Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-02-21
WAYS OF OUR FATHERS.
Early Congressional CustOmS-SOne
PecuIiariGies of 'sthe Better Days Of
the Republic.

Ihe Republic
When the present government was first
organized under the constitution in New
ork. in 1879, il was customary fOy the
Senate 10 sit with closed doors in all cases,
executive and legislative. This practice
was continued till the 10Th of February,
1874, when the famous contested election
of Albert Gallatin was under discussion.
II WAS then directed, by a vote Of 10 to ),
that suitable galleries be provided for the
Senate chamber, and that the same be
opened every morning, except in such cases
-, in the opinion Of the Senate. require
secrecy
"ADVICE AND CONSENT
In forming treaties, and in making ap-
pointments, the .'adyice and consent" Of
the Senate is required By the constitution.
Washington very naturally gave these words
their obvious meaning and thought the adj
vice and consent should be obtained before
hand. In executive sessions, therefore, he
attended the Senate III person, and took
the presiding officers chair. The latter was
assigned chair on the floor Of the Senate,
and was considered as the imme-
dia:e presiding officer. putting all
questions to the Senators, who
answer Ave" or No" The President con-
suited the Senate before concluding the
negotiation of Indian treaties, and had Gen.
Knox, his Secretary Of War, present, to
give all necessary explanations. The other
members of his cabinet attended the Senate,
when required, to bring papers and give
explanations; a method now supplemented
by their annual reports. The Senators Of
those days thought the former mode the
best 10 obtain the exact information wanted,
and the best security against the appoint
ment OF incompetent Secretaries.
OTHER CUSTOMS.
Other customs connected with the inlu-
cJlration of a new President has fallen into
disuse, such as the proclamation by the
Chief Justice, after administering the oath,
Long live George Washington. President
of the United States," the President then
repairing to church to attend divine SER
vice, accompanied by both Houses of Con
grcSS; then rcconducied TO ms new house in
Il coach and four by committee of both
Houses somewhat, believe, after the Gus
tom of the Massachusetts Legislature in
those times); and a formal answer by the
House, made to the inaugural addreSs-as
was the custom in the Massachusetts Leg
iSlatIre since my recollection.
Instead Of taking the advice and ask
ing the consent Of the Senate beforehand
in the formation Of treaties, for many years
they have been generally negotiated with
out even the knowledge Of Senators, and
their ratification urged as an administra-
lion measure.
A Colonel Fishbourne having been NOM
mated as collector Of Savannah, was reject
"a 10y the Senate, at the wishes of the
Georgia Senators, who preferred another
man. Washington was evidently annoyed
by this rejection, as the colonel had been
a fIvorite officer with him during the revo-
luton; and il is asserted that he never pre-
sided at any more executive sessions, and
the attendance Of his secretaries also soon
fell into disuse.
PROPRIETIES OF THE POSITION.
When John Quincy Adams was Secretary
Of State. in 1922, he entered the House, it
was said, 10 request Timothy Fuller, Of
Massachusetts, or some other member, to
make call for certain paper connected
with his famous controversy then pending
with Jonathan Russell, respecting the fish
cry question at the treaty of Ghent. His
political opponents in the violent Presiden-
iial campaign then opening, affected TO con-
slider his presence in the House a great vic
lation of athe prOprietleS Of his position"
President Polk consulted the Senate in
tLe formation Of the Oregon Treaty of 1916.
asking their advice beforehand, on the
point of establishing the boundary lire
with Great Britain on the parallel Of 49
deg.
Secretary Chase was frequently in atten-
dance in one Ofthe committee rooms during
the sessions of Congress throughout the late
war. when his important financial measures
were under discussion. Would II not have
been more direct and satisfactory for the
secretary 10 have been present in the House,
10 have ciyen all necessary explanations in
person. as is done by cabinet ministers in
the British Parliament?