The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1879-03-21
commencement Of the Extra Session.

l. TIC cAlld sesSlOl Vi the rOIlg -slAtH Soh-
gress commenced at Washington, on Monday.
The House was organized by the election of
Hon. Samuel J. Randall Democrat, of Penn
sylvania, as Speaker and the other officers of
the last House. Upon taking the chair, Mr..
Randall made brief speech, as follows
REPRESENTATIVES Byyour vote | am ceya-
ted for the third time 10 the exalted Office of
Speaker of this House. For this evidence of
your approval and confidence | offer you my
heartfelt thanks.
The responsibilities and duties imposed upon
me are heavy and difficult. Whit the blessing of
cod shall discharge them without personal bias
or ignoble craftsmanship. Observing strict i'm
partially as to men and measures, parties and
sections, ii will be TO me unspcakablc joy if |
can help to bring about that substantial fratcrnal
union which comes alone through "wsdom,
moderation and Justice This new Congress
meets in its first session under the call of the
President. Owing to irreconcilable differences
upon vital issues, important and necessary APP
preparation bills failed to pass ut the previous
session. Ihcnthc political sentiment of the TIVE
Houses was antagonistic. 1t is now in complete
accord This House, fresh from the people,
brings with it their latest will. We are here for
such legislation as their necessities, welfare and
honor demand. That will, as expressed nv the
majority in calm and decorous form, let us hope
will meet with universal acceptance; moreover,
the country expects of this Congress that it will
wisely and deliberately legislatc TO remove the
burdens that have too long weighed upon the
patriotism and prosperity of the people, and with
the present hope that the spirit as well as the
letter of the Constitution shall be the controlling
influence in directing such legislation, am now
prepared to take the oath of office.
The choice of Mr.. Randall as Speaker for
the third time, is a deserved compliment to
one who has guarded well the interests of the
IN, al Lao. Il
any part. Besides being an excellent presid-
ing officer, he is the avowcd and recognized
opponent of all schemes to take money out
of the public treasury for the benefit of private
interests. He is Il strong advocate of rigid
economy in government expenditures and
his course, in these respects, commends him
to the people generally.
For the first time in twenty years the Dem
ocrats find themselves in the majority in both
Houses of Congress, and the proceedings of
Congress will therefore be scrutinized by the
public with more than ordinary interest,"
The Democratic majority is small, and the
President, being of different political faith
may not view matters of governmental policy
in the same light as the majority in Congress
view them. The Democrats, therefore, will
to some extent he restricted in power, hut the
country will Judge them by the good they UNI
dertake to do, even if they fail TO accomplish
it,
The task before Congress is no easy one
During the war, under the supposed or real
cXigencies of the times, the foundations OF
the government were disturbed; abuses
sprang up in every department; new and
now useless offices were created, and the sala.
ries of government officials were increased fal
beyond fair equivalent for the responsibility
or service eXactcd of them. The Democrats
in Congress have hitherto labored with praise
worthy energy, but with only partial success
TO remedy some of the evils. 1t should now
he their task since they have increased power
to restore the old landmarks; to secure re.
turn to the sound and safe principles of con
stitutional government, and to thoroughly
overhaul every department of the public bus,
mess with view to retrenchment and econ
omy. As they perform these tasks well or i'll
the entire Democratic party will be judged by
the people, whose verdict will be rendered at
the next Presidential election.
The question of the repeal or continuance
of the law providing for the appointment OF
federal election supervisors and marshals
the jurors test oath, and the law authorizing
the presence of troops at the polls, will como
up again. 1t is reported that President Hayes
will sign bill To prohibit troops at the polls
but that he will insist on retaining the election
supervisors. This supervisors law isa recent
innovation, and besides being contrary to the
spirit of a republican form of government, il
il. liable to and has been abused II fails to
ensure the purity of elections, and merely
provides places. for swarm of unscrlpulous
partsans. We hope the Democrats will
therefore yield not a iot ora little of principle
in this or any other matter which may come
before them