The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1882-08-13
UNREPRESENTED CONSTITUENT

Congress, without which, as the humorist
Newell remarks, Washington is like a gas
bracket deserted by its old flame, has again
left u.s. leaving too the usual record of work
but half performed, and public dissatisfac-
tion with the net results of the session. 1t
is safe to say that not so much of this comes
from the evils inseparable from popular form
of assembly, as from the perncious practice
in many districts of changing their Repre-
sentatives frequently and without cause. In
ONE this has even been reduced to rule,
which retires the most meritorious and val
liable Congressman, without regard to his
merits, at the end OF one or possibly two
terms OF service. By the time Congress
meets again, in a few months, this rule will
have already operated in too many cases,
and wise and experienced Legislators will be
packing up their papers preparatory to
giving place to raw, unknown successors
elected in November. We who are here in
Washington can judge ofwhat constituencies
ose III influence and good service by this
evil system even better than the electors at
home. The new member requires at least
one, generally two terms to master the in
tricate rules and orders of the great legisla-
tive machine, and TO be recognized amidst
so many aspirants as man of weight, en-
titled to trust and influence in national or
party councils. If Just at this time he is
snatched away by the arbitrary and silly
custom above referred 10, and another novice
started on the same Sisyphean task, the
constituency is in effect never represented
at all, except by kind of lay figure with q
vote.
1t will be uniformly found that those dis.
tricts noted for the influence they exert, and
the attention paid TO their interests, have
pursued the policy of sending experienced
men to Congress and keeping them there AS
long as possible. If they have varied from
this it has been to their loss. The Tenth
District of Pennsylvania, fOr instance,
known as the old Tenth LEGION is now
ably represented by Hon. William Mutcher,
of Raston. In addition to his personal quail
ties, Mr. Mutehler owes the high standing
he enjoys, especially among members of his
own party, and the confidence placed in his
sound judgment and discretion, largely to
his previous experience as a member of the
Forty-iourth Congress. He was at that time
retired by the operation Of au alieged rule
intended TO give the Congressional nomina-
tiOu TO each Of the three counties in the
district successiyely-a most efiectual way
Of nullifying the influence and prestige Of the
district altogether His "urn" having
come round again, he was reelected by a
sweeping majority, and by the advantage Of
his previous experience restored the old
"Teuth " to the position of vantage ON the
floor OF the House just briefly referred TO
We are very glad 70 hear that the dubious
rule which cut short hip previous seryic,
has expired even according TO its own terms
and that Mr.. .Mutchler will this time be hi
own successor for he Is q leyel-headed an,
honest Representative, respected by boil
political associates and opponents aud jus
fitted TO do his constituency aud his oOuntr!
much good in his important position, Iii
-rst entry into Congress was as part of
Democratic majority, aud we hope his reiur
here next year viii be likewise in whicI
se his previous experience, las well as of al
aher reelected Democratic members, espe
ally those Of long service, will be OF TIA
greatest value. Let the one-term or two
term rule be wholly abrogated, wherever
still holds It's sickly life