Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-12-01
TnIRTY-FouRTH CONGRESS-.

The hotel registers and the lists of arrivals
published in the city papers, show that a large
number of the members OF both Houses Of
Congress have reached our city. The hotels
swarm with them, and with numerous strangers
who usually follow in the wake of Congress.
As we showed in an article published in a late
number OF our paper, a large proportion of the
House Of Representatives is composed of new
members, who, it is ~presumable, have but little
acquaintance among themselves or among the
old members. The old members, possessed Of
Legislative experience, and informed as to the
forms Of proceeding and modes of manage
ment, will enjoy many advantages that the new
members will be deprived Of.
There is a great rush of political harpies
and mercenaries to The city. They are as
busy rs bees, and as troublesome as gnats.
One of the most oppressive penalties of great
ness consists in the i~ncessant applications for
influence and Office. The aunoyances to be
endured, and the burdens to be borne, by the
members Of a new Congress, especially during
the stages of organization, are of no light
q n SLipHS baSh " itpS, a TOUuSi
constitution, and an ipfinitude of patience are
required. The position of representative is no
enyiable position, however honorable, at the
opening of q new Congress. Scarcely a mo-
ment passes that either their tempers or their
compositions are not excited. The patience of
Job would almost have given way under the
infections they have to submit to.
In regard to the organization of the House
of Representatives, nobody can speak know
ingly, although many pretend to do so. But
that # will be organized speedily, despite the
wantofa party majority, among the three parties
of which it is composed, we are inclined to be-
lieve.
Notwithstanding the fact that there is an
opposition majority in the House, we have not
yet been able to convince ourselves that there
is any serious danger to be apprehended that
ruin will be brought upon the country, Men
in the conflict and excitement of our cleo
tioneering campaigns oftentimes make threats
that they never execute and indulge in ex-
travagances that they become ashamed of
when the period of calm, sober reflection comes.
More than this, there arefew who can bring
themselves altogether to disregard the s~anctity
Of an oath-and what oath is more sacred and
binding than that taken by the chosen repre-.
sentatiyes Of a free people to support the Con-
%stitution Of the country. Yet, after all, should
any, or many, be found TO disregard that solemn
oath, as We understand it, we have the tran
QUILTING assurance that il is not in the
power Of one branch Of our National Legisla-
ture to bring ruin, anarchy, and revolution
upon our country Happily for the cause Of
good government, for the Constitution under
which we live, and the tranquility and interests
Of the many millions Of our citizens, we have
a conservative Senate to look to. VIII lie the
House Of Representatives may he shaken by
appalling tempeSts, and torn by internal con-
WILSON'S, the, composition Of the Senate as
sures us that it will be undisturbed, unaffected,
and peaceful. 1t will stand up as a great pro.
tecting wall against the violence Of faction
and the tide Of fanaticism.
The impression prevails throughout the
country that the present session Of Congress
will be stormy in the extreme, and much
anxiety is felt in regard to its doiugs.
The people have committed great interests
to their representatives, in Congress-the pre-
s~ervation Of the Constitution. the prosperity Of a
common country, the protection Of the rights
Of the States and Of individuals. We hope
that our National Legislature will be mindful
Of its sacred duties, its great trusts, and its
high responsibilities.