The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1868-02-20
INFRINGEMENT AND Reform.

Congress and the newspapers have for some
time been ringing the changes upon these words;
and to use n cant phrase, we have taken "a hack"
at this subject now and then ourselves, with the
very best Intentions, however, having no other
object in view than to ventilate the wrong doing
wherever II might be found, and to point out the
WY in which money may be saved to the Treas
ury.
1t is wel-known fact that the whisky rings
have, by their frauds, been deliberately robblng
the Government of millions, and that these
frauds are still being perpctrated to an alarming
extent; and yet Congress has done nothing up to
this time to cfectualy put a stop to this palpa-
bic and gross wrong There may be good reS-
sons for this delay, reasons that we do not com
prehendi but in accordance with the light we
now have 1t does seem to US as though this
should be the very first work which Congress
should take In hand.
We have more than once seen II stated that
the whisky lobby about Congress is very pc.
tential body OF men; that is, potential through
its large surplus OF money. We know nothing
with respect to the truthfulness of these state.
ments, and, as matter OF course, eau affirm
nothing. But when men talk of those who pos.
Fcss millions Of money to affect the action OF
Congress, and legislation upon vital question
which relates to the amount OF revenue col.
lectcd and cOllcCtable is delayed, we naturally
are led 10 make the inquiry, why isl
Some papers are pitching into the Govern.
ment because of the small sums 1t pays ia
newspapers for printing purposes, and other,
are down on Congress because 1t cntcrtains the
question OF voting an additional twenty pei
cent. to the clerks in the Departments; and still
Others oppose all aid which may be asked for In
behalf of railroads. canals, mining interests, and
steamship lines to Europe in the shape OF sub
siiios, sc. All this looks well, but Ia very much
like stopping at the spigot and letting out at
the bung.
The other day Congress got up quite an anus
ing scene, which was intended to come down
very hard upon the Secretary of State in respect
to the manner in which Mr.. Seward disposes Of
the secret service fund. There were many sur
misses and whispered insinuations thrown out In
regard to what was alleged TO b. the improper use
OF this fund. 1t was said that the Secretary had
paid almost fabulous sums to Tom Dick ant
Harry for services in travelling over Europe tC
no good purpose.
Esa" I.nsan introduced " ..-.y E-na,Ious rasnlu
tion, bearing particularly heavy upon the Score.
tary, which we published at the time. As =
matter of course it was ruled out of order.
This question In regard to the amount OF money
squandered upon secret agents is now out, and
it appears thattwenty-two agents have been sent
abroad during the last six years by the State De
partment, and the sum paid to these agents /.
$4,000.
In regarl to the expenses OF the consular ser
vice, Mr.. Blaine, In a brief speech, set thi,
matter right before the country in a few words
Ms follows;
"Mr. Blaine explained in further reply to
question propounaed by Mr.. Holman on Satur
day, in relation to consular fees, that the con
sular fees paid into the Treasury for the hscA
year ending June 80, 1867, was sI2i O99; that tn,
amount paid for salaries was 1871 ,292 and for eX
change, alO7l7 leaving the net proceeds from tn,
consular system $4,000. The salaries of the con
Paris O,4 nd fpe
The salaries at London were - 500, and the fee
S3s, 800"
Thus 1t will be seen that the consular service
instead of being a cost to the Government ~
heretofore, now, under Mr. Stewards manage.
ment, actually pays into the treasury surplu.
of over 10000.
More upon this topic OF retrenchnent at an
other time.