The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-11-23

of his vote. And this can be brought about,
we verify believe, by judicious example at
washington and a little wholesome advice
from the leading members Of Congress.
2. Taxation in all its departments is a sub
joot which Congress ought to deal with on far
different principles from those which have
hitherto guided its aotion-if, indeed, il can
lie said to have had any principles on the sub
jtct. 1t is we'll known that the intolerable
pressure Of taxation has had much to do with
the untoward political results Of the year.
Many branches of business once active and
lroftable, have been taxed into stagnation,
and some have been actually taxed out Of ex-
istence. Commissioner Wells, in his able re-
port of last year, founded upon careful study
of his subject, both theoretically and praoti-
cally, pointed out in the olearest manner both
the disease and the remedy. His labors were
treated with contempt, and rewarded by a
mean plot to abolish his office, one of the
most useful and usefully filled of any in
the United States. The plot failed, happily
for the country; but his advice was discarded
in favor Of the crude notions of men who knew
nothing whatever of the science which lies at
the foundation of a sound fiscal system, and
who cared for nothing except to push their
own private schemes. We hope for a some
what wiser course of action now. Political
success, 1t is plain, cannot be had without
reform in the mode of raising revenue. And
if the majority of Congress are not yet satisfied
that it is their best policy to follow the advice
of the few men who, like Mr.. Wells, under
stand the subject, instead of exercising their
own intuitive genius at the expense of the
country, they have not as much sense as we
give them credit for.
3. The currency will probably be the first
subject with which Congress will occupy itself;
and we must frankly say that we expect no
good from its action. The West is eager for
money and the lower House will undoubt-
edy do its best to reopen the currency mill
which Mr.. McCulloch keeps closed so firmly.
1t will do its utmost for imitation: and iufla-
tion, no matter in what degree, means bank
ruptcy and disgrace. As the New York Times
lately said, no issue of g. SOC, 900, 900 in cur
rency is needed to decide our fate.
S4O0, ,O000 600 will do it just as effectually; in
deed, 500, ,000, 900 would pretty nearly settle
the question. If the country once revives, in
time of peace, the practice of debasing the cur
rency by the issue of new legal-tenders, It
can never stop short of total reputation. Our
reliance is placed upon the sound sense and
integrity of the Senate, and that failing, we
shall look hopefully, for the first time, for
veto from the President. II is his last chance
for vindicating his reputation, and for making
the veto honorable; and we sincerely pray
that he may not let it slip if the occasion
comes. But we also trust that the Senate will
not let him have the occasion. The House,
we fear, is past praying for.
4. The corruption which deeply affects both
the political parties of the country is naturally
and properly avenged by the people mainly
upon the party in power. 1t would be idle to
ask our public men to do anything against
this monstrous evil directly. They are all
towards in its presence. But many of them
are really desirous to put an end to or limit it,
if they can do so without attacking it directly
- L., .ofs A-xs-
some men who have grown fat upon public
plumber are heartily willing that all future rob-
berry should be prevented; and some of them
will render material aid in preventing others
from proftipg by their example. The most
effective way in which Congress can do any
thing for this purpose, so desirable for the in
terests of the public and of the dominant
party, is by simplifying the business of the
revenue department and the machinery of
public business in general. Every new tax is
the parent of new frauds. Every superfluous
official is an ally of corruption. He generally
maintains his position by corrupting others,
and his family by corrupting himself.
With local issues Congress has nothing to
do. 1t has an abundance of work before it in
the fields of which we have spoken, and others
which fall within its province. All considera-
tions of public good, and, as a means to that,
of party success, appeal to its courage, its
moderation, its prudence, its integrity, for the
full performance of its duty at this time. The
maintenance Of the Union, though probable, is
not infallibly assured without guarantees for
the maintenance of liberty and national good
faith. To perfect these guarantees, to clear
away the financial difficulties of the country,
to purify the administration of public bust
ness-these are the duties of the present Con-
gress. 1t will have the prayers of all good
men for its success, and the blessings of all if
it succeeds.