National Republican., 1874-05-16

bucy GeaCn, anu not D6CauSe Ol tu6 great
reputation of this, that or the other popular
writer who is supposed to contribute arti-
cles to their columns. The day is rapidly
approaching when personal journalism will
die out and be forgotten. 1t is only kept
alive now by q sort of mutual admiration
circle. which will soon disappear
A WESTERN JOURNAL gives some sensible
advice TO Western constituencies in regard to
the forthcoming elections for Congress. The
policy of the South before the war and of New
England ct the present time should, in the
opinion Of our cotemporsry. be initiated by the
West, namsly, that of retaining In Congress
true and tried men, in order that the expe-
rience and prestige they have acquired may be
available in influencing legislation, and in pro-
tecting the interests of that section. sfFew
people are aware of tho great advantages which
long experience confers Upon Representative
in either branch Of Congress, but more espc.
cially upon members of the popular branch
1t compensates in great degree for superior
ability. In fact, man with fair capacity in
the business affairs of life becomes, in the
course Of eight or len years of continuous ser
vice in Congress, efficient and influential. No
matter what his rank, position or talent, as
recognized at home, he is able during his flrss
term to exercise but very moderate influence :.
1t is of little avail to carry great name from
his State, and seek upon the strength Of that
to become leader in that body. He soon
learns that the Cesar of an Alpine village
lacks very much of being the dictator of the
House. He must begin at the foot Of the lad
der and come up slowly, and will be tolerated
in no other course. More than one worthy
but too ambitious gentleman has learned the
truth of these statements during the present
session, and in way in which he had much
rather not have been instructed. Every new
member realizes that species of tyranny ex-
lists in the House which circumscribes his ef-
forts and keeps him under. The first event
which brings him anything like cordial recog
milton is q reelection. A third election places
him in a fair position, aBd further contlnu-
ance of popular confidence renders him in
fuential and gives his voice its weight In the
councils of the nation. How wise, then, the
course OF the East in returning its old and
faithful servants, and how short-sighted in the
West to discard them at such short intervals
as to send them back irto private life having
accomplished comparatively nothing. The
great element of usefulness is knowledge in
detail of all the minutie Of legislation. To
acquire this here is the work of years-no mat
ter what the members talent or previous cul-
ture may have been"
Our cotemporary is, in the main. correct, al
though we think It might have argued the
question from higher standpoint The ceun-
try suffers more from ignorant legislation and
legislators every year than from, oil other
causes put together, and any change by which
the retention of really valuable menin Con-
gress could be accomplished would be of incal-
cuiabIe benefit. New members are, as gen.
eraI thing, more troubled about their pssticu-
lar little patch at home than they are about
the country at large, and spend half their time
in devisiny ways and means to please and mako
animpression' upon the constituencies who 'ex-
pect of them extraordinary and impossible
things almost before they have taken their seats.