obi
putty of intention where want of judgment
has, in our opinion, been alone involved If such
has been the ease, we heartily regret the circum-
stance as unworthy of ourselves, and of the read
ers to whom we would more especially address
our remarks. Whilst we claim the right of free
discussion, we would willingly extend to others
the same privilege that we ask in our own be-
half and have no desire to impute sinister mo-
tive 10 our opponents. To take different views
| of political matters Is as natural as it is indis-
pensabe to the integrity Of our institutions, and
surely difference of opinion should never be
regarded as ground of imputation on one side
or the other. In exercising the rights of free
men, we feel disposed to do so in the spirit of
universal toleration, and where we are not
driven to the painful alternative by the impera-
tive control of circumstances, shall never inten-
tionaly allege against others want Of principle,
of which we would be ashamed OF this the
members Of Congress, towards whom we are in
clined to entertain the most respectful sen-
mens, in their relation Of Representatives Of
the People, may rest assured; and ii will always
afford us qualification to be undeceived when
ever we shall, through haste or inadvertence, do
injustice to that branch of the Government
LECTURES ON ASTRONOMY
Doctor Lardner has been delighting the good peo
pie Of Philadelphia and other cities with his lectures