The New Congress

Some notable changes will oecur in the complexion of the next Congrees. For the tirst time for more than half a generation both branches will be controlled by a majority opposed to the Kepublicans. This will impose additional responsibility upon the Democrats, but f ortunately ünds them in excellent condition to assume it. The Senate Committees will undrgo such a revisión as to reflect the public voice, and doubtless in a manner to benefit the substantial interest of the country. The reign of sentiment and party sensationalism has closed, The material interests, which have so long suffered from neglect or given way to the mere efforts to retain Republican ascendancy, will now, it is to be hoped, engage the attention demanded. The country will look with new hopefulness for real reform in this respect. Judge Edmonds will doubtless givo place to Judge Thurman as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and Morrill to Bayard on that of Finance. This will be an immense gain in every particular. The changes to occur in the House it is too t-arly to foresee. Both parties will miss some who have been prominent heretofore. From New England we shall losft the benefit of Mr. Dean's close attention and conceded ability in looking af ter New-; England interests. Mr. Jones of New Hampshire, whose practical mind and skilful business qualitiea luwe rendered him a yaluable member, will also be greatly missed. Gen. Butler also retires, and will leave a vacuüm which, from nis peculiar relation to parties and his manner of meeting public , questions, no one expects to flll. Gen. Banks, whose genial qualities always take off the rough edge of partisanship, will also be out. In Maine, the most remarkable change is the retirement of Mr. Hale, who, as a partisan leader and the special champion of Senator Blaine, has been distinguished. He will give way to Mr. Murch, who, barring his peculiar financial views, will unquestionably make a good member. The same may be said of Mr. Ladd, who supplants Powers. The retirement of Mr. Ilewitt of New York will be a public loss. Though decided in his political convictions, no man in the House bas gaineil a more honorable record in bis treatment of public qnestions, especially those pertaining to the commercial and industrial interests. Ilis speeches have given evidence of careful study and an honorable and persistent aim to legislate for the industrial and substantial benetit of tlie whole country. Ilis presence and influence in the House will be specially missed, because of the changed condition of parties in the Senate. whieh, were he to remain.would have rendered his continued service still more useful and efficiënt. In the West also several important changes will occur. Tliese, however, are less noticeable here in Xew Eiigland. The most engrossing question just now is that of the Speakership of the new IIous'". Mr. llandall's frienda seem confldent of his reelection, and, should that be secured, his past record and the handsome endorsement he has repeatedly received from his opponents are an ampie guaranty that the House and the country would suffer no loss. How far the Nationnls will be able to aft'ect resulta it is useless to predict. There ought , to be no real obstacle in the way of uniting the opposition to the Republicans, who, however bitter the personal feuda amongthem, all rally to the party cry, and will present an unbroken front to resist Democratie retrencliment, and to foster both the spirit of sectionalism and centralization. Such, we trust, will be the preválent view when the