The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-04-04

democracy
There is no subject on which the Democratic
mind is so much exercised just at this time as it
is on the engrossing matter of River and Harbor
improvements Certain we are that on this
question the Democratic party are-nowhere.
We have been running our eye over the print
ed debates in the Senate, of the last three days
of the session, and we find it next to impossible
to ascertain what the Democratic doctrine may
be-. After Mr.. RHErT read his lecture to the
Democrats, and told them they were all going
over to Mr.. CLAY, they held caucus to settle
upon some policy to pursue on this subject. 1t
was very trying and painful occasion. twas
a very difficult attempt-that of reconciling the
realities of the western Democracy with the
distractions Of the Richmond and CALHOUN
schools; SO it was determined to defeat the
bill, and escape in the dust and turmoil that
might be stirred up about it. We should like
to see an authentic record of the sayings and
doings of that caucus. We can imagine what
they were from the course that was afterwards
pursued in the Senate, but we should like to
see the particulars.
The multiform shades which Democracy as
sumes on this subject are absolutely chameleon
like, and our Democratic Legislators manage to
keep their constituents characterized upon it
"promise-crammed." 1t is marvellous how
national many Senators find the Improvements
promise to vote for Black river. Mr.. DOUGLAS
did not know where to look on the map for a
place half so national az Illinois river. Again,
it is equally marvellous how little national
even the Mississippi is to Mr.. SoULE and Mr..
CLEMENS; though Mr.. RUsK was willing to
risk the bill rather than not increase the ap-
preparations for the Mississippi, though there
was already appropriated for that river all that
could be usefully and economically expended.
Here and there we find Senator coming
out fiat footed, like the Senator from Arkansas.
He proclaims the doctrine of River and Harbor
Improvements to be entirely Democratic-Mr.
RHETT to the contrary notwithstanding-and
in spite Of Mr.. SoULE, Mr.. CLEMENS, Mr..
JEFFERSON DAVIS, and General HoUsroN.
We are glad to see now and then Democratic
Senator speaking and voting consistently on
this all-important subject. We quote from the
debate on the River and Harbor bill, as report
ed in the Union newspaper:
Mr.. BoRLAND. Now, claim to be a Dem
ocrat. / have never been otherwise, and
have some pride in holding myself to be con-
sistent in my creed. claim, moreover, to be
one of the strictest Sect and / am not alone
| in this opinion Of myself Not only de the
Democrats Of my own State so consider me-
and that they do | have good evidence
but my political opponents there regard me as
| so extreme in my opinions that they cannot be
induced tc vote for me on any account. But,
| sir, ! claim to be not only Democrat, and
especially so in my present position of support
| to this bill, but to be also in Democratic COM
Pany-the very highest and best Democratic
company. That this is SO, appeal to the re-
cord. For proof of 1t beg the Senate to refer
with me for a moment to the legislative annals
of this body few years back. / turn to the
Congressional Globe, of March 3, l847. Among
the proceedings Of the Senate of that day find
the following:
elk SENATE, March 3, 1s47-Ricer and HaYbor bill.
"Mr. Dsvi. moved that the Senate proceed to
consider tho bill making appropriations for the i'm
provement of certain rivers and harbors.
"Mr. d. explained that it was bill from the
l House appropriating about $500, 200 for the i'm
harbors.
"Mr! Bagby understood the object Of the bill.
| But he hoped it would not not DO taken up, n il
| would lead TO discussion which would consume
20 much time as would prejudice other bills OF
Il greater Importance.
"Mr. Davis replied that whether there was any
discussion would depend on the Senator from Ala
| bama and his friends. He (Mr. d. did not intend
| to discuss it.
"Mr. Bagby said he would oppose the bill item
by item.
"Mr. Dix stated that he had introduced this bill.
He had doubt OF the constitutionaity Of the APP
1 propiations for the objects which were speciied
and he hoped the bill would be passed.
"The yeas and nays were ordered on the motion
to take up the bill and, the question being taken
| IL was decided A. follows:
"YEAs-Messrs. Allen, Ashley, Atchison, Bad
ger, Brecse. Cameron, Cass. Ciley, John M. Clay
| ton, Corwin, Crittenden, Davis. Dickinson, Dix
Evans, Greene, flanagan, Houston, Huntington
Jarnagin, Johnson Of Maryland. Johnson Of Lou
isiana, Mangum. Miller Morehesd. Miles, Pearce
Simmons, Soue, Upham, Webster, and Wood.
/ brid0e-3Q