The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-12-19

Nothing is more unfair - fe-
Judicial to the public ixtlI trolling
legislation. To make the suco pleasure,
to which there can be no re- objection
depend upon another not 80 ia ably received !;
to make the popularity Of one measure the means
of forcing an unpopular cne to mix up subjeets
having no necessary connection, so as TO compel
the assent ofmembers to some things, which they
disapprove, for the sake CT securing some things
they approve, is vicious in principle, aud most in
furious in consequences
We have observed during the present session a
tendency to this kind of Legislation. A reasonable
bill for river and harbor improvements, If disen-
tangled from every other measure, would be sure
10 command large majority in both branches Of
Congress. Sound principle demands, therefore,
that it should be considered and acted upon by
itself But, certain members, in favor Of river
and harbor improvements which they know are
approved by majority, and in favor of an in
crease and modification Of the tariff, which they
know are opposed by q majority evince deter
mination to prevent any action in relation to the
former unless they can extort votes in favor Of
the latter. In other words, they will defeat a
great measure of policy, pronounced right and
expedient by the majority of the American Peo-
pie, by the majority in Congress, and by their
own judgments, unless they can force through an
other policy which is adverse to the views of the
majority of the People and their Representatives,
but which they believe to be of importance. The
bare presentation of the case clearly shows the
viciousness and improperly of their course. Let
| the River and Harbor improvements ball be con-
sidercd alone-upon its own merits-open to
amendments, legitimate and having no relation to
the success of any other measure. In this way it
can be perfected and passed, if majority of Con-
gress be in favor of it and certainly the will of
the majority ought to prevail
Let the Tariff be acted upon in the same way
exclusively upon its own merits-so that every
member may give his vote conscientiousy for or
against, without temptation to barter his princ-
pies on other questions. If n majority should APP
pear in favor of change, no tricks of Legislation
should be attempted to thwart its will. If a ma
jorty should appear against it, the minority ought
xiaoss;%T- r. -cSzsi. sN<.z NJ 'SaHifest a Detty
spite by endeavoring to defeat other important
measures which their judgments SANCTION be-
cause they have lost the one which SA5 snN,1
special favorite We have no patience with that
small pattern of legislator who, insensible to
the great interests of his whole country, destitute
of any sound Principle in legislation, speaks and
votes under the domination Of some petty preJn-
dice or class interest A member has the right
to win support to the peculiar interests he rep
resents by appeals to the reason, generosity,
patriotism and enlightened selfinterest Of his
fellow members; but, these failing, he discredits
the dignity Of bis position he violates his duty as
an American Representative, he wars against the
interests of his country, should he then attempt
by wanton opposition to defeat legislation on
other subjects, or by faction rickery, or bargains
implying a sacrifice Of conscientious convictions,
to extort what he could not obtain by fair and
honorable means
Not only have the Tariff men and the River
and IIarbor Improvement men shown DISPOSE
ton to enter into proftless ill.natured struggle
with each other, but both have united TO prevent
prompt attention to Postage Reform-thc most
popular unexceptiOnabe measure which can en-
gage the attention of Congress. Failing in getting
up their favorite measures, just when they de-
sired, they would not tolerate the Cheap Postage
Bill, though unobnOxious to either class. What
sense is there in such conduct II they cannot
do what they regard respectively as the hest thing,
first, let them unite in doing the next best thing
Persistence in foolish strife for precedence
will prevent any useful legislation at all. The
People, no matter how important they may deem
the improvements Of our Rivers and Hsrbors, or
changes in the Tariff. will never complain should
their Representatives give them low postage, be-
fore they 10 anything else