1545. CONGRESS, Leadership in.—[further continued].
There never was a time
when the services of those who possess talents,
integrity, firmness, and sound judgment,
were more wanted in Congress. Some one
of that description is particularly wanted to
take the lead in the House of Representatives,
to consider the business of the nation as his
own business, to take it up as if he were
singly charged with it, and carry it through.
I do not mean that any gentleman, relinquishing
his own judgment, should implicitly support
all the measures of the administration;
but that, where he does not disapprove of
them, he should not suffer them to go off in
sleep, but bring them to the attention of the
House, and give them a fair chance. Where
he disapproves, he will of course leave them
to be brought forward by those who concur
in the sentiment.—
To Mr. Bidwell. Washington ed. v, 15.
(W.
1806)
