Nebraska palladium. [volume] (Bellevieu City, Neb.) 1854-1855, 1855-04-04
The Doing, Of the Last Congress in a Nut
shell-Good and BAD.

1Nt NanNlNEioU NOlito pNilu'iN VI Wv
Philadelphia North American and U. S.
Gazette thus sums up the doings Of the
last Congress;
No Congress which has existed since
the first which assembled after the adop-
lion Of constitution has transacted a greater
amount Of business. None ever appro-
priated so large an amount Of money !
none ever created so many offices; none
other wan,only provoked and caused such
wide spread and ending popular agitation
none other did so much TO weaken conf
dencc in the government or 20 excite disaf-
lection toward the Union. 1t has been
the office and desire Of every Congress
which preceded it, TO remove causes Of
di sconient, TO compromise differences, 10
consolidate the Union. The thirly-third
Congress found peace and cordially exis-
ling between previously contending sec
lions. II Immediately addressed itself 10
tae task Of destroying compromises and
eompacts on which this peace and good
will rested, unl TO stirring up strife, h.
tired and contempt between divisions Of the
people previously pledged to tolerate hose
differences OF institutions and customs
distinguished their sections. 1t succeed
ed so well as to bequeath toits successors
dissensions which ,hcre is scarcely a hone
the present generation will live TO forget.
The thirty-third Congress was cursed
above all IT'S predecessors by ambitious
and incendiary dc~magogues, who control
its proceedings and gave character to lis
most important acts. Besides the mis-
chief which it accomplished, it attempted
a great deal in which it failed. Il des-
troyed the Missouri compromise, but !,
could not repeal the PROSTATE the features
Of the iron manufactures and wool grow
ers, It could not legislale wise and ven
cradle judges or the bench, it could no,
subject the judiciary Of the States 10 the
tyranny Of its will. The three several
acts in which tAere latter objects were
sought be effected failed, but rather for
the want Of time than from any returning
moderation OF sentiment or naging stretch
Of will.
The largest increase Of the army ever
made in time of peace was authorized by
this Congress. Two hundred new mill
iary officers were created four thousand
men were called into service, and three
millions of dollars were added to the per-
manent expenditures Of the department.
One of the most radically nischievous
measures Of the Congress was the bill dis
Iributing The public lands in the name OF
The old soldiers-an agrarian scheme, Of
which the full effect cannot be known
for years The Senate originated this
measure, which fact, considering the
conservative character Of that body, is al
most a guarantee that the bounty was in
tended as he iuitiavc Of a system for tho
speedy dispersion Of tie entire body o.,
the public lands.
But amidst tile vast mass of legislation
perfected, much good was done.
A Court Of Claims was established,
which provides justice for the public cred
itors, snd relieves Congress Of business
which consumes is time and corrupts It's
members. The diplomatic system wat
thoroughly reIormedi and its abuses cor
rected. The navy was recognized, its
imperfections were rene lied, and lis dis
cipIino reastablished. Commercial legjs-
lation was earnestly attended TO, many
important treaties were confirmed, and The
legislation necessary 10 give them effect
was adopted. Liberal appropriations
were made for public buildings al the
capital, and numerous edifces were au-
thorized 10 be constructed in other cities
for federal purpose. Provision was made
Tor supplying the capital with water
And above all, tho defenscs Of the coun-
try were justly aud eiTectually cared
for.
The neglected and diapidated fortif-
cations, which have been systematically
ignored by many preceding Congresses,
will be repaired, and the new works
whose foundations have been raised just
high enough TO mock at our imLeeiify.
will be carried for ward 10 completion.-
II the Union shall survive the effects Of
the agitation originating with the past
Congress, it will still deserve TO be honor
ably remembered for this necessary
protection against foreign enemies and
The dijesta menl6ra Of this now
happy and powerful confederaoy may at
some future day refer their security az.
ainSt invasion 10 the wise lberalily Of a