The population represented is composed of all the free men and of three-fifths of the slaves.
[The last Act of apportionment, passed February 2, 1872, fixes the representation at one to 134,684 inhabitants.

There are now (1875) 283 members of the lower House of Congress, and 9 for the States at large, making in all 292 members.

The old States have of course lost the representatives which the new States have gained .-- Translator's Note.]] These facts show how rare and how difficult it is rationally and logically to combine all the several parts of legislation.

In the course of time different interests arise, and different principles are sanctioned by the same people; and when a general constitution is to be established, these interests and principles are so many natural obstacles to the rigorous application of any political system, with all its consequences.

The early stages of national existence are the only periods at which it is possible to maintain the complete logic of legislation; and when we perceive a nation in the enjoyment of this advantage, before we hasten to conclude that it is wise, we should do well to remember that it is young.