Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-01-09
rHRCOSsFITUTIOE-sTATE RIGBTs.
RICHMOND WHIG.
SATURDAY MORNING, JAN. 8, lse1
Congress and the Currency.

Congress ana the OurIency'
Tee apparent purpose of Congress to continue in
secret session on the currency question Is exciting much
remark Secrecy naturally begets distrust. The peo-
ps see no reason for shutting the doors in their
aees-some are even irreverent enough to surmise,
that all the wisdom of the COnfederacy is not enclosed
within the walls Of the Capitol In their opinion even
the ign0bile vlRgUs might now and then make sug-
ges.ion, not altogether without value.
The Secretary Of the Treasury has, in his repsrs
paced a the facts before the county, AID the fabulous
prices of commodities tell the tale Of tho wolul de-
probation of GU; currency Does Congress think tAas
an ostrich can hide his rump by sticking his head In The
sand?
1t may be said that will not do to show our naked
ness TO our enemies. That would be very well II the
cloak were long enough to conceal it. But unfoftu-
nately our enemies know our condition well as we
do The idea is fast taking hold of the public mind
that Congress is seeking to hide, not the weakness Of
the Conlederacy but their own-not the poverty Of our
resources ba. the plucty Of their idea. They are
afraid let their constituents know shat they are do
ing Appalled, BY the magnitude OF the questions be-
lore them they shrink from public observation, lest
some manifestation of incOape:ency might cost them
heir seats-and a seat in Congress- with ts exemption
from military duty, and opportunity for showing cheap
patriotism, by putting everybody else in the ranks is
thing not TO be lgbtly endangered. Let not members
deceive themselves With the idea that they throwing
dcs in the eyes of tbs people. They are keen to de-
ee every exhibition of tmdiy, and demlgogueIy and
aumbugging. Experience has taught them lesson,
aud they beginning to value these things a. their
rue worth.
Tie people wish Congress to come out from their
l.dog holes. Let the members faca the music Let
very tub stand on its bottom. II is mistake for
members to suppose they escape responsibility by
patching up something in secret sort OF niiHs lius
and casting it. like founding, the charity of the
public.
Congress should held its sessions in the broad light
Of day. Every door snd wndow-every avenue by
Sbi,h light reason, intelligence, can reach them
sloali be wide open. The people should know What
they dong. Principles and details should DC puo-
ieiy DISCUSSED No undue advantages should be given
70 spectators, brokers aud kjobbes. The strong
common sense of the masses should have its influence
Oh their minds and the keen intelligence OF the press
should be brought 70 bear on them. Ia matter ike
hs cerrescy the practical sigacy of business msn IS
worth much more than the visionary speculaions o.
ky.scrsping sbs!raetionis!s Our present embarrass
meats are standing adnon.tion OF the incompeency
Of closet politicians, dollhouse statesmen AID dreamy
abst1achOnis.s. What want now is masculine, Wig
oreus practical common sense-not the antquated lore
aud elbweb suOtses Of the school men Of the old Gov
eminent Let every avenue then, we repoa, be opened
80 that refreshing streams o. common sense may flow
IL upon Congress and invigOra.e their action.
& IL, sol II
seem, from the remarks of the Chairman, framed
on consultation with the HOUSE Committee, and may
De regarded as an adunct to complement of their
oil, has caused much despOndelcy ia the county. 1t
IA, strong odOr of reputation about it in the first
place and in the next is radically wrong in principle
In the catalogue Of crimes, there few worse than
inlenticide. When q mother strAugies the infant to
which she has given BIRTH We look upon her with un
migated horror. But wherein differs the condu,: OF
the Senate Committee towards the Treasury nOtesiom
,ulaticiiol Congress spawael them on the country,
and now Congress seeks ID destroy its own unhappy
progeny The Grand Jury OF Richmond must take tbs
case in hand Judge Lyons must issue his bench warrant
Il ia q clear case of faanc.a nlantieidel
But, returning to the point from whoa We dgressed.
Every effort TO retire the currency by degrading and
oorary relief but in the end, it will aggravae tho evil
You may drive in One issue of Treasury notes by
oeng The holders accept bonds bearing ehSlf the
interest," you mad promised them, but when you wan!
oredi; again, Who will extend il 10 you!
Good faith is the suress basis of credit. You must
preserve that intact if you desire to inspire confidence
Congress must not seek to dodge its responsibilities
Il must NEE. them boldly, face face Toe currency
must be retired, by creating demand for it. in the
form Of loans and taxes Il must be enhanced and moi
degraded in value. Our is to be long one, and
We must prera-e sustain it. Spasmodc legislation for
the present will not do. We must exercise wise fore
cast We must look to the future. We must rsmem-
Der that the credit Of the Oonfdaracy must be sustained
The future must no. be sacrificed to the present. We
Will want money hereafter as well breach of
filth now is fatal in al time to come. Vigorous
sures to strengthen the currency should be adopted
rhe people VII stand forced leans and heavy taxation
but they will not stand breach Of faith.
Force nancy from them by loans and taxes, but for
bear from creating disruS. by repudiating obligations
or violating plghted faith. This is the only way to
maintain the contest The opposite policy leads inevita
oily TO disgrace, bankruptcy and subiugatiou.
Let there, then, be no more secret conclave1 Let
public opinion enter the Halls of Congress- aud let its
members remember that honesty is the best policy
The True Policy.
"A large number Of the three years men In the
Yankee army are re-eDlisng for the war; receiving in
every instance the large bounty and thrty-Ve days