National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-12-01
TIE OPENING SESSION.

Congress meets to-day at twelve o'clock
Both Houses being fully organized there is
no obstacle in the way of its proceeding at
once to business, The message of the Presi-
dent is ready and in waiting. The COM
mttees nre organized, and the machinery
of legislation is in readiness for n start from
the word go The most important question
that now presses upon the public mind is:
what will Congress do?" That, we APP
prehend, is what no one, no matter how
wise or discerning can anticipate. The
length aud import of the session are among
the inscrutbilties of the future We must
all wait and watch for the developments
which are to I'LL mp the chapter of history
Of the session and stamp IL MS one of profit
or disadvantage to our common country.
The length and benefcence of the session
are reposed entirely with the majority.
The responsibilities are all with them. Be
their measures for good or evil to the Na-
tion, they have the power to control, mold
and perfect legislation ut will, and hence
they can share the responsibility in no de-
gree in any other direction. The session
should be short and beneficial to the coun-
try. There is no good reason why it should
be otherwise. The anticipated rccommen-
dations of the Presidents message are of u
character that simply call for prompt and
ample appropriations TO keep the wheels of
The Government in healthy action. Beyond
this there is really no legislation needed by
the general interests of the country, by
finance, trade or commerce, that cannot be
accomplished ut IN early day, or at the
furthcst, by the first of May, and receive
Executive approval. The majority must
be fully aware under the experiences
of the extra session that legsla-
tion inimical to the public good cam
not and will not receive the appro
val of the President, and further, that it
cannot be perfected without that approval.
If the majority shall lay aside their parti-
san intirmities, asperites and schemes of
petty advantage and honestly betake them
selves TO the legitimate business before them,
the session may terminate early, and with
profit TO the Nation. If they will put aside
all proftless schemes, either of sordid or
| political character, and turn their attention
to the work of aiding the material business
interests of the country; of promoting
economy in the administration of the Gov
ernment, thus relieving taxation; of foster
ing commerce and advancing the general
welfare of the people of all classes and all
sections of aiding in the advancement of
the commercial, manufacturing agricultural
and industrial interests of the people, and
there call halt, then they will challenge
the gratitude and respect Of the American
people.
But, on the other hand, if the political
majority attempt TO enact the role of the
extra session, and open up crusade against
benefcent laws; if they inaugurate the
wiping-out policy; if they attempt to
tinker currency that is as nearly perfect
rs human wisdom can make it; if they in
troduce into the Congressional arena the
dogma of State sovereignty as superior to
the National power in the several States of
the Union; if they open up the disturbing
questions that characterized the extra ses-
sion, or seek to thrust rebel claims upon
the National treasury-we say if the major
ity shall attempt any or all of these things
then the session may be prolonged into
the autumn for the minority will confront
them at all points if these measures shal |
be revived and thrust into the halls of Con-
gress during the incoming session. The
majority now have an opportunity to atone
for the mistakes of the past, and if they let
it 90 by without proper improvement they
cannot escape the just responsibility and
consequences of their own folly and wick
edness. If they aid the work of making
the history Of the extra session repeat itself
in the forthcoming regular session. and il
they overleap the limits of patriotism, wis.
dom and propriety in their action, it will
be unfortunate for the country, but infinitely
worse for themselves. Time will teach til,
country as to the spirit plans and purpose
of the majority, and it remains for them t,
work out their own salvation with fear an(
trembling, for fearful future awaits then
if they shall again prove recreant to th
welfare of their common country.