Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-03-13
Close of CONGRESS.

Close Of Congress.
The thirty-frst Congress, which has Just ex-
PRED, may be put down as equalling in inter-
est and Importance that of any Congress since
the organization of our government Embrac-
ing within its numbers, at its commencement,
five ofthe most distinguished statesmen of the
country-Webster, Cas-, Clay, Calhoun, and
Benton-and assembling under circumstances
of peculiar public agitation-i,s doings could
not fail TO attract uncommon interest
A national election had been carried BY pop
ular excitement, resulting in the elevation TO
power of what claimed 10 be whig admins
tration-but which was shorn of power by be-
ing bereft of the support of either branch of
Congress. This was first demonstrated BY the
defeat of the administration candidate for speak
er, after a protracted and animated contest
A most unfortunate state of affairs now ex-
listed. The Chief Magistrate, grossly de-
ficent in political sagacity or craftsmanship
had selected as political advisers states
men who had distinguished themselves in the
wing ranks-but a class of men whose states
manship was of the nccntirc character, like
their prctessions-no- paralysis in the strctest
sense. This resulted in farther weakening
of administration influence.
Growing out of the policy of the adminis;ra-
ton which had 50 recently successfully closed
were questions Of great magnitude. An i'm
mense territory, of nnbounded wealth, had
been acquired. needing territorial and state
governments, which had given rise 10 much
slavery excitement In the midst of this, the
people naturally turned their eyes TO execu-
tive or cabinet craftsmanship for wisdom-but
10 no purpose. lnefficiency and inacinn
seemed only to have been resolved upon. Fl
nally. an executive movement was visible. and
Presidents plan, minimizing TO California
loreshadowed, while the other territories
New Mexico and Utah-were to remain IN
provided for California adopted State con-
stltution, and applied for admission into the
union-but Southern and Northern ultraism
united for common purpose-iaat Of prevent
ing the occurrence. The adjustment OF the
Texas Boundary question also began to threat
en- difiicml,y-and when public excitement was
at its height, in this crisis. Gen. Taylor's
death occurred.
Upon the accession TO power Of his successor
change Of cabinet officers took place, and of
course change of public policy. The new
administration foreshadowed lis policy in favor
Of the Compromise measures, and better feel
ing began 10 pervade all classes. The Com
promise passed, and nine months session Of
turmoil and high excitement was brought to a
close. Ill other public business, BY common
consent, was suffered 10 lie over ill the short
term was held.
Congress re-assembled with determination
which has been adhered 10, Of devoiing their
remaining time TO the transaction of the public
business that demanded their attention and
TO frown down all attempts to revive the arita-
ton that retarded 10 such an extent, the bust
ness of the last session and which created such
fever Of unhealthy excitement throughout the
country.
of the important measures that have been
before Congress the past winter, some have
been laid over, and some, we fear, have been
put through with undue haste, in the hustle
of the closing hours. The French Spoliation
bill has again failed Of passage-the House
having refused 10 consider it.
The bill TO provide for the survey of the pub
lie lands in California, the granting of dona-
tions, privileges therein, and for other purpos-
es, was laid on the table-as was also the bill
TO equaize the grants of land, TO the several
States.
Miss Dix's land bill for the insane was lost.
Also the bill prescribing new regulations as to
marine insurance.
| The glory of Gen. Scott has not been much
enhanced, so we suppose his friends will call
upon the people for justice
ne Dill to ascertain and settle private land
Chains In California was passed, as were bills
making appropriations for light houses, pre-
venting senator's receiving constructive mile.
rge, for asylum for in6rm and disabled sol.
dlers, regulating the appraisement of mercban-
die and appointing appraisers at large, to re.
fund $40, 900 10 American Colonization Socie.
ty, 10 pay state of Maine interest on money adj.
vanced for the nse of the government.
4
An act making appropriations for the pay
ment of revolutionary and other pensions of the
United States, for the year ending the 3oth Of
of June, 1852, was passed. ..-,.- t..- ~.
| A resolution for the relief of Louis Kossuth
| and his associated exiles from Hungary, passed.