The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-11-26

From the Boston Courier Nov H.
OrlXtn Of the American COnRreaA.

From the Boston Courier Nov. IL.
Origin OF the American Congress.
Mr. Webster, in the historical sketch OF the origin and
formation OF the constitution OF the United States which
he addressed to the Boston Mercantile Library Assoca
ton Wednesday evening last, made remarks on
the distinction between Congress. as the name is APP
piled In our own government and the old diplomatic use
OF the word in Europe. He stated if we remember right
y that he believed the first application of the name OF
Congress public body in America in 1854, when
the pan OF union was projected by convention OF the
colonies at Albany.
There is, however. political tract relating to the gov
eminent OF the American colonies, consider ably anterior
TO this date, In which Congress is mentioned Doctor
Charles Davenant, the eldest son OF Sir William Daven
ant, published IN 1885, work on the English Planta-
tons in North America, in which he proposed i'm
poyement OF the colonial government by partial union,
somewhat similar to the Albany plan OF union. Part OF
his scheme is described in these words:
That colonies of Boston. Connecticut Rhode Island
New York, both the Jerseys, Pennsylvania Maryland, vr
8lnia, and Carolina may be authorized to meet once
year. and ofener, if need require, &c;
That IN order to it, two persons well qualified for under
Standing sobrey and substance, be appointed by each
the whole viii make the Congress to consist OF twenty
sons 49,
be appointed should have the chair and preside in
the said Congres-[Ses Dapenant's Works vol 2, 4ol
DR.. Franklin is generally regarded the author Of
the Albany plan OF union and the writers American
history TO have taken for granted that the scheme
was original conception of his own. Whether he had
ever met with Davenans book or not we have no means
than the Albany Convention, which we think could not
have escaped the notice of franklin and which contains
plan of union This work is entitled. Description Of
The English Province Of CarOana; and published at
London in l74l The author Daniel Coxe son of
one of the propetors of the province then called Caro-
lana which, on the map accompanying the work, covers
all the territory occupied by the States of Georgia.
Florida Alabama Mississippi, and Louisiana,
We subon the outlines OF CoXes plan; and the reader
will be struck with the foresight and sagacity of the
who foresaw and depicted the immense benefits of
union of the colonies, not only toward themselves
displayed in the increase OF trade communal prosperity
national security, and strength, but also toward the
mother country, fact which British politicians
now perfectly willing to acknowledge:
1t well that the frontiers of colonies
arge, naked and open there being scarce forts or
sons defend them Tor two thousand miles The
lance from one another and is almost i'm possible
codg the present establishment and situation Of
pendent Of each ohe their different of governments
views, and interests. to draw considerable body OF
preservation not only OF any particular colony, but of all
the English plantations the continent, never
The only cxpeden present think of, shall pre-
to mention with the utmost Difference to his Majesty
and his minster) help and obvate these absurdties
and Inconvenience, and apply remedy to Them is that
all the colonies apperainng TO the crown OF Great Britain
tile northern continent Of America be united under
legal regular, and firm establishment; which, is
proposed lieutenant or supreme governor may be con
governors of each colony shall be subordinate.
annually elected by the council and assembly of each
~ who to be in the nature OF great council gen.
era of the of the colonies and by the
ORDER consent appreciation OF the lieutenant
general, shall meet together consult and advise Tor the
good of the WHOLE settle and appoint particular quotas
proportions of money provisions &c, that each
to raise, Tor their mutual dcience
and safety as well as II necessary Tor offence and inva
of their enemies in all which the goveor-gen
era Lieutenant is TO have negative but not
anything without their that of the majority
of them.
each colony may eheess, be levied and raised by
assembly, In such manner they shall Judge
easy and convenient and the circumstances of their affairs
will permit. .
the honor of his Majesty the interest of the plantations and
liberty property OF the proprieors traders, plant
ers, and inhabitants them may be vested in and cogni-
Fable by the above said general lieutenant, and
grand of the Estates according the laws
England but thought fit to be touched inserted
here this proposal being general and with all humility
submitted the consideration of superiors who may
model reject II, they in their wisdom shall
Judge proper.
coalition union of this nature, pered with, and
grounded prudence moderation, and justice and
encouragement given to the labor industry and
good OF all sorts and conditions OF
nabng, concerned interested in the
colonies above mentioned, will, in all probability lay
and lasting foundation of dominion, and
trade, sufficient only secure and promote the pros
DeriV of the plantations but revive and greatly
late hourlshipg state and condition oil Great Britain,
and thereby render il, the envy and admira-
ton of its neRhbors. a#H tf.s . tlt H.,
1t is reasonable to suppose that Coxe's work was
known America not long after its publication. If
Franklin it, there can be no doubt that the plan
struck him worthy OF attention; that it occupied his
subsequent thoughts and that it the groundwork OF
his Albany plan of union Daniel Coke deserves TO be
mentioned in national history of those saga
cious spirits who far into the future, and predicted
the magnificent destiny of the American Union.