The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-03-13
AN ELOQUENT EXTRACT.

We make the following extract from late
speech of senator Hunter, of Virginia. In speak
inc of the possibility Of the efforts of the Republ-
cans to overthrow the government proving success
full, he sad
Sir, in that event, the accusing voice of human
history will ring through all the ages to impeach
them at the bar of posterity for having destroyed
the noblest scheme of constitutional liberty which
the wisdom of man has ever devised, and upon
that fearful issue each of the succeeding genera
ons of men will record its verdict of guilty against
them Their own descendants will heap repreach-
es upon the names of those who disappoint them
of the destiny which would have been the richest
inheritance that one generation could bequeath
another. But when it is asked upon what view of
the constitution; upon what consideration of relig-
ion or philanthropy; upon what calculation of in
terest general or sectional the fatal deed done,
where will the satisfactory answer be found, and
who shall arise in that day to defend their name
from the foul reproach?
"Mr President, when think of what it is that
may be destroyed by this narrow spirit of sectian-
al hate and bgo:ry turn away from the contempla-
ton with feeling of almost indignant despair,
but | will not, as yet, despair of my country. |
will yet hope that the great army of Northern De-
mocras and conservatives will arise in the mi ght
of noble cause, and eXpel the intruders from the
seat of power | will trust in the influence of
truth, whose empire is felt in every human heart
when once it has touched it. | will put my faith
higher yet-in Providence, for it not be that
God will permit such a scheme OF government as
this, freighted as it might have been with the
highest hopes of humanity, to be wrecked in the
wild orgies of madmen and fanatics
THE AMERICAN CONGRESS AND TIE BRITISH
PARLIAMENT CoMPARED.-The London cores
pondent of the New York Herald draws the follow
ing contrast:
Parliament has been in full blast for some days,
and the British journalists are beginning to boast
that they have accomplished more in legislation in
weeks time, than the American Congress has in
two months. For one, | am inclined to think, on
considerable acquaintance with the two systems,
that the English mode Of forming a ministry is
superior to the American. Here Cabinet Minis
tiers are all members of one house or the other,
and can from their seats in Parliament explain,
advocate or defend measures brought toward by
either geat department or by the Government it
self. Then instead of a President of one party or
shade of politics, House of another, and perhaps,
Senate agreeing with neither, the position and
very existence of ministry depends on work
ing majority in the House of Commons. When
they cease to command such majority, instead of
remaining in a humiatng, impracticable position,
with the Legislative wheels blocked, they resign
the seals of Office into the hands of her Majesty
the Queen and new Cabinet is formed under a
different chief Then another popular feature is
this: As soon as a member of the House of Com
mons is appointed to position in the Cabinet, he
must return to his constituents and 90 through with
election to see if the people-the source of all
power-will confirm the appointment or choice of
the sovereign If he is not considered fit for the
dignity, and is not reelected, he is then
out of the Cabinet and out of the House also
The system certainly works tremendously, and is
we'll adapted to country like this. where power is
partly hereditary and partly elective. Lord Pal
merston at this time holds an office on an uncertain
tenure, his strength laying not much in the po-
pularity of himself aud his colleagues as the diff
fculty of finding any for Premier who will
command larger number of supporters.
Never say Of any one who is absent what you