The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-07-18

tCllsbiC W ludJ Ihlht anu hOuJW III
our midst, which, while discarding all the ideas,
bypocritically clngs to tie name OF Democracy!
What Congress Has Done and should Do.
AFTER prorracted session oil nearly eight
months, al! the indications GO to show that the
sitting of Congress is rapidly nearing its close.
Telegraph statements hX the 23d as the day for
the adjournment sine dae out private advices
lead lis TO expect that not until the 30th will the
National Legislature cease to exist. When the
Thirtv.ninth CONGRESS first net, it was univer-
sally recognized as one of the most able bodies
that had met in the capital for years. 1t pos
sessed more men OF talent than any of its late
predecessors, and reminded us rather OF the
earlier days OF the republic than any of the
recent political mobs who had met to make the
nations laws. But with all its ability it lacked
culture, and many OF its members, though giants
in intellect, were but SAMSON unshorn and
rugged vast amount OF practical wis.
dom existed in its composition, and we
naturally expected that speedy legislation
which turn of mind so essentially
active as that OF the leaders of its deliberations
woul cause We feared rather tardy than pre-
mature progress in the work. Its course, how
ever, has entirely belied our expectations. With
u FlON GNdlhlldblOu NOliuJ VI luG SlGdb Guuo W
be legislated Tor, it has carefully laid out its
ground, reviewed every measure in all its bear
ings, devoted months to perlecting a plan of
reconstruction, and has laid ii before the people
in a completed and wise form. The adversaries
OF its doctrines have accused 1t of doing nothing
after months of session. There has ever existed
a class in our community that always find fault.
Whatever the course of Congress it would have
been declared aboTtive and lll-digested, and its
members accused OF partisan feelings, and not
regard for the national good. But now that,
with wise caution, it has thoroughly surveyed
the ground, and leid its plans, it is accused of
wasting ime OF dulness, sloWness, and lethargy
When fault is sought Tor it is easily found. Let
us now glance at what has been the principal
features OF the Legislation OF the Thlrty-ninth
Congress.
The first and greatest duty arising out of the
condition OF AFFAIR." as it found them, was making
some provision in regard to the return of the
Southern and yet rebellious States. When it
assembled it found disunion Senators and Repre-.
sentatiyes knocking at Its doors for admission.
While claiming 70 be entitled TO seats, they
yet made no secre; of their previous sympathy
and their existing sympathy with treason. 1t
was scene of CATALINE defying the Senate
of Rome. The whole South was in the process
of recrystallizatiou, and it was for Congress to
decide which form it should assume. The
much.abused Committee OF Fifteen was ap-
pointed, aud after careful deliberation sub
m.tted, with a vast mass of corroborative testi-
mony, series OF Constitutional amendments,
which are areaoy before the people. WHAT
Will be their fate cannot be doubted, and that
all reasoning men OF loyalty and no
prejudice must acknowledge their wisdom
is unquestioned. The IMPORTANT subject of
finance has come up, and we regret
to say, while number OF minor laws have been
passed. the great question of funding the
national debt is yet untouched. If there is one
question which should be handled with circum-
spection, yet at the same time with proper
speed, this is the one. The bonds OF the United
States will commence to mature early next
year, so Tcovislon must be made for their
redemption; aud what time like the present for
moulding the debt into un form shape? 1t is
emphatically necessary that 1t be done, and we
are at a loss 10 understand why opposition from
such men as FEssENDBN should be prolonged,
even at the risk OF losing the golden opportunity
now al hand. The tax bill, army bill, pension
BILL and various appropriation bills have been
acted upon, and there yet remain but two sub
iects which need attentlon-tne one is the
financial Just referred to; the other is the tariff
on the part OF the Senate.
We are AFRAID that the members, while admit
ting its theoretical importance, do not properly
estimate tie vital necessity of practically en-
forcing the principle at the present time. There
never was more need of INN medlate action in
order to save our national industries from the
ruinous competition OF the pauper labor OF
Europe. All branches OF trade are prostrated
IRON the effects of our civil war. They cannot
lise oil themselves when they have rivals who
are strone from continued peace, and mighty by
crushing out the inferior elements. They will
either be overcome by their foes or else subdue
their enemies. Which il shall be is to be de-
cided now. A year hence it will Le too late.
The Tariff bill, as passed by the House of Repre-.
sentatlves, was such mongrel apology for a la "
that we do not particularly regret its defeat in
the Senate; and although there is lett but ttle
time to have measure properly matured, yet
the adoption of some skeleton OF defense until
| December would be a work Of real wisdom.
| We beseech the present session not to close
| until some steps are taken first to protect our
industry, and tnen to contract our currency.
| Gold is leaving our shores by the million, and
the Five-twenties sold in Europe are being re-
turned to this country. Such state of finances
cannot continue with prosperity. crisis will
come We must seek to reverse the tide and
funding measure will procure the desired result