The Emperor Justinian, in compiling his Institutes, commended their study to the liberal-minded youth of the empire who aspired to employment in the government; for that emperor, although a great and victorious general, yet placed the arts of peace and government above the exploits of war, and wished to see law and order, more than arms, studied and cultivated in his dominion. The great Emperor Napoleon had the same appreciation of legal and civil studies; and hence the Four Codes, at the digest of which he personally assisted, and the conception and execution of which do so much honor to his memory. In our own government the career of public employment is open to all, and should be prepared for by all who aspire to enter it. Of elementary political works we have many, and excellent; but most of them only teach principles, and that abstractly, without practice. Practical works are wanted to complete the study, and of these the most ample and least ungrateful may be a well-considered and impartial abridgment of the Debates of Congress. And here the Author discharges an obligation of gratitude and justice to the earlier generation of our statesmen. He owes what he is to them. His political principles were learnt in their school--his knowledge obtained from their works--his patriotism confirmed by their example--his love of the Union exalted by their teaching. THE AUTHOR. WASHINGTON CITY, May, 1856. FIRST CONGRESS.--FIRST SESSION. HELD AT THE CITY OF NEW YORK, MARCH 4 TO SEPTEMBER 29, 1789. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,--GEORGE WASHINGTON. PROCEEDINGS[2] IN THE SENATE. WEDNESDAY, March 4, 1789. This being the day for the meeting of the new Congress, the following members of the Senate appeared and took their seats:[3] From New Hampshire, JOHN LANGDON and PAINE WINGATE. From Massachusetts, CALEB STRONG. From Connecticut, WILLIAM S. JOHNSON and OLIVER ELLSWORTH. From Pennsylvania, WILLIAM MACLAY and ROBERT MORRIS. From Georgia, WILLIAM FEW. The members present not being a quorum, they adjourned from day to day, until WEDNESDAY, March 11. When the same members being present as on the 4th instant, it was agreed that a circular should be written to the absent members, requesting their immediate attendance. THURSDAY, March 12. No additional members appearing, the members present adjourned from day to day, until WEDNESDAY, March 18. When no additional members appearing, it was agreed that another circular should be written to eight of the nearest absent members, particularly desiring their attendance, in order to form a quorum. THURSDAY, March 19. WILLIAM PATERSON, from New Jersey, appeared and took his seat. FRIDAY, March 20. No additional member appeared. SATURDAY, March 21. RICHARD BASSETT, from Delaware, appeared and took his seat.