The Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1854-1855, 1855-03-09
The Late Congress

Few will regret that this mischievous body Is no
longer in existence. After squanderlng many
months in doing nothing. as its hour of dissolu.
ton approached, it seemed to be inspired with
disposition to do everything, whether good OF evil
which time would permit, and to this end pro-
louged its session 10 the noon Of the Christian
Sabbath. We are consoled for this. in some de-
gree, however, BY the assurance that there was
less drunkenness and disorder than usual!
Notwithstanding the abuse which has been
heaped upon this Congress, it has really enacted
some good and much needed laws Among these
one of the most important is that creating the
Court of CLAIMS. Congress has long been com.
peeled TO devote much of its time to the consid.
Grafton of private claims which it was peculiarly
unfit court to adjust, and which it was compelled
for want Of time to postpone until the ends Of
Justice were often defeated and much injury done
to private individuals. This Cour, will remedy
this evil, relieve Congress of perplexing par
of its business. and enable claimants TO get 4
speedy decision the merits of their claims
Attempts have often been made to create such 4
Court, the necessity for which seems to have
been universally conceded, but hitherto withoT
success
The 2eras Creditors Bill. which appropriates
81, $50. 900 for the payment of the creditors Of
Texas holding bonds other evidences of deb:
for which the revenue of the Republic was pied
ged settles this veked subject in perhaps as salts
factory manner as was possible. The creditors
would have got tho money some day, and we
have probably made good bargain in settling
with them for that sum.
The Consular and Diplomatic Bill introduces
some excellent changes into our diplomatic sys-
tenn. Outfits and inhts are abolished, and ngu-
lar salary As wen. This increases the compen-
saton Of some Of our diplomatic and consular
agents, but it aboishes some rank abuses, and On
the whole is decided improvement.
The Postage BIZ fixes the rate Of letter postage
at three cents for all distances less than three
thousand miles and five FOX all greater dis
tances. After certain day. the frs. Of January,
we believe all letters must be prepaid with stamps
except those written by members OF Congress
Of course! Letters containing money may Dc
registered. bu. the Government will not be res
ponsioie for the contents. Ii the franking pnvi
i-ge l..i been abolished, perhaps the next Con
gress would not have been obliged to appropriae
SO. 5syo.oJo TO the Postofhcc Department, as this
has done.
I The bill for tie Reorganization Of the Say
will doubtless have an excellent etfec. on ths.
arm OF our defense. 1t gives the young and an.
bilious officers, the only who mt for reil
service. chance to rise in their profession sas
"a distinguish themselves. The Navy viii no
doubt DC greatly benefited by sending the old
fogies to the retired list, and giving the vigorous
/ spirits who have so long rusted in inactivity O.
opportunity 10 do something. The bill to prs
vide = more efficient discipline for the Navy. vii
no doub: tend 70 promote that end.
4 TIE Bounty Lind BIZ would have been an ex-
cellent measure if those for whose benefit it pur-
ports to have been passed. were likely to be be-
ped by H. Butas the millions Of acres Of las1s
which il gives away will, for the most part, hl
into the hands of SPECTATORS. little good ane
much evil are likely to be produced byit.
I The numerous ve;oes sent in by the Presiden'
seem to indicate that new phase OF the working
Of our government. IS aooutto be presented lee
President Is not satisfied with the immense power
his official patronage and position give him. ana
which have heretofore proved strong enough 70
control the legislation Of Congress far a. lsss
As ;he iore.ga and domestic policy Of the COUNT!
are concerUed but he appears ready 70 assert ~
right 70 q equal voice with tie popular repEeseh,
tatiyes II the Senate and the House, in matters o.
mere ezpediency, and when question OF coz
s:i:utioaaI.ty IS involved This doctrine cer.ani!
never was entertained BY the trainers OF u:
Constitution its early and abest defenders an'
We think it IS one which the people Of this coas
nv never will submit to. though the passage .
bills By Congress, through corrup. means. MS
inda ce them occasionally to look upon It's ets'
4 else without open denunciation. When we hs''
II sunk so low that our only defense against cor
rap: Congress is the President cur des,rueo'
is near 4. hard-Cn. Gazette.