National Republican., 1873-04-25
A nan aIGN.

With number Of other journals, more or
less fearful Of the tendency Of sectional po-
litIcal teachings, we enter our objection to
the proposed meeting and subsequent jour
uey Of Mississippi valley Senators and Con
grcssmen, to bc held at 81. Louis on the 18th
pro1imo. On the 10Th instant, at q largely
attended meeting Of the merchants, bankers
and real estate owners OF that city, for the
further consideration Of the question Of hold
Ing convention Of Western and Southern
Congressmen, a report Of the committee ap-
pointed at the previous meeting was sub
mitted and unanimously adopted. From this
report 1t appears that the mayor and num-
eipal officers Of 81. Louis, as well as many OF
Its prominent citizens, were consulted. They
all fully agreed that great benefits would ac-
crue TO the entire country from an inter
change Of views and q full appreciation Of
the wants Of the great Wost and Mississippi
valley by members Of Congress, through an
informal meeting at the Mound City, and an
excursion thereform by the newly-opcned
railway, through the Indian Territory and
Texas, to the Gulf Of Mexico.
OF cours this meeting and this trip have
an excellent object-the advancement Of the
commercial and agricultural Interests Of
the country" but particularly the advance
mont Of these interests as belonging to q sec
ton. Now, the advancement Of sectional
interests by national representatives Is not
Objectionable, provided they arc advanced in
tho usual and proper manner-inside the
halls Of Congress, under Its rules and
through It's media. This meeting and this
rip by members Of tho National LeRisla-
ture, Us proposed, being outside OF the
usual and legal manner, Is therefore highly
Objectionable. Occupying, as this city docs,
really neutral position In such matters, the
charge Of prejudice against any section can
scarcely be brought against II, or again st It,
leading journal, when the latter refuses to
agree that II Is for the interests OF the Who'll,
country that such q movement as tn,
one proposed should not bo consum
mated. We have no doubt ther,
Is great deal Of pleasure In store TO
the Congressional eIcurslonists; indeed, It /
now certain that the hospitality Of St. Louis
In the shape Of a reception and banquet,
10 be thrust upon them, and Of course the.
will be more or lees wincd and dined at tn
stopping places on the line Of travel. Be
sides, the average Congressman needs and en-
Joys pleasure, as he gets little OF It, and
certainly stands In great need Of that intoll
gence and information which travel so Otto
brings. As means Of recreation aud i'm
provement this trip will be Of immense adyan
tagc 10 the average excursionist; but jul
there, as we before remarked, Its utility end
aAd Just here its Questionable feature begin
10 be seen. Let merchants, and bankers, an
mechanics, and any other class Of worker
Of any section, make these trips and hol
these meetings, but not Congressmen q
Congressman. They have no real right I
cayor through and around 0 particular SCI
ton, to dash through this State and acros
that one, and then TO meet In solemn con
Claye for such apurpose as the one suggested
they have no right, nor is 1t wise in them
do this Us representatives, because they AZ
not the representatives Of States as parts
section, and because they are tho repr'
sentatiyes OF States as parts OF one gran
WHOLESALERS reunited, re-cstAblished an
forever one and lnSeparable! II Congress
man has proper sense Of duty Ii 10 OF dut
To the whole country so that when HdtIon'
Legislators get together In sections TO tray'
aud stop aud examine, 10 meet and pl'
and scheme for their own eoteno
constituencies, II Is about time thI
they should be called upon to stop and col
aider Consider what they may ask. Jul
this; That II this particular set de It, 80 mui
soma others to defeat the Selsmss they WI
hatch at BL Louis, and that II these "inte
ests Of the country" can DO lot'hed aiiT