The national Republican., 1867-11-30
RETRENcHMENT AND REFORM

Congress has made good beginning, and II Il
pursues the course cnt cred upon II will save
millions Of dollars to the country, do much
towards the restoration Of public confidence, re-
duce the national debt, and hasten the resump.
tion OF specie payment.
We take this occasion to note some move
mcnts on the part OF the House and Senate
which Indicate the disposition and determination
Of leading members to eurtsil expenses as much
MS possible. The promptness with which the
House has responded TO certain propositions oi
inquiry, all looking towards retrench ment, is
hopeful, and II the policy now inaugurated is
carried out TO its legitimate results very impor-
tant reforms will be reached.
We note the proposition of Mr.. wAsHBrRSE,
Of Illinois, a gentleman who is accustomed to
scrutinlze very closely all measures that pro-
pose taking money from the Treasury. His pro-
position was one Of inquiry as to the expediency
Of making n rule that all testimony taken before
committees shall be submitted to the Committee
on Printing, for them to decide whether the
public interest will be subserved by the publica-
tion. This might increase the labors of the
committee, but many Thousands of dollars would
be saved to the nation, and quantities Of unim-
portant matters would never see daylight. Mr..
WAsHBrRSE's proposition will doubtless to some
extent be adopted.
Mr.. Eliot, OF Massachusetts,, the chairman Of
the Committee on Frcedmcn's Affairs, proposes
that the committee at the head OF which he
stands shall inquire as to whether any reason
exists for the continuance of the Freedmen's Bu-
rcau beyond the time specified by law. II the
bureau goes out of existence great saving will
result thercfrom.
Mr.. 1NGERsoLL, of Illinois, introduces q reso-
luton similar to one now before the Senate pro-
posing that the Committee on Military Affairs
shall inquire as to whether our military estab-
lshment cannot, with safety to the country, be
considerably reducedl We think that a reduc-
tion In this direction can be made that will save
millions. The expenses of our peace establish.
mcnt, SIS 1t Is called, reach the past year the
enormous sum Of ~ 100000. Place-men and per.
sons wanting commissions for themselves and
their friends may oppose reform In this dIrec
tion. But this reduction must come. The peo
pie will naturally inquire why must We pay
nearly slOO, 10000 TO keep up standing army II
time OF pcacel Judge SPAULDTNa's resolution
is also an important one; 1t Is to the effect tha
no committee shall hereafter be allowed Il
send for persons and papers without authority
At this time, when the Scrgeant-at-Arms and hi
deputies are travelling all over the country afte
all sorts of people to testify upon matters tina
they know nothing about, this movement for re
form Is opportune.
Mr.. PIKE, of Maine, the new chairman Of tn
Committee on Naval Affairs, presented resoIu
ton declaring It to be the sense Of the Hous
that there is now no necessity for proceedin
with the construction OF ships-oEwar.
Mr.. WAsuBURsE, Of Wisconsin, has presented
resolution which proposes to suspend all furthe
purchase of territory by the Government Of tn,
United States.
These are some Of the movements that look /,
retrenehment and reform; and the country will
rejoice, and all parties will hail with gladnes
every reform that can be instituted having thI
end In view, provided all can be done In perfec
consistency with the public good and publi
safety.
II the Fortieth Congress will address itself I,
the important work of reforming our fnancia
policy, or rather modes Of collecting the revenue
and apply retrenchmcnt where 1t can be applie
with safety, they will have done good work 70
the country.