Year: 1859

!
the Atlantic coast and the Great Plains, and
opened the latter to emigration and settlement
II is full Time that these events should begin
to exert their influence upon the Legislative
mind of the country. Nothing that is done
in this way can be taken back-the current,
gathering strength and majesty, will move on,
lil its great mission shall be performed in the
complete conquest of the whole interior Of the
county, Washington Union.


The Caucus Consents to a TarifE-Reiorya in


Congress.


As was foreseen by nll Intelligent observers,
the Democratic caucus Of last evening proved
mischieveous abortion. Instead of the non.
action which some persons apprchended as the
worst possible result, an expedient of an in
crease of the revenue was significantly ndica'
ted as the policy of the party. We run. no
hazard of mistake in warning the Democratic
masses, of deliberate purpose among their
Representatives to- beray the iree-trade .prin-
cipe Of the party. The pro'ectioniss of
Pennsylvania have achieved a decisive victory,
and the Democracy are still farther debauched
by the embrace of another odicus heresy.-
1t is impossible TO intercept the result IN Con-
gress. The only chance was 10 bring the dis
ciplne of the party to bear upon the recusnnt
members; but the cancus has been 80 bungIing-
| ly managed as to reco against its patrons.-
We repeat the prediction of il revision of the
tariff in the interests of the protectionists, and
of an increase Of taxation by the party which
professes peculiar aversion TO imposing bur
dens upon the people.


For so signal aposacy from Democratic
faith, the caucus essayed some stonement By
adopting a resolution in favor of retrenchment.
Bu, what does that signify! Is any man SIM
pie enough to expect any wholesome reform OF
the present Congress? The session has been
spent in idle demonstrations Of impotent pur-
pose and it will close without an applicable re-
suit What have we witnessed during the last
few days? With a commendahe zeal in the
public service ardent patriots have remolseless-


y curtailpd the proportions of expenditure by
striking out an insignificant item, and after
wards, in a moment of returning reason, have
reconsldered their vote, and authorized the APP
preparation. Never. in our life have we been
so disguised by an exhibition of iniirm purpose
and fictitious enthusiasm. II members intend
ed to report their speeches at the expense oil
the treasury, why make show OF reforming
the abuse? If they are really resolved to d.
minsh the public burdens, why do they spare
their own exhorbitant income? +? Ii it be their
purpose to economigc the Federal expenditures,
why be content with the suppression of an in
considerable mission, or the suspension of work
on the Capitol!


The truth is that the men now in Congress
are incompetent te the work before them.-
They are sharp politicians, hut in the qualities
of true s,atesmaushp they are sadly deficient.
We speak Of the generality, reservng the 'h-
erty of distinguishing hereafter few among
the more conspicuous exceptions We tell the
the people plainly, they have sent men here
who are unfit to control the desinies of this
great republic While the consttuencysre in
diff rent to the claims of superior intellect and
the moral characteristics of a worthy represen-
tatve, with what propriety can they complain
if their interests be neglected and abused p
What wisdom in counsel or energy OF action
can be expected of men who exhaust their
time and resources Ia the pleasures of the ta-
BILE or the frivolous amusemeats of fashion p
Such employment are incompatible with the
elevation of view, earnestness Of purpose, and
conscientious devotion to duty, essential to
faithful discharge of the responsibilities of the
public service Either the men now in office
must exhibit truer patriotism and higher abil-
itv, or else the people must select more capa-
bic Representatives. We shudder TO think OF
the consequences of such indifference and in
competence in the councils OF government;
for, except by some special interposition OF
Providence or the people, the State will go to
ruin.


~Averse as we are to any modification OF the
existing revenue arrangement, we Go not know,
since a change is inevitable, If the free-trade
Democracy in Congress can do better than
adopt Mr.. Taylors proposition for a temporary
revival Of the tariff of 1916. In fact, while
the inposts were higher under that system,
the protective feature was not more distinctly
developed than in the present tariff We are
not sure, upon the whole, butthat the principle
of the former is more in accordance with the
Democratic theory We are satisfied, that
while in couple Of years the rates of lS46
would yield sufficient revenue to discharge
the public debt, no other expedient will avail
so we'll as Mr.. Taylor's plan, tor the defeat of
the protectionists. They will oppose it, De-
yond doubt, but the Democracy may carry it,
nevertheless 1t is complete IN every detail,
and may be put in operation without difficulty
or DELAY. We see no other alternative but the
re.enactment of the tariff of 1916, or 1he i'm
position of such burdens as the lron-masi "a Of
Pennsylvania may choose to dictate. ES}raI
that it is not at all certain the DemdcfkSfn
Congress G'll cccepi !he eSpedient.-fFash'
ington States.


TIE Way GENUS IS WossHlrsD,--Tbe
/ Montreal Advertiser usSges coaisbulls -. siy
the benefit of Miss / ss'lll-