The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-12-01
The EOrtv.third Congress.


At noon to-day the Forty-third Congress
will begin its first session. since 1901, every
Congress has had its momentoas questions
to solve, but no National Legislature which
has assembled during that period, has been
called TO consider more important subjects
than those which will press themselves upon
the attention of the Congress that meets to-
day. Months ago the importance that the
TRANSFORMATION question was assuming indi-
Gated that as the leading topic for considera-
ton. Since that time, however, the financia
panic has suddenly spread from New York
over the country casting threatening gloom
over all its varied enterprises and has sup
planted the transportation problem by that
which is of greater importance-the restora-
ton of the finances of the country to sound
basis. A few days since, the Virginius affair
promised to take precedence over both of the
above subjects; but later advices warrant the
conclusion that this difficulty which once
foreboded war, will be adjusted by the assent
of Spain to every demand made by our Gov
ernm, mt. However, there will doubtless be
some questions growing out of this matter
that will REQUIRE careful attention and patient
consideration. Either of these questions are
of sufficient Importance to give unusual inter
est to the session, but combined, without 9th
err exciting topics, they render the coming ses-
sion of special moment. Never before were
the prosperity and progress OF the nation, and
we may add. its honor to so great an extent in
the hands OF Congress as at the present time.
At first sight it would seem very unfortunate
that the Forty-third Congress should have so
large number of new men and that men OF
ripe experience and proved ability like Messrs.
Lynch and Peters OF Maine, Bingham, Shell
labarger, Amber, Wilson OF Ohio, Ketchum
of New York, Hill Of New Jersey and Blair OF
Michigan on the Republican side and Messrs.
Slocum of New York, Morgan of Ohio and
Messrs. VOORHEES, and Knox of Indiana of the
Democracy, Messrs. Banks and Farnsworth
who belong to no party, are not included III
the present House. At best it will take time
to determine the character and ability of the
new members, and still more time for them to
learn the duties to which the old members
were accustomed.
The responsibility of the Republican MEM
bers is greatly increased by the fact that
the political character of the present Con
gress, as compared with the last, is largely
in their favor. In the last Congress, the Re
publicans had 81 majority in the Senate ano
40 in tho House, whereas they now have SO
in the Senate and 105 in the House. This
great preponderanee makes them entirely
responsible for the legislation of the session.
Whatever of success they attain cannot be
wrested from them. 1t is equally true that
they cannot escape the censure which will
surely follow the slightest malfeasance.
The representatives of a party never had
a grander opportunity to vindicate their
claims to the confidence of an intelligent
people. Never before have the same
number of men had. the destiny of
great national party so completely in
their hands. Republicans in Congress
must be aware that the eyes of the nation are
upon them and it will not overlook bad legis-
lation. In the recent elections they have had
ample warning that the folly of the last act OF
the last Congress must not be repeated. On
the other hand, if the Republicans desire to
retain public confidence they must take i'm
mediate action to remedy the mistakes OF
last year.