Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-02-12
The Caucus-The Tariff-and Congress,


+ As Commented on by the Washington States.
/ A. was forescen by all intelligent obsei-
vcrs the Democratic caucus of last evening
proved "A mischicyous abortion. Instead OF
the nnn-action which some persons appre-
bendcd AS the worst possible result, the eX-
nclient of az Increase of the revenue was
Significantly indicated as the policy OF the
r;,rty. We run no hazard of mistake IN
warning the Democratic masses. of delibe-
rate purpose among their Representatives,
10 bctrav the free-trade principle OF the par
( ~. The prutcctionists of Pennsylvania
have achieved decisive victory, and the
Democracy are still farther debauched by the
embrace of another odious heresy. 1t is I'M
possible to intercept the result in Congress.
/ The ONLY chance was To- bring the discipline
( Of party 10 bear upon the recusant members;
but the caucus has been 50 bunglingly man
agcd as to rccoil against its patrons. We re-
peat the prediction Of a revision OF the tariff
! in the interests of the protectionists. and OF
an Increase of taxation by the party which
processes peculiar aversion to imposing
| burdens upon the people
/ For 80 signal an apostacy from Democratic
| faith. the caucus es>ayed some atonement by
adopting resolution in favor of retrench-
ment. But what does that signify? Is any
man simple enough IN expect any wholesome
reform of the present Congress? The SEES
sion has been spent in idle demonstrations of
impotcnt purpose, and it will close without
an apprcciable result. What have We wit
messed during the last few days? With a
commendable zeal in the public service, ar
dent natriutS have remOrsclessly curtailed
the proportions Of expenditure by striking
out an insignificant itrm and afterwards, IN
moment of returning reason. have recon-
sidcrcd their vote. and authorized the appro-
priatiom. Never in our life have we been so
disguised by an exhibition OF infirm pur-
pose and fictitious enthusiasm. If members
intended from the beginning to report their
speeches at the expense of the treasury, why
make show of reforming the abuse? If
they arc really resolved to diminish the pub
lie burdens. why do they spare their own ex-
orbitant income? If it be their purpose to
cconomize the Federal expenditures, why be
content with the suppression of an inconsid-
cradle mission. or the suspension of work on
the Capitol?
The truth j. that the men now IN Congress
are incompetent to the work before them.
They are sharp politicians, but in the quail
ties Of true craftsmanship they are sadly de-
fcicnt We speak Of the generality, resery-
ing the liberty Of distinguishing hereafter
few among the more conspicuous exceptions.
We tell the people plainly. they have sent
men here who are unfit to control the desti-
MES of this great republic While the con-
Il, IL, g
perior intellect and the moral characters
tics of worthy representative. with what
proprietv can they complain if their interests
| bc neglected and abused? What wisdom in
counsel or energy of action can be expected
Of men who exhaust their time and resources
| in the pleasures Of the table or the frivolous
| amuscmcntS of fashion? Such employments
| are incompatible with the elevation of view.
earnestness of purpose, and conscientious de-
yoton to duty. essential to a faithful dis
charge of the responsibilities of the public
service. Either the men now in office must
exhibit a trucr patriotism and higher ability,
or else rhe people must select more capable
REPRESENTATIVES We shudder to think of
the consequences Of such Indifference and
Incompetence in the councils of government:
for. except by some special intcrposition OF
Providence or the people, the State will 60
to ruin.
Aycrsc as we are 10 any modification OF
the existing revenue arrangement, we do not
know, since change is inevitable, if the
free-trade Democracy in Congress can do
better than adopt Mr.. Taylor's proposition
for temporary revival of the tariff of 1886.
In fact, while the imposts were higher under
that system, the protective feature was not
more distinctly developed than in tho present
tariff. We are not sure, upon the whole. but
that the principle of the former is more in
! accordance with the Democratic theory
We are satisfied, that while in couple of
wears the rates Of 1916 would yield suffi-
cient revenue TO discharge the public debt.
no other cxpcdicnt will avail so well as Mr..
! Tavlor's PLAN for the defeat of the protec-
tionis,s. They will oppose it, beyond doubt,
but the Democracy may carry it, neverthe-
less. 1t is comp lete in every detail, and
may be put in operation without difficulty or
DELAY. We see no other alternative but the
rc-cnactment Of the tariff Of 1916. or the
imposition Of such burdens as the iron-mas-
tiers of Pennsylvania may choose to dictate
! For all that. it is not at all certain the Demo
crats in Congress will accept the expedlent
/ IL ushiH.tOn states.