American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-11-22
Neat NIonday W. eek.

Tar SESSION is the great event before u.s.
The Congress Of the nation is again to assemble
at the capital, and our city is again TO assume
the gay, the buoyant, the busy and the life-hke
appearance thus periodically impaired to it.
Already our hotels and promenades are occu-
pied by the forms of distinguished men from
the various sections of the country.
This is all well for Washington. We rejoice
Mt it; and hope is glad within us. But IS IL
not well for our nation, and does 1t not call Tor
emotions of universal pleasure and gratitude
How often have the clouds OF national wo
gathered around US, and how often have the
threats of national humiliation and ignominy
been sounded in ears? But they have
passed away, like the storm-cloud of summer,
and left clear blue sky and gorgeous sun
above us. May their joyous beauty be ever
more seen, undimmed by clouds Of dark fore
boding, undisturbed by the connections of dis,
cord and treasonl
We do not agree with writer whom we to-
day quote in regard to the character of the
proceedings Of the approaching session. We
have passed fearful national crisis, and there
is gratitude in the breast of every one who
looks back upon tho dangers we have passed.
1t is in such an hour of deliverance that men
are wont to cling closer together, and to rejoice
in the means Of their escape. Those means
comprise the bond of fraternal union that binds
us together--a bond that is now held doubly dear
to the heart of every patriot and of every re
publican.
The Presidential question will prove of excit-
ing interest this winter; but never were the
prospects fairer of entering upon its discussion
in better spirit There are many candidates,
many interests many conflicting views; but
there is also fund Of charity and good feel
ing that will not perish in the ardent competi-
ton.
The legislation of Congress will be rapidly
consummated, and for the welfare Of the coun-
try. Questions of radical difference will not
soon be introduced. The high tariff party are
not going to urge their measures upon Con-
gress; and the increase of duties upon a few
the appearance Of an opposition. postal law
will be enacted with the certain lights of expe-
rience; willing ear will be turned to the great
and glorious scheme of African colonization
and benefcent results will be realized; and
the grand project of promoting the welfare Of
the railroads in the United States, as proposed
by the Messrs. Green and Clarke, will find favor
in the eyes Of wise legislators. This last sub
ject it may not be amiss for us here to explain
1t is proposed by these gentlemen to urge
upon Congress modification Of the laws rela-
tive to contracts for carrying the mail, SO as to
authorize the Post Office Department to con-
tract for the perpetual use of railroads, and, |
instead Of paying, as now, quarterly on con-
tracts for four years, to advance, in five per
cent bonds of the United States, chargeable upon
the revenues of the Post Office Department an
amount the interest upon which at six per cent,
would equal the payments now made. The
effects of this scheme are thus explained by |
its authors:
"The Government now pays $500 mile for
carrying the mail on frst-chss railroads. This
is six per cent. on $4,000 The undersigned
would urge that instead Of paying $500 mile
per annum the department should deliver, on
contract in perpetuity, five 81, 200 bonds,
bearing an interest of five per centum. AT this
rate, the charges upon the department would
be reduced from $500 to $3.50 mile per an
mum, and the 500 per mile saved would create
a sinking fund.- which will in few years pay
off the bonds and give the use Of such roads
forever thereafter free of all charge-thereby
efecting vast saving in the present annual
expenditures of the Post Office Department,
and consequent reduction in the rate of post
age"