Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-04-01
The Next Congress.

We observe that gentlemen, both in and out Of. the
House Of Representatives announcing themselves
candidates for che next House, from this State. Mr.
Chanbiss, Of the Norfolk District deEnes Ie-elec
zion but, We hope, viii be induced HCOnsider Li.
determination. EG-Gov. smith, Of the Fauquer Dis
triet has announced himself candidate for the Cover
norsaip and may be therefore considered our OF the
field for Congress. Mr. HOcombe, of Albemarle i! is
understood designs retiring from political life, after
brief bus highly credtable service With these e1cep-
tons lot yet advised of the purpose Of any in
cumbent retire. In several Of the Districts eompe-
ting candidates have declared themselves, and pro-
babe that in most or ali Of them there will be contest
As the law nov stands the election will be held on
:he fourth Thursday in May but it is unlikely that
Congress may pass aW, changing both the tiT e
aud The character Of the election. bill has beer re.
ported in the House Of Representative proydr for
an election whether in al the States oply in those
partially or wlony in the hands Of the ere nv. we are
no. sdvised by general ticket TVS -, old rav and
even in ordinary tines had is adysny yea. The idea
that member CT Congress represE is only = given
number Of counties, and the misf constituency they
contain IS alAey. lie represents the whole State, and
would eOmPOr' better with thu dignity and Influence
Of his position ,al lis coustss CIV SHOULD De ~ broad
- his commission aud his held Of service.
The modern practice Of parceliing ont the rep
resentaton among the coau es OF the develop
Insnts Of that evil tendeuc towards radical Democracy,
hich the Uli'ed STATES Governments manifested at an
early day. and KEEP, on IA, I'll It reached the natural end
Of such eourse-D9spotisn. Bui, without discussing
the intrinsic worth the general ticket system, we do
not see how rerr % that plan can be avoided
In nearly an ths Sates OF the Districts are in the
possession o. Fle enemy Ia this State, for example of
che sixteen Districts either entirely or measure
hY Ocsup,s by them In Tennessee Mississippi and Lou.
-4u1 Is /, as bal or Shall the representation
Of 6e numerous districts be let to tue contingencies
AMI al,nces thai may control the votes OF a few scat
tired refugees We hope not. We desire rot to see
ANY gentleman presenting himself OC in the next
House Of Representatives vita credentials begglrly
as only a score OF two Of votes We hope the broad
zeal of no State may be used to cover Transaction
having 50 much the appearance Of farce. There are
members Of the present House whose poll books show
less than huaired woes, and most Of these it is said
would not bear scrutiny. There be no necessity
for allowing this be repeated and without necessity
il ; in4uffsrable. We 90, therefore, tyr general
t.eket
What plan thought Of to NEE, the cases of Missouri
AID Kentucky, ne have not beA'4 No election eau be
he'd in either Sla,s unless affair, change Would it be
competent to sathor.zs polls to be opened in other
States for MssOuraus aud Keutuckianss Ia regard
the State first uAnsd too. there il this anomaly the
present Representatives, who chosen BY the Lsgis
ature we're authorized 70 until the condition Of the
State admitted Of polls being opened all the districts,
AID successors bgog chosen. But the constitution Of
the Confederate States co- the tern Of member at
at the end Of two wears Can it be con iercd that the
Representative trust nov held 81 the Delegation from
Missouri aud which viii be eKtingushed b. the Consti
tuition on the ed Of February, ia afterwards
7ved By the continuing and une1Pired vitality OF the
legislative act BY which they hold their ssa.s2 The
question Is novel and interesting one but not st pres
snt sailing for an answer.