Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1865-1872, 1868-03-06
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
Correspondence of the Americana


WASHINGTON, d. G., FEB 20, 1868.
Mr.. Editor,-I am glad 20 see that &C
good paper for the farmer as tho "North
Western Farmer" published at Indiauapo
lis, has received favorable notices in the
american. l have been receiving that paper
for nearly year, and think that all you say
Of it is true; and If our reading farmer.
would try it for year they would think il
a good thing. 1t is the best agricultural
journal ever published in our State. The
plan of awarding agricultural papers fol-
premiums at fairs, as was done few year,
ago, was very good plan. only that some
times one person got two or more copies
and therefore got more than he wanted OF
that kind. This difficulty can be easily
remedied by allowing all such lucky per-
sons to commute all after the first such
premium. The distribution Of cash as
premiums is great Improvement over
jewelry, and the distribution of agri,
cultural papers is a great improvement on
the cash premium. 1t may be objected to
this, that mechanics do not need an agri-
cultural paper. The "North Western
has many good and instructive word for
mechanics, and the housewifcry depart
ment is of value in the family Of any body
who appreciates tidy kitchen and an in
viting dining room. Permit me to COM
mend the North Western TO our Society
and to our people.
Congress is hard at work. 1t is marvel
Gus how that body dispatches business.
They have been In session now only about
three months, and they have gotat least a
half-dozen bills through, and have come to
conclusions in three or four contested cases.
But there has been much important work
referred 10 committees, aud it is fair to pre-
sumo that more work and less talking for
buncombe will be done hereafter. One
thing is clear: Congress is determined to
do something for the financial relief OF
the country. One step in that direction
is the joint resolution already passed TO
stop contraction of the currency Anoth-
err thing will be done: The bonds held
by capitalists or any body else will be
made subject to taxation, as far as that can
be done consistently with the faith of the
Government; and the intention of Con-
gress, am satisfied, is to have the face OF
all Government bonds paid at muturity in
the same money that the people have to
use, wherever that can be done consistent
ly with the contract made By the Govern
ment when the bonds were put on the
market This is not only the sentiment
of the Renuhlican majority in Eoporess
but am glad to see the same expressed
by the Republican Conventions all over
the country.
Congress is manifesting determine
ton to curiail the public expenses. They
are reducing the estimates for appropria-
tons nearly one-third; in some cases even
more than that. 1t is an easy thing for
individuals or for small bodies or for large
bodies to be extravagant, but hard to re-
trench. Ia doing SO much, case and good
Judgment are required. Congress has de-
termined to do the thing, and may make
some mistake in doing it. For instance,
the 39th Congress increased their own pay
cog per cent, just when the country was
grooming under a burden of taxation that
was almost crushing. They did it when
it was the order of the day to swell all
expenditures. Now the demand Of the
couutry il relief-retrench. They hear
the demand, but / notice that they appro-
pirate the full amount to pay themselves
at the increased rates, while they are
severely economical on some other items
not pertaining to their personal Interests.