The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-04-16
rho nort Isehs, Congra.

The rebels seem to be bothered about
getting a full representation in their
next Congress from several States. The
Richmond Whigsays: 4. 1901 F.l.
As the law now stands, the election
would be hold on the fourth Thursday in
Nav, but it is not unlikely that Congress
may pass a law changing both the time
and the character of the election. A bill
has been reported in the House of Rep
ressntatives, providing for an election
(whether in all tho States, or only in
those partially or wholly in the hands OF
the enemy, we are not advised) by the
general ticket. This is the old way, and
even in ordinary times, had its advanta-
ees. The idea that a member of Con.
gress represents only a given number of
counties, and the limited constituency
they contain, is a fallaey. He repre-
sents the whole State, and il would COM
port better with the dignity aud iniu-
ence OF his position that his constituency
should be as broad as his commission
and his field Of service. e-ea
The more modern practice of parcell-
ing out tue representation among the
counties was one of the developments of
that evil tendency toward radical Demo.
cracy which the United States Govern
Inent manifested at an early day, and kept
on until it reached the natural end Of
such a course-despotism But, without
discussing the intrinsic worth OF the
general ticket system, we do not see
how a resort to that plan can now be
avoided. In nearly all the States some
of the districts are in the possession of
the enemy. In this State for example,
of the sixteen districts, ten are either en-
tirely or measurably occupied by them.
In Tennessee, Mississippi, or Louisiana,
il is as bad or worse.
Shall the representation of these num-
erous districts be left TO the contingencies
aud influences that may control the votes
Of a few scattered refugees ? We hope
not. We desire not 20 see any gentle-
man presenting himself for a seatin the
next House of Representatives with Gre
dentials so beggarly as only a score or
two Of votes. We hope the broad seal OF
no State may be used TO cover q transac-
ton having so much the appearance Of a
farce. There are members of the present
House whose poll books show less than
a hundred votes, aud most of these, II il
said, would not bear scrutiny. Thsre
can be no necessity for allowing this TO
be repeated, and, without necessity, il ia
insufIerable. We so, therefore, for q
general ticket,
What plan is thought Of 70 meet the
cases of Missouri and Kentucky we have
not heard. No election can be held in
either State unless affairs change, Would
IL he competent TO authorize polls 10 be
opened in other States for Missourians
and Kentuckians? In regard to the State
first named, too, there is this anomaly
the present Representatives, who were
chosen by the Legislature, were author
ised TO serve until the condition of the
State admitted of polls beiog opened In
all the districts, and successors being
chosen. But the Constitution of the
Confederate States closes the term of a
member at the end OF two years. Can II
be considered that the Representative
trust now held by the delegation from
Missouri, and which viii be %extinguish-
ed by the Constitution on the 22d of next
February, is afterwArd revived by tbs
continuing aHd u~nexpired vitality Of the
Legis alive act by which they now hold
seats? The question is a novel and in
teresting one, bat not at present calling
for an answer,
We suggest that Mrs. JEFF DAVIS, or hel
husband, be allowed to appoint the whole
Congress. 1t would do as well as al
election.