The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-07-22
The American Congress An Theory and
In Reslity-A Contrsst.

annual meeting of the representatives and ST.
majors OF the different States of the coufed~ra-
cy was provided for, it was naturally sup
posed that this Congress would be composed OF
the worth, the wisdom. the patriotism and the
Intelligence of the country. It was but reason
able to assume that, as q matter of State pride
alone, each State would be emulous to send to
this national convocstion men whose talents
and character wonld reflect histre upon her
and that thus the American Congress would be
IN the eyes of the world, worthy embodimeni
OF the virtue and Intelligence of the American
people. and one " the grandest evidences If
the principle on which our political fabric il
based--'he right and power of the people 20
govern themselves.
And for considerable time after the e,tab.
lishmert Of the government that theory of Con
gress was carried out in practice. The abe.t
and most reliable men were chosen in the seve-
raj States 10 represent them In the Senate aud
House of Representatives. and the Congress OF
those days was really the most imposing delibe-
rative assemblage in the world. Unfortunately
we have changed all that. and now the position
of representative in Congress has fallen Is
low almost IA that of q New York Alderman.
and few men who have refined tastes or mode
rately good abilities are to be found
ON the roll of members of Congress
Year after year this state of things hss been
growing worse Even the Southern States
that adhered longest to the idea Of being repre-
sented by their best men. have Of late years
been falling off in that regard; and DOW the
national House of Representatives is composed
for the most part Of pettifogging lawyers of the
smallest calibre. who have taken to politics for
the same reason that the stars have taken to
shining according to the song" because
they've nothing else to do In the Senate
matters are not much better. The new States
gard to their representation in Congress Poll
teal trickery is resorted to for the purpose OF
obtaining seats in the Senate. and then parti-
san majoriries are appealed to for the purpose
of retaining them.
The old fashioned idea of having the sove
reign States of the Union represented in the
national Congress by the brightest intellects
and purest characters of the country has
grown obsolete, IT, indeed. it is not entirely OBJ
liberated; and where here and there some men
are found in either house who do not come
fairly within the general category of worthless
ness, ii Seems to be rather the result of ohsuce
than Of any principle in the selection. Or
course there are some such exceptions, but
they are too few to change the general charac-
ter of the body.
1t ia not a matter of surprise, therefore, that
in ssemblages thus constituted-in assem-
blages where political tr,ckery and the cor
ruptions of primary elections stand in lieu of
merit and capacity-there would be scenes
enacted which put the principle of popular go
vernment to the severest test
How many such disgrsceful scenes occurred
during the last six months in the House of
Representatives at Washington They were
too numerous to remember. They were Of
almost daily occurrence. It seemed to be
matter of the merest good fortune or of Provi-
Dental interposition, that in the excitement
over the contest for the Speakership the
weapons Of caumny and abuse which were so
freely used we're not exchanged on the floor Of
the House for pistols and bowie knives. aud
that the torch was not then kindled which
would have assuredly set the whole conted-
eracy in blaze II was an understood thing
that members came to the House armed to the
teeth. expecting from hour to hour that Helper
ism quarrels would break out into sanguinary
encounters. On several occasions weapons II
not used, were exhibited. An honorable men,
Der from our own State. in the midst of a
violent alteration. exposed part Of his armory
by letting his pistol fall on the floor, and after
wards made ridiculous attempt to explain by
stating that he carried weapons for protection
against none Congressional marauders. Another
honorable member from Illinois provoked a
colleague Of his own by using opprobrious
epithets to him. and then. on u movement of the
assailed party toward him. coolly reached back
for the deadly weapon which lay on the sofa
beside him, ready to his hand.
And then who does not rccollect that day
when the floor Of the House was converted into
a bear garden, on the occasion of Lovejoy's
venomous TRADE against the South and her in
sides rushed down to the area and main aisle to
provoke mutual attack; when clenched fists aud
menaciny gestures were directed against oppo
sing forces; when the presiding officer. finding
himself unable to repress the tumult. vacated
the chair when the Sergeant Arms. with his
mace ofoG.r,. Vas forbidden to interfere between
the would-be cornbatants. and when such cpl
thets as "perjured villain" Lying scoundrel."
and damned niger thief" were literally inter
jected into the inaammatory harsngue which
Lovejoy persisted In making from his vantage
ground at the Clerks desk. Again, who will
ever forget the puppyish bravado Of that vir-
ginia sprig Of chivslry who was constantly, like
the pugnacious tailor at an Irish fair, dragging
bin coat after him and daring any one TO tread
on II. because be was "blue moulding for want
Of n batinY' He never allowed an occasion tn