The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-01-04
Washington Correspondent Of the New
York Independent.

eNh benlus " StaNefg lnust OS NV "nu ioHS"t VI
its power controls the House and the Legislation
OF the country for this session.
In looking down upon the door OF the HOUSE
day after day as the clerk calls for the response o.
each member in alphabetical order, you are i'm
pressed with the magnitude OF the interests Al
stake not the mere man, come he from any quar-
ter Of our Union, bu, the principles which are &c
inaugura,e new era in our federal legislation
The administration, under the leadership OF Rich
ardson, entered the nng, threw Down the gauntlet
Of def ancc, and made Proclamation by resolution
that they were the black knights OF slavery prop
agandism. With spirit Of concentration worthy
Of a better cause, they presen, an unbroken mont
fun seyeniy.iour strong on each call The liberty
men Of the House have taken up the COVE, have
accepted the issue, aud each rOll-cill day after
day dnds one hundred and i've responses that
strike the eur like bugle notes Of defiance. The
hone Of liberty, the liberties Of our whole-ouT
common country, the staying Of the dark wave
tina, !. rolling in upon territories to scar, with
CT and curse them forever, rests in the responses
OF these men.
W1y do tIsy mol Organiser Because there is
a lack OF just sz Of such met to constitute a
majority in the House. That is the answer in a
nut she'll But In order that your reader may un'
dersiand the real state Of things, will explain
There are hrss parties in this combat. lst. The
Nebraska administration party OF seven'yiour'
and it, RICH, column Of supporters, the Southern
=" Americans." 2nd The guard OF liberty, one
bundled and Eve strong, concentrated upon Mr.
Banks; aud 81. From ten 10 fifteen who profess
rdly take neutral ground, and scatter their votes
These are the men OF Succoth who refuse bread II
this struggle. Their profession OF political iai't
il -non.interieIence-.e Slavery remain
as IL Is. Shutting their eyes TO the fact that sla
very Is aggressive in lis very nature, that 1t mus
extend or die, willfuly iSnoran, OF historical
ruth, rha, the nature of slavery Is always 10 dc
maud and never to yield, these men sing the lul
Iaby Of let /, alone and vote for "Nor'herr
man with Southern principles We shall see
whether in this closest battle OF all, slavery vii
yet gain the mastery.
II is asked farther, VIZ as tie SpsGGsr'hif
made the test quSsiiOn' Because the Speaker o.
the House has the appointment Of the Committees
and can form them Of men favorable OF adverse
10 the spiri, OF liberty. lmPor,an, committees
who control aud give character TO the Legislation
Of the House receive their complexion at hi'
hands. IL the committees are against Us, The
North and West are reiiered, and, Sampson Ike
their strength will only be used To grind in tn
mills Of the Phils,nes. l. may no, have beer
noticed by some readers, that the universal ruiz
1 or Law M ~ legislative bodies has for The pas
G.y, ,sa,s h..r = aside in obedience TO the dc
mand of the slave prOpa.S Sndi''s' Yet such
the fact. sllude TO that who 'o"'e ruiz VI ~
pointing as chairman OF commille, VIC prs
who presents petition or resolution, and A' ~
appointment OF committee upon Il. 1t is :.
prevailing custom among all legislative bodies
thus to do, and custom has made il law. Is Sc
cures 10 the petition fair and honest hearing
and report, But i, iniericred with slavery, and
this barrier TO its unlrammeled swaw had to come
Iowu. The socalled right Of petition Is as great
a farce rs heavens sunlight ever looked upon.
Minglng, as I 10, with the members Of the
House Ia sort Of privileged (rend) am more and
more forced to the conclusion, tina, sea, in that
body is no sinecure-no couch Of roses, for thi,
Congress at least. II the men who tear God and
hate oppression and robbery who are now impa
ient at this delay Of organization, could but s,eF
into the gallery for the brief space Of two roll
calls, they would send up the prayer, God save
my country, and bless the souls Of these, the tiret
and the ,rue!"