Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1867-12-12
GEO. B. GOODLANDBR, Proprietor

TO individual effort should control us in
administering governmental affairs
we have rulo by which we may
measure our conduct thereof, and q
light by which wo may search for the
true path to national greatness and
prosperity, fab
An enormous debt eneumbers the
nation, grinding taxation oppresss Q
the people and prostrates every bust
ness interest. Our credit is below
par, and our paper is selling in the
markets ofthe world at less than three
fourths of its nominal value.
In such q condition of his affairs,
what would be the conduct ofan hon
orable and prudent business man.
Recognizing bis obligations to pay
his debts, however he might mourn
the disaster that entailed them upon
him, he would take immediate steps
to curtail his expenses, to increase his
resources, and to improve his credit
lie would put forth all his energy in
the development Of his property he
would so far as possible, relieve his la
borers from taxation and encourage
their industry, and he would exercise
thrift and frugality in every depart
mont of his household and business,
and thus, as rapidly as possible ac-
quirc the means to restore his shatter-
ed credit and disencumher his estates.
In placing his business matters up
on such a'basis; he at once strengthens
his credit, and if he asks his creditors
for more time to pay, they promptly
acccde. His promises topay, pass cur
ront at a less rate of depreciation, and
he can contract loans more cheaply
than before.
Are those who govern us in Con
grcss pursuing such course in con-
trolling tho financial affairs OF the
Republic? Have they lessened our
expenses to the figures commensurate
with a Just and prudent administra-
tion of the government?
In our business matters, when We
find embarrassment resulting from
debt, and we wish to place our affairs
upon firm footing, we look TO the
cause that produced the debt, and en-.
dcavor there to apply the remedy. II
We find that it has been caused by eX-
travagance, we endeavor TO stop IT,
and thus relieve ourselves. Extrava-
gance of all kinds entered into and
makes part of our enormous debt, and
we arc aware of the fact thatmuch Of
the extravaganza still exists. Why not
use the necessary remedy, and end it
While it may be conceded thai
much of the machinery called into
being by the war cannot be conduct
ed as chcaply now as in 1860, and thai
part thereof cannot be dispensed
with, still it is clear that much of i
can be cleared away that two-third
of the army officials can and shoul'
be dismissed, and that at least one
half of our enormous expenditure cal
be saved to the people.
1t is true here, however, as il is ofth
individual, that those who are reare'
in profigacy will never yoluntaril.
practice economy, and those who hav
conducted the government in th
, midst of lavish expenditure cannot,
, they would, practice ffugality. lndee'
il has passed into an axiom that thos
; who created such expenses in govern
, mental affairs, can never reduce then
TO their standard Of economy.
, Instead of reducing our expenses
: Congress increases them; instead o
: practicing economy, reckless expendi
ture of the public money is the rule.
When, BY mishap, the honest busi
ness man is plunged into debt, b.
promptly goos 10 work to increase hi
resources. he be merchant, b
gives unremitting attention TO th
collection and securing of his out
| standing debts, 10 tho profitable sal
, of his stock, TO the careful outstanding
, of every dollar of his assests. If he !
a farmer, he gives his farm the closes
care. the soil is strengthened, tn
, fences repaired and every acreis mad
10 Weld its largest crop. If he IS
mechanic, "car% morn and dewy eve
, find him earnest and active at tn
bench. the loom, or the anvil, an
r thrift and frugality mark every ste
he takes. Their reason teaches then
that in this way alone can they hop
10 be relieved from the incubus q
debt. and they bend every energy I
| its accomplishment.
, If this is the conduct of sensible am
/ practible men in their own affairs VIII,
should thoy not require the same I'm
of action in the affairs ofa govern
r mcnt in which they have so deep
stake? When we employ an agent
We measure his conduct Of our bus
4. ness by our judgment as to our pei
sonal interests; and, rs Congress
our agent, we should hold 1t TO tn
pursuit OF course that our judgmen
ofour own affairs would approve. Ar
: they laboring TO increase our rcsoui
COS and develop the property OF tn
people. and thus to restore our credi
! and pay our debts Let us examln
, their conduct. Undor the dircotio
? of intelligent beings, labor and pre-
, duction arc the true sources Of nation
al wealth. Fetter labor and embal
rass production, and to the exten
, YOU do 30 you retard progress an ~
iure tho whole mass of the people.
has been well said by recent write
that 1the union of capital and labo
: will be most ofIoctual when each
sure ofits Just reward If the right
of man as holder of property az
! sacred and his rights as laboror equal
so. the greatest motive to produclio
,,,, bosecurcd ifothorwisc, the crci