The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-11
From The National htelligencr qf yesterday.
The Sixth Month OF the Session.

Already are we almost half way in the sixth
month of the session of Congress, and yet no
more decisive progress has been made in the
proper business of both Houses than ought to
have been made within the first six weeks OF the
| session. Indeed almost the only new business OF
the past week has been the proposition, in one
House, to adjourn for few days to allow of the
adaptation of the Legislative Chamber to the sum-
iner heat, before the main business Of the session
begins, and even into the consideration Of such
matter that the interest of the Presidential ques.
ton found its way and prevented decision upon it.
The House of Representatives began the last week
with an evident determination to enter vigorously
upon the discharge Of its legitimate duties. On
that day more than forty Senate bills, and almost
equal number of Executive communications which
have slept, some of them, for weeks and months on
the Speakers and Clerks tables, were taken up
and properly referred; an advance in the real bust
ness Of the session which has not been accomplish
ed within the whole of the preceding part Of it,.
BY that single days work the House entitled itself
to the respect of all friends Of order and good gov
eminent. and to the thanks OF all those, far and
near, whose interests, hopes, and apprehensons
are involved in those and important bills
and departmental reports; not to speak Of the in
erests OF the great public staked in the capacity Of
the National Legislature to discharge, at due timcs
the functions and duties which the Constitution
has confded to it,
This most cornmcndable industry on the part of
the House was not. however, the reader will have
learnt from the reports Of its proceedings, sus
tanned through the residue Of the week. Much of
ito time was again occupied with the trte and stale
subject of the public printing, cxhumed from the
vaults of the Capitol for renovation process
which was finally postponed, on Friday, until next
Wednesday; and thereupon the House took an
other days holiday by adjourning over to Monday.
With some confidence in our Judgment, founded
upon pretty thorough knowledge of the art and
mystery OF printing, and practical connection
during considerable period Of time with the Con-
gress work-with an acquaintance, besides, with
all the various experiments upon it for the last
forty yeaB-we are almost tempted to offer to the
two Houses our advice upon the subject in the form
OF distinct proposition; and to demand conf
dence in our sincerity by stpuating, for this es.
adjustment. never to seek any participation in the
work, orits advantages emoluments. But, upon
due consideration, we believe we shall reserve our
motion on the subject until the next session of Con-
gress
Even the Senate, acted upon perhaps by the force
of example, after second or third weeks debate
on single item in tho deficiency bill" upon
which all the Senators seemed, week ago. 10 have
been ready 10 vote, also adjourned over from Fri
day to Monday, leaving the bill and the everlast.
ing question still on the table.
Happy to give credit where il is DUE we cannot
refrain from noticing proceeding Of the Senate,
during tho last week, restoring to that body the
freedom of action which one of it's standing
"Rules and Orders" abridged and crnmped. We
refer to the change in the stringent rules of the
two Houses SO as to mako it in order to move at
any time sus. ension Of the rules which forbid
any bill that has passed one House being sent for
concurrence to the other within the three last days
of any session, and which forbid also any bill or
resolution from being presented to the President
for his appreciation on the last day Of q session;
and directing that any such motion, when made,
shall be Immediately contidered, and decided
without debate. For the suggestion of move.
ment which has resulted in SO sensible and 80 i'm
portant an amendment 10 the "rules' which oh
strict rather than facilitate the business of Con-
gress, the country is indebted TO Mr.. Senator
Badger.