Alexandria Gazette

Correspondence of the Courier & Enquirer.
WASHINGTON, 20th Dec., 1840.

Only about ten weeks are unexpired of the present session of Congress. One week nearly, will be consumed in the accustomed hilarity of the Christmas holidays. The amount of public and private business that will soon encumber the tables of the members is immense. Notwithstanding the long duration of the last session, (nearly eight months,) there was, on the day of the adjournment it is believed, more unfinished business, than was ever left by any preceding Congress. Under such circumstances, what have the people a right to expect, nay, demand of their Representatives? That they commence at 12 and adjourn at 3 o'clock five days in a week? No. Surely the expectation is not unreasonable, that they should forthwith commence their sessions at ten and sit until four o'clock, six days in the week.

Among the business that they laid over are some of the most important public bills. The Bankrupt Law is one, on which is suspended the fate of hundreds, if not thousands of unfortunate men, their wives, and little ones. The philanthropist and the friend of humanity feels his heart sink within him, when he reflects on the condition of a helpless debtor in the fangs of a merciless creditor. It is slavery in its most terrific form. The law as it stands is the vestige of barbarism, and the brute who would enforce its dread penalties should be hunted far from a Christian land or the abode of civilized man. This bill, therefore, it is to be hoped, will receive early attention.

The District of Columbia was treated in a most wanton and cruel manner during the last session of Congress. Her monied institutions, without allowing them time to wind up their concerns, were uprooted and destroyed, while her suffering citizens were taunted and derided; and for no other reason, it is to be apprehended, than the indulgence of the most malignant party spleen. Is no relief to be granted them during the present session?

All legislation in reference to the Territories was omitted, or more properly speaking, withheld. A numerous batch of bills were prepared and reported to the House, but not acted on; some highly important to their prosperity. The growing wants of these infant republics demand that they should not be further neglected. Will Congress find time to examine and act upon their case?

Mr. Adams' bill for securing the collection of the Revenue is highly important. It has undergone much discussion. It probably requires amendment. Let it be amended; but so far as legislation is necessary to secure the faithful collection of the revenue; the protection of our home industry; the punishment of foreign manufacturers and merchants for frauds committed, and who come among us and 'strut like crows in a gutter,' let Congress legislate.

These are a few of the public bills that lay over from the last session. Many more might be enumerated, necessary to pass, and that will probably occupy much time in the discussion of their details. In addition to all which not less than five hundred private claims were passed by with indifference and neglect.