The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1870-04-29
The Previous Question In CoDgress-Its
History.

Nothing marks the political degen-
eracy of the times more than the fire.
quency with which the previous CUES.
ton is called for in the Congress of
the United States, and one-hour rale
enforced, to shut off debate This is
done on the most impor-
tant subjects. Even the amendments
to the Constitution of the United
States-amendments changing its ma
ture and character, and virtually SUBJ
verting the Government-have been
carried by the operation of the pre-
vious question A gag has been put
into the mouths of members. In the
earlier days of the republic this was
not so. There were no restriction as
to the length of speeches until the
reckless Wing Congress assembled in
extra session under the call of Gen.
Harrison, i'm 1S4l. twas then passed
in order to thrust upon the people all
the old Federal and semi-monarchi-
cal measures. such as the National
Bank, high tariff, distribution of the
proceeds of the public lands among
the States, and the assumption of the
debt of the States by the general Gov
eminent. Unable to endure the ea-
ects ola discussion, the only thing
was to shut off and prevent its recur-
renee. But it Was only introduced
into the House. The Senate did not,
and to this day has never adopted it.
As to the previous question, it was
not made rule in the House until
1911 more than twenty years after
formation of the Government. 1t
was then adopted in order to check
the long and interminable speeches of
one Gardiner, of New York. But so
sparingly was it used that there are
only four instances of its being called
between 1911 and 1923, period of
seventeen years. From that time it
became more frequent, but the abuses
of it were not prominent until the in
stitution of the Republican regime,
who call for it on all occasions. In
the British House of Commons the
rule exists, but there has been nc in
|astancc of its enforcement for hum
dred years. I'm the House of Peers il
is unknown.
In 1S4l, when the House rule to
limit debate was first passed, Mr.. Clay
threatened to bring itinto the Senate.
He was told by the Democratic mi.
nority-by John c. Calhoun, Col
Benton. Col. King, of Alabama, DIR
Linn, of Missouri, and others, that
both that and the previous question
would be resisted, not only i'm the in.
PRODUCTION, but i'm the enforcement
I'm other words, that they would
physically resist, and frequent scene:
of violence upon the floor of the Sen.
ate would occur. Before this intrep.
id determination even the imperiou:
temper and iron will ofMr. Clay gave
way, and, despite his declaration, he
never took any steps to enforce it. II
was at this time Mr. Calhoun made
use of the celebrated expression, thai
those who were crying action. ac.
ton" meant '.plunder. plunder-
The session of 1S41 to which We
have alluded, shows what can be done
in the influence of legislation by an
able and fearless minority. Its pro.
ceedings are worthy of being studied
and initiated by the Democratic mi
nority i'm the present Congress In
1871 no long and elaborate speeches
were made against the system of Fed
eral measures then being pressed.
But caucus of the Democratic mi
nority was held nightly, and amend
ments agreed upon that went to the
gist and substance of the questions
involved. Upon these amendments
short and practical speeches were de-
delivered. When they were dispos-
ed of, others were offered, and the
majority was kept constantly upon
the defensive. Under this process
the hold of tina majority upon public
sentiment gradually gave way, so
that it only required veto or two of
the acting President, Mr.. Tyler, to
produce an explosion and destroy the
adhesiveness of the ruling party =
Cincinnati Enquirer.