The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1870-03-05
The Senate.

There never has been so much average
talent in the United Sattes Senate as there
is to-day. No one rises head and Shout
ders above all his associates as in the days
Of Clay and Webster. Each man is capa-
bic of standing his ground and representing
his State. Yet there are some very scllol-
arly and brilliant men in the Senate. whose
ability in debate and eloquence in decla-
nation do honor to our advanced age
The discussion on the admission of Misss
sippi was exceedingly able and exciting
Argument, wit, humor, repartee, bad
blood, and bitter personalities character
lied the debate. The spirit with which
Mississippi went out strove hard to attend
her coming in. The Republican Senators
divided as to imposing new conditions pre-
cedcnt to admission.
Messrs. Sumner and Morton entertain
little faith in the oaths or promises of those
lately in rebellion, and hence they advo-
cate the doctrine that Congress has the
right to demand such pledges as frsm time
to time is thought judlcious. On the other
side, Mcssrs. Carpenter and Trumbull have
stood shoulder to shoulder, and have dis
played great skill and energy in tile dis
cussion. PROFESSIONALLY, the Republican
senators hold different opinions as to the
powers of Congress over the reconstructed
States theira omission. 1t is the opia-
ion of Senator Carpenter that after one of
these States is admitted, Congress has no
more right to impose new conditions there
on than to impose the same OH New York.
Some say that this is Democratic doctrine;
but Mr.. Carpenter is far from being a Dem
ociat Occupying the opposite extreme,
Senator Morton holds that the power to
create implies the right to preserve, and,
under the circumstances, also the duty
| lie is censurea as an extremist. but there
is no soundcr statesman in the United
States Senate than he. His pale, calm,
/ thoughtful face indicates the wisdom of the
sage, rather than the immaturiiy of the
enthusiast. His mental grasp reminds you
of that of Webster, and his ponderous sen
fences cmbody thoughts as deep us they are
! clear. Yet it is L matt er of sincere regret
that there should he Il shadow of division
among those who lave stood SO nobly and
firmly through the dark days of the rebel
lion. New issues are being developed,
which will require all the strength and an
Gent power of the true Union men. Some
of them fersee the evil coming, and arc
calmly waiting the crisis: and when that
crisis shall have come, they will he found
at thcr posts.
What have said in regard to the aver
age intellect of the Senate may also lie SAID
AS to the morals of the members of tina,
honorable body. There arc now more pro
fessed Christians therein than at any pre-
vious inc, and the customary dccorum o.
the body is proof of the great moral change
which has taken place within Il few years
Doubtless the Senate is not perfect in nor
ais, but the contrast with former times i:
at once our pride and joy. AS the presid
ing officer of this venerable body, Mr.. Col
fax is recognized as the ardent advocate o
temperance, and the devoted Christian
whose life is a light to the nation, an'
whose influence is potent for good over thes'
with whom lie daily associates. And there
are not few in the Senate whose devotion
to God is equalled only by their devotion
to the country. Encouraged by such l.;
fact. the Church should not cease her pray
ers for our public men, that upon then
God may pour the spirit of his grace, Il
preserve from evil and inspire to pur'
and uoble life.-C0r. of Methodist.