Washington sentinel., 1854-07-19
NEW AND OLD MEMBERS OF CON-
GREsg--ROTATION

A few days ago we offered some remarks
with the view and purpose of showing the i'm
policy of making rotation the rule in congress,
sional elections. The more we reflect on the
subject the stronger becomes our conviction
that the principle of rotation in Office, as ap-
piled to members of Congress, is not only inju-
dicious, but hurtful. 1t is a true principle as
applied to many offices, the duties of which
can, in short time if not at first, be as well
discharged by new as old officers. In a popu-
lar government, where due regard for the
public interests will consist with judicious
change of officers, it is certainly wise and well,
instead of permitting a monopoly of public
Offices to few to distribute them from time
to time among the many.
One thing should be borne in mind, and
that is, that Offices are created, not for individ
uals, but for public convenience. Now, does
it answer the purposes of public convenience,
utility, and necessity, to send new members
every session to Congress? We think it does
not.
No man who has any knowledge of public
affairs can fail to perceive the advantages Of
experience over inexperience in the national
legislature A man Of ordinary mind, who, in
consequence of long service, has acquired a
knowledge of the complicated science Of par
liamentary law, and of the routine of business
is an over match for the new member, however
great his genius. The new member is EN-
barrassed at every step. He is either timio
and fearful, or bold and uncalculating. If th,
former, he is under constant restraint; if tb,
latter, he plunges headlong into error. Either
course must of necessity be hurtful to the inte-
rests of his constituents.
Again: A new member, who has reason to
fear that he will not be returned, is all the tim
thinking Of securing his reelection, rather thar
Of the interests of the country. If he makes Q
speech, ten to one it is speech for Buncombe-
an electioneering speech, instead of well-pre
pared, learned, statesmanlike effort to advance
the public interests.
Again: The new member is far more liable
TO be imposed on by spectators out of Con
gress, and adroit managers in Congress, thai
an experienced member.
Nor can new member have that acquaint
ance with, or influence over, the members Of
the body to which he belongs, that old mem
bers have acquired. If he has measure to
propose, in which his constituents are interest
ed, and which oAentimes depends in great
measure, sometimes altogether, on personal
acquaintance and influence, he is helpless and
inefficient. Moreover, he does not understand
the forms Of proceeding even in the most ordi
nary matters Of business
But the great reason is this-a statesman
cannot be made in one year or two years
He must be schooled to craftsmanship. Lee
the rule be- that oil members of Congress
who have proved themselves honest faithful
industrious, and capable, shall be returned
let it be understood that they have pros
pect before them, chance Of achieving
distinction and making themselves useful
Then, instead of wasting their time in max
ing electioneering speeches, franking use
less papers, or writing electioneering letters
home, to secure their reelection, they woult
study diligently to make themselves acquaintet
with public affairs and become statesmen in
stead Of polite actors. They would also becom
familiarized with the modes Of doing bushes
in all the departments, bureaus and Offices o
the government. Above all, their experienc
and their accomplishments would invest then
with dignity, an importance and an influence
that would not only be honorable to themselve
but would reflect lustre on their constituents
Calhoun, Clay, and Webster would never hav
become eminent American statesmen, If thei
public service had been limited TO one sessio
Of Congress.
The post Of Senator or Congressman is yer
desirable, for Il is post Of great honor. Their