14. Mileage is an additional compensation. Until 1865 this was forty cents per mile, reckoned from the residence of the member to Washington by the usual roads or routes between the two places. In 1865 the law was modified, and the sum fixed at twenty cents. per mile. "The laborer is worthy of his hire," is a maxim from the highest authority, and is so manifestly just that nobody questions its truth. But giving Members of Congress twenty cents per mile for traveling expenses, when it does not cost them four, (in these days) is as manifestly unjust as the maxim is true. It is robbery by law; and how the majority of thirty-nine Congresses have consented to let this swindle go on, and still continue, is a matter of astonishment to every one who believes that "righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."

The monstrous inequality this law makes in the compensation of members, adds to the wonder that it has existed so long. Those who live near Washington do not receive a hundred dollars for mileage, while those living at the greatest distance pocket twelve thousand dollars of the people's money for what costs them five hundred.

15. During the Revolutionary war, and up to the time that the Constitution went into operation, (April 30, 1789,) the thirteen colonies sent delegates, who met whenever the exigencies of the times required their action, and whenever their safety and convenience dictated. These delegates, without much power or authority, did such things as seemed necessary to be done to carry on the war and to keep things in order.

Their acts generally met with the approval of the people; for in times of such common danger, they were little inclined to question the authority of those who they believed were acting for the general good; and as to their constitutional powers to do any thing, we have only to say, there was no Constitution then but the wishes of the people.

This body of men, denominated the "CONTINENTAL CONGRESS," ceased to exist after the adoption of our present Constitution, which made provision for a constitutional Congress, whose election, power, authority and duties are all clearly defined in the instrument itself.

16. The first Congress after the adoption of the Constitution met in New York, where two sessions were held. It then removed to Philadelphia, where it remained till 1800, when in conformity with an act of Congress, it removed to Washington, where it has remained to this day.

As a Congress continues two years, if at any time we wish to know how many Congresses there have been, or will be up to the time required, reckon the number of years from 1789-the beginning of the first to the year in question; then divide the sum of the years by two, and the quotient will give the exact

Lumber.

CHAPTER IV.

The President.

1. "THE Executive powers of the government shall be vested in a President of the United States of America." Thus reads the first line of the first section of the second article of the Constitution. This article is devoted exclusively to the highest officer in the government. The Executive and the President are in the Constitution synonymous terms. He is likewise denominated "the chief magistrate of the nation." He is himself one of the co-ordinate branches of the government. These are three in number; first, the Legislative [Congress]; second, the Executive [the President]; third, the Judiciary [the Judges of the United States Courts.] These constitute the whole civil power of the nation. Congress enacts the laws, and the President must see that they are faithfully executed; which he does through the various Executive departments, and the different courts. He and the Senate appoint the heads of these departments, and the judges of the courts, and they execute the laws. The heads of departments act under the general direction of the President.

2. The Presidents are elected for four years, and are eligible to re-election. Several times they have been re-elected, and have consequently held the office eight years. The term always commences on the fourth day of March, and terminates on the same day of the