The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-12-05
Ouening of Congress.

The session of Congress Is opened for three
months, and will terminate on the night of the
third Of March next, at which time Gen. Taylor
and new administration will come into power.
The closing scenes OF an old defeated administra-
ton may possess much INTEREST," but perhaps the
opening scenes and anticipated discussions OF a
new administration, will command greater share
of the attention OF moving. living and lively
people, like those of the United States.
According to the foreshadowlngs of the Presl-
dents last Message, there every appearance
that the coming one will maintain high rank for
character, dscernment and intelligence. One of
the first points that will he treated of will no
doubt be history of Mr.. Folks administration,
and particularly that portion Of 1t which was de-
veloped broadly, fully. and SO sloriously, in the
Mexican war, and the accesslons of territory
growing out of that grand campaign. In this mat
Ter, Mr.. Polk may, indeed, take much credit tor
he issue, although he made many remarkable
blunders in the progress OF the events connected
with it-blunders, however, which were corrected
by the energy and genius OF his generals and
armies. The acquisition OF Texas, New Mexico,
and California, was no doubt brilliant achieve
ment, and might rebound 10 the honor OF any adj
ministrauon, or any man. going out Of office.
From the intimations coming to US from Wash
ingtop, we are induced to believe that various
financial ana other domestic reforms Will be pro-
posed In the closing document of the President
There is certainly room for much reform on these
points Of public polIty. The financial system
OF the country might be improved to great
extent, and without much difficulty. system
might be adopted that would aid our foreign and
domestic trade, without injuring in any degree the
funds required for the government expenditures
II Is not believed that much alteration can be
made In the present tariff ; for, with the CONNER
cial prospects before us, the existing duties would
seem to be nearly sufficient for maintaining
peace establishment, and for gradually extlnguish
ing our new national debt. In reference to the
Post Office, we are given to understand that vast
reductions will be proposed, and many reforms in
troduced. This will be good news to the country;
and we have no doubt that practical reforms OF
this character will receive the early assent OF Con-
gess, and OF the country, without much opposition.
There is one point, however, that we think has
not been sufficiently elucidated; and that Is, the
exact condition which the financial affairs OF the
government may reach, on the coming In OF Gen.
Taylor's administration. 1t IS said that no new
loan will be required during the present session OF
Congress but we expect there is a vast amount OF
unadlusted claims, growing out oil the Mexican
war, that may render it necessary to ask TOR
fresh loan in the succeeding Congress. Perhaps It
NAV be the purpose OF the old administration to
place this important subject IN such condition as
to render an extra session necessary as soon as
Gen. Taylor shall have taken the relns OF govern
ment. We hope not. No good comes OF extra
sess;ons The extra session which was called by
Gen. Harrison laid the foundation for the break
;ro down Of his administration, and scattering Its
cr;ends IN the winds. We hope and trust that
Genera, TAYLOR. when he comes into power on
the fourth OF March next, will make no nasty
movement of such character; but that he VIII
take ample tme-a whole summer, many months
TO look over the affairs of the country, TO dsllbe
rate on the position of the republic with respect TO
its foreign and domestic relations, and gradually
10 adopt. with the greatest caution, those neces-
sarv measures that may distinguish his admins
,rstion. and which may be brought about al the
succeeding session OF Congress. we are we"
aware that the ofIice-beggars who attached thehi-
selves TO his popularity, few months before MS
election. will endeayor to hasten action In every
point of view, for the purpose OF inducing nm -
make early and sweeping removals from oii1ce, 80
that their wishes that respect may be grained
We have seen, already, some oil the whigJourna's
that only at the eleventh hour came forward In
supporting General Taylor, throw out threats s'mi
lar to those which were levelled against the ad-
min,s,rat,on Of Captain Tyler; but we have every
reason to hope that they will find General Taylor
altogether different men from Tyler, aud that
the first few years OF his administration will more
resemble the early period Of General Jackson's
frs, term, than any other. The various cliques
l uhich united in the support Of General Jackson.