Chapter VIII - Dilatory mode of proceeding in congress. Lamentable waste of time. Statement of the progress of bills. Eighty two signed in one day! and four hundred and twenty in eleven! Unfeeling treatment of Gen. Stark. Culpable attention to punctilio. Rapid movement of compensation bill.

Summary

To every man interested in the honour and prosperity of the country, it is a subject of deep regret to reflect on the mode in which the public business is managed in and by congress. It is among the sources of the distress and embarrassment of our affairs, and requires an early and radical remedy. While in session, a considerable proportion of the members are employed in chatting—writing letters to their friends, or reading letters or newspapers. They pay little or no attention to the arguments of the speakers, except to those of a few of distinguished talents. To some of the orators, however, this is no great disappointment; as their speeches are too often made for the newspapers, and to display their talents to their constituents.

But the lamentable waste of time by the spirit of procrastination in the early part of the session, and by never-ending speechifying throughout its continuance, is the greatest evil, and is discreditable to congress and highly pernicious to the public service. There is in almost every session some subject of real or factitious importance, on which every member capable of speaking thinks himself bound to harangue, and to “keep the floor,” for two, three, four, five or six hours. The merits of the speeches are generally measured by the length of time they occupy.