The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-12-15
HON HENRY NJ PHILLIPS

We cut the following merited compliment from
the Philadelphia Atlas. Mr.. Phillips, during his
short career in Congress, has won the respect and
admiration of his constituents and the confidence Of
his associates in the body. Able discreet and
faithful he has discharged his duties with fidelity to
those he represents to the great cause of national
unity, which is so much endangered by the conduct
Of the sectionsts. The Atlas is quite right in all il
says touching his qualifications as representative
and the loss which his city and State have sustained
n his recent defeat
A COMPLIMENT AND LEssoN.--Hon. Henry NJ Phil.
lips has been appointed member Of the Committee OF
Ways and Means in the House Of Representatives at
Washington. 1t is well known fact that this commit
tee is the most important known to government All
pertaining to the and expenses of the
nation originate WITH and, to great extent are con
troed by it, 1t is the guardian of national credit
and the of national finances From this
it win be easily understood how important it is that none
but the best and most able in Congress should be
placed upon it.
The sentiment in favor of Mr. Phillips elevation to
this committee almost unanimous in Washington.
Members of Congress from all portions of the country
and representing every shade of political opinion united
in recommending him fit to the import
ant position and when the appointment announced
it was received with general favor Mr. Phillips ability
and correct knowledge In regard to the subjects to be
acted upon during the present important session adj
mitted all sides, and In consequence he met with
opposition.
These facts should teach the people of Philadelphia
and Of Pennsylvania lesson 1t has often been said
that the southern people possessed great advantage
those of the North because they kept their good
men in Congress when they got them there. Here
however is different aud the scramble for Office very
frequently results in the defeat Of able and tried states
man. and the elevation of some stick who has only
brains enough to present petition and faye
or no' when his name is called To such extent
has this suicidal policy been carried here that State
is often pointed at evidence of what party spleen
and prejudice accomplish In deterorang the char
acter Of the republic.
Mr. Phillips has served but session in Congress
and has gained national reputation He commands the
respect and confidence of all his compeers and yet
absurd side ssueof no consequence whatever to the in
terest or honor of peoplehe defeated last Octo
ber This defeat cannot njure Mr.. Phillips, but it can
and does operate very Dnrously against the good
and Judgment of citizens No one possessing ord-
nary intelligence, deny that if he had been continued
in the next Congress he would have been of the first
statesmen in our whole Union. How much such man,
possessing such reputation could have accomplished for
his constituents and his State, really be imagined
But the damning power of political bgoy accomplished
his overthrow and the evils resulting theefrom win
be realized Experience is hard task master, but its
lessons Of wisdom selb IN learned in vain.