The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-05-05
THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.

On our fourth page we publish the remarks
made by Mr.. Chase in the Senate, April 9th,
in favor of his resolution to put On end to the
secret sessions Of that body.
The late extra session Of the Senate was con-
tinued FIVE weeks; for what reason, we cannot
understand unless the President desired it's aid
in harmonizing the factions of his party There
10 nothing in the Constitution which prevents
permanent sessions of that body. An intri-
guing, ambitious President, disposed to reduce
the Importance of the House of Representatives,
and concentrate power in the Executive branch,
might find willing ally in class of men over
whom the people of the United States exercise
no direct control
Treaties are the supreme law Of the land "
they may embrace many of the most vital in-
terests Of the country our foreign commerce
may be regulated by them to q great extent
but treaties are made by the President, by and
with the advice and consent the Senate, 80 that
large amount of legislation may be done by
them without reference to the House of Repre-
sentatives and without consulting the views
of the people. For example, the questions of
the Fisheries and of Reciprocal Trade are legit-
innate subjects of legislation, but an ambitious
Executive might attempt to regulate both by
treaty. The subject of international Copy
Right should be submitted to the people; their
opinions concerning it ought to be ascertained
and Congress should, by law, establish some
regulation to guide the action Of the treaty
making power. But the whole question has
been engrossed by the Executive, and it has
been stated that it was under consideration ut
| the late extra session of the Senate A propo.
sition, to secure by treaty to aliens owing al
legiance to q foreign potentatc the right to
hold real estate in this country was also before
tho Senate, and it is understood that it was
so framed as to trench upon the right of the
States to legslatc upon the subject. No one
seemed to question the proprcty of determin
ing in secret session, by the treaty making
power, most important question, involving
considerations Of foreign influence on our do
mestic affairs, and the rights of the States.
At any time the Executive branch of the
Government may attempt acquisition of terri
tory, that shall agitato the Union to it, found
atoms, or tend to give an oycrpowcring inauenc,
to Class interest or it may SO entangle Tho
Government that war shall be necessary to SO
cure its rights and its honor.
Tho history of the acquisition of Florida
Louisiana and Texas; of the negotiations pre-
liminary to the Mexican war; of the manner
in which California and New Mexico were OBJ
tanned, and Of the whole course of our diploma
cy in relation to Cuba, demonstrates this
We regard, therefore, with jealous eye
these protracted sessions of the Senate after tn,
House has adjourned Presidents would con
suit the true interests of the Republic and the
rights Of the people, by seeking to abridge them
Let no temptation be presented for the assump
ton of powers which legitimately belong t.
the Federal Legislature.
And on this account we protest against the
rule of secrosy established by the Senate Mr.
Chase does well in renewing the attempt sc
often made by his predecessor to procure an
abrogation of this policy Secresy should be
tho exception, not the rule
The two classes of subjects acted upon in
secret session, are Nominations and Foreign
Relations.
In regard to nominations generally, we SET
no reason why the proceedings concerning
them should be conducted with closed doors
IL it be said that private character must some
times be subjected to severe scrutiny wo an