Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-12-18


were taken for Speaker, but with no definite
result.
THE OPPOSITION PRESS AND THE
DEMOCRACY OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES,.
The Press, both at the North and the South,
has been signally fruitful of commentaries up
on the course of the several political parties in
the House of Representatives, in regard to the
organization Of that body. Many of the news
papers have published labored articles to prove
that the responsibility of not organizing, at
taches to the Democratic party, and they have
accordingly denounced that party in terms of
unusual asperity. Such responsibility the
Democratic party is always willing to take
when it throws itselfin the breach TO maintain
order against anarchy, and the Constitution
against fanaticism. What the denunciatons
to which allude may precisely mean, we can
not understand, especially when they emanate,
as frequently they have emanated, from South
'ern sources. Is it inter ded to condemn the
Democracy Of the House OF Representatives
because they refuse to coalesce with the Freesoil
party, and thus prevent that party from electing
Speaker? Ifso, then, indeed, have things come
to pretty passl Then, indeed, is opposition
inconsistency rendered not only glazing and
palpable, but dangerous and appalling. We
think that we may take The liberty of say
ing for the united National Democracy Of the
House, that if this is the sin intended to be
charged upon them, they are most willing to
meet all its responsibilities and suffer all its
penalties.
Or can it mean this That the Democrats of
the House in maintaining their ranks unbroken,
and in refusing to go over horse, foot, and dra-
goons to the Northern Know-nothings, who,
with Freesolism as the Freesoilers themselves,
are committing great and grievous sin, for
which they merit hot condemnation and a
crushing punishment? If so, then is this as
unreasonable as the other is absurd.
Perhaps, though, another thing is intended.
1t may be that they are denounced for not
breaking up their organization and uniting
themselves to the Southern Know nothings and
the few Northern members of that order who
hold conservative opinions. Ii that is meant,
then is it quite as unreasonable as either of the
former hypothesis. Why should the Demo.
Gratis surrender and submit themselves 10 a
party which is far smaller in numbers and
give to il the organization Of the House If
this is sufficiently distinct concurrence Of
opinion between them in regard to the cues.
ton Of slavery and the doctrine OF State rights
and State equality, to warrant cooperation,
then, indeed, would il be more reasonable that
larger number the few to the greater and unite
in effecting good, sound, satisfactory organ
ization.
But our chief object at present is TO notice
several articles which are contained in late
issues Of the Richmond Wing, and which
ridicule the idea that the Democratic party in
the House Of Representatives is national and
united party. The Wing represents the Democ
racy as split and divided. 1t assumes that
there are eighty Democratic members Of the
House, which is incorrect. 1t also charges
"that only about fifty members attended the
Democratic caucus" and asks "who and what
are those thirty who we're absent from the
caucus"
We know full well that the Richmond Wing
would not willingly make any incorrect state
ment, and that il will cheerfully make proper
corrections when satisfied that it has been be-
trayed into error We will, therefore, pro.
coed very briefly to present true statement
Of the matters 10 issue.
The whole Democratic strength has been
cast for the Democratic candidate for the
Speakership. There has been no division in
the ranks Of the Democracy in reference TO
that election. We know Of but two single
gentlemen in regard to whose party positions
there can be any doubt. Ts there are any
others we cannot recall them TO mind. One ia
Mr.. Wheeler, Of New York, who professed 10
belong TO the National Democracy Of New
York. but who voted against the Nebraska
Kansas bill, and who was reelected 10 the |
present Congress by the Freesoilers and Know. |
nothings--Horace Greedy standing sponsor for |
him in hisre-election. We are informed thatMr..
'hSSiti 70 ~ mthbri VI hhON+UOlnlnX
party. If so, Mr.. Wheeler has no claim to the
name Of Democrat He renowned that name
when he took his new name. He refused at the |
last session, to act with the Democracy on the
Nebraska Kansas bill and he refuses at this
session to unite with them in the organization
OF the House.
The other gentleman to whom we have re.