The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-11-05

Mexico is nominally governed by q
Congress, first called Sept. IA, 1913,
which has probably seen as many vicis-
STUDIES as any assembly ON earth has
ever seen in the same time. It has
been chased here and there, dissolved,
expelled, recalled, and remodeled, un-
til it has finally settled down into an
established Institution. It now con-
sists of Senate of about sixty men,
bera which meets In q room in the Ma
tional Palace, and o Chamber of
Deputies of some two hundred men,
bers. which meets in the old Theater of
Iturbide. over half mile from the Ma
tional Palace. In appearance this Con-
gress could hardly be distinguished.
from that of the United States. Fully
nine-tenths OF its members are of pure
white blood, and the other tenth have
no more color than fashion demands Of
a stylish brunette. No traces of rus
ITCHY, coarseness, ignorance, or
stupidity are visible, nor Is there any
sign of what is generally known as
Mexican costume. Both bodies are
composed of eminent soldiers, scholars,
lawyers, and members of other profess
sions, with young men whose talents
have attracted notice; and the mem
bers show degree of politeness and
dignity that would improve many of
our State Legislatures. Their CONVEX
sation in the lobbies and on the floor
shows an extraordinary degree of cul-
ture and education, and both bodies
are the last to which one would look
for subserviency to the Executive.
Theoretically this Congress is elect
ed by the people. Practically it is
elected by the President. A note to
the officer in command of the military
district, or to the political chief-a
civil officer whose actual powers are CO.
extensive with the requirements of any
cy-recommending q certain
person as a suitable person for Con-
gresham, rarely fails. Should it fail,
the error-is easily corrected an the can
vass, or still more easily in the final
returns. In the federal district-the
City of Mexico and its environs-the
elective system is still more charmingly
simple. Should there be two candi-
dates, which is rarely the case, the de-
feated candidate is the last one on earth
to complain or contest the seat.
A Congress so elected can be moth
ing but ratifying committee. Es-
pecially must it be so In country like
Mexico, with a vast ignorant lower
class taking no interest in public affairs
in time of peace, with NO middle class
worthy of mention, and with an upper
class too small to resist the army,
which must be kept up to restrain the
turbulent part of the lower class. Un-
der such circumstances it is quite use
less for representative to beeindepend-
emit. The result would be the loss of o
good position, with $3.50 month for
doing next to nothing. And should he
find himself, upon some pretext, ban
ished to Yucatan or languishing in
prison, his nominal constituents are
the Last ones on earth to whom he can
look for redress.
The visitor in the galleries of the
Mexican Congress sees at once the eff
feet of this. Day after day the houses
meet, and adjourn in few moments
after hearing the minutes of the last
meeting and formal communication
or two from some State Legislature or
officer. Occasionally bill is passed;
but 1T goes as matter of course, the
members taking no interest in it.
Many do not even hear their names
called, and their assent is assumed;
others give a delicate nod or little
wave of the hand; while others merely
smile at the Secretary, as if conscious
of the .absurdity of the ceremony. The
Congressman cares no more for the
"dear people" than the people care fol-
him. Respect for them can only get
him into trouble, whereas respect fol-
the President will insure his return
His constituents trouble him with nc
letters, instructions, resolutions, or pc
titions.; and he in turn spares them the
infection of public documents, printed
speeches, papers, and all other evi
denoes of his regard.-T. S. Vaa
Dyke, IN Harper'S Magazine.