The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-01-09

The House of Representatives still remains in
the abnormal condition from which it has been
endeavoring for five weeks to extricate itself
When it will succeed in electing Speaker no
one can say. 1t may at any moment effect an
organization, or it may remain for five or ten
weeks more in its present state of chaotic confusion
The causes which have obstructed its action here
tofore are such that it is impossible to specu-
late about the probability of their cessation or
continuance. To mere partisan obstinacy alone
the state of things in the House is attributable,
and when this has been carried TO such an extent
as now, it becomes difficult to deal with than
any other impeachment that can interfere with the
course of business Principles can be compro-
missed, and measures modified, but faction which
is always moved by. impulse and is apt TO dsre-
gard consequences, and care little about proper or
prudent considerations Thus the business of the
nation is at a stand-still, simply because a
small political body, which has no claim on ac-
count of its numbers or Importance to control the
legislation of the country, has taken advantage of
its accidental position to derange the operations
OF the Government until it can obtain for itself
unwarrantable concessions. The proposition that
one OF the two large parties, which comprise near
ly nine-tenths of the House shall yield to the die
tation of meagre combination which holds the
balance of power, is so preposerous that no pro-
testations the part of the latter of disposition
TO act with common fairness can relieve its sup
porters from the responsibility and odium they
have incurred. The proceedings of the American
and Anti-Lecompton members are utterly repug-
nant TO onr republican theories and TO the
honorable practice of parliamentary bodies. If
twenty members are justified in retardng the or
ganization of the House. why may not three be
at liberty to do it? But will any reasonable
man contend that such a handful of stragglers
could rightfuly keep hundred Democrats, on the
one side, and similar number of Republicans on
the other, from taking single step until these con-
scented to vote for the candidate of the dsinterested
trio? The ground taken by the small minority in
question, is practically the as that which has
been more than once acted on elsewhere when the
secession of portion of a legislative body has left
it without quorum. The majority has clear
right to demand that no irrational opposition shall
be thrown in its way If there were but two par
ties conending for the Speakership, the Democrats
would be grossly culpable if they suspended by
absolutely futile motions and ceaseless speeches,
the action of their opponents, and in the present
situation of affairs the American and anti-Lecomp-
ton segment OF the House is utterly without excuse
for its position. The legitimate use of the balance
of power which it holds will enable it to decide ne
between the other parties, every political issue that
is presented, and it thus yields far more Influence
than it is, from It's own strength entitled to =
With this, it ought 10 be satisfied 1t is absurd TO
suppose that a tenth part of an assembly should be
permitted, not only 10 decide the rejection or
adoption of every measure originated by Others.
but also be allowed to insist that its own views
shall be submitted TO before it will consent that
any legislation shall be had. If such preensons
as little knot of Representatives have now set up
In Washington are assented 10, all future Con-
crosses and Legislatures are liable to he made at
any time, the victims of Inscriptions political
combinations. One side or the other must now
give waS' II any business is 10 be transacted dur
ing tue session, and ii does not seem to be a sub
Jeet for much dispate among dispassiouate peonle
as to which should be the first to WELD Mean
while, the country is waiting very natentlv tho
issue ofevents. The agitation to which the dis.
cussion Of the slavery question gave rise is randlv