The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-06-11
Correspondence Of the Harrisburg Intelligencer.]
WASHINGTON June 6, 1912.

PorlrIcAL MANGUvRING-'We have now,' says
distinguished politician, "a President without party
and parties without President In regard to Con
gress this is to extent true. The President has
but small party in either House, and no party can
be said to have President. This is the state of
things which has been SO long desired by poti
cal economists; but we find that human nature is
yet too imperfect to render the arrangement advana
geous. At first blush it would SEEM that all parties,
being without President they would naturally devote
themselves entirely to the good of the country But
very different is actual experience. Instead of
all uniting the country, find the ultra par
tisans both sides uniting to head the RESIDENT
The interests of the country are secondary matter
with many of the members. know and could name
q few who are really anxious to do their duty but
others desire only delays while not few are schem
ing to advance the interests of this that candidate
for the Presidency. Some desire delay for the per
diem Of eight dollars having but little business of i'm
potance to transact at home and others feel per-
fecty conlented in the gay and captivating society of
Washington, that they regard adjournment as the
greatest evil certain to result from the session In the
meantime the interests of the people-the credit of
the Governmen-the character Of The nation all suf
fer. Congress itself is fast becoming by-word and
a reproach among the people The fiscal affairs Of
| the Government are much embarrassed; the revenue
is diminished; the industry OF the country Is aban
doncd to its fate; and the Army and Navy are under
going a process of reduction, witnessed with pain by
all but the members of Congress who instrument
tai in the operation. These of the fruits of
"a President without party and parties without a
President. The grand end and aim of he managers
who most censurable, is TO bring odium upon the
President as a of advancing the pretensions of
certain distinguished gentlemen to the Presidency
1t is to be regretted that ambition must be grahed al
so great cost.
The Army AND NAvY.-Reduce the army and ma
vyet the defences of the country 60 into dlapida-
tIon-prostrate the National honor-send commercial
ships abroad detenceess-are now the governing
hovc of
this is intended to catch the popular eye But it must
fall and were l President, would exercise the con-
stitutional power vested in the Chief Magistrate, to
check This ruinous legislation. Were the action Of
Congress governed by patriotism and not faction one
might treat it with respect and confederation
But unfortunately every move has reference to the po
ston of men and parties rather than TO the condition
of the country
The AppoRTIoNMENT BILL.-This bill still hangs
in the Senate the ratio being now 7OOOO w hen 1t
gets back to the House. the smaller ratio will be re-
stored. AS the Pennsylvania Legislature will meet
on Thursday, it is important to the people OF that
State, that the bill be passed at once But the Legsa-
ture will have other matter in abundance to occupy their
attention. provide for the payment of the Au-
gust interest," and to keep the wheels of Government in
notion will tax the genius of that body to the utmost
trust that resolutions will be at passed, request
ing Congress to act without delay the important
matters now on the table of the House
A SMALL FARcE.--A select committee of the House
of Representatives, Mr. Carrot Davis, Chairman, is
now enacting one of the most contemplate farces
ever played off by any political or other actors wear
ing serious faces. Some weeks since, clerk in one
Of the Departments, having expressed himself in the
most unbecoming manner in regard to Mr.. Webster
charging that gentleman with having taken bride
from Lord tshburton, or somebody clse-was dis
charged. The dismissal was very proper under the
circumstances. But Mr.. Davis, anxious Tor some
pretext to get up pity storm, deemed the matter OF
| he fe1 INV
and accordingly, raised select committee with
power to send for persons and papers. This commit
tee holds daily sessions, and inquiries into matters
and things in general, whether they relate to the