The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-12-26
SPIRIT OF THE PRESS.
EDITORIAL OPINIONS or THE LEADING JOURNALS
UPON CURRENT ToPICs-coMPILED EVERY
DAY FOR THE EVENING TELEGRAFH
Work or pIaYg
Mon, ns N. p 7Y,nss

our natOOal Legislators may uuu l0lSuT6,
during the holidays, TO determine the course
to be pursued when these come to an end.
There is evidently much doubt upon the sub
iect. We have charitably supposed that tue
listlessness evinced since the session opened
was a mere ante. Christmas accident, to bs
atoned for after the 9th OF January by down
right hard work. On no other hypothesis did
it seem possible to explain the procrastination
and neglect which have been apparent in re-
gard to every important subject 1t seems,
however, that what we supposed to be &C u-
dental really was intentional on the part OF
many, and that the trifing Witnessed these three
weeks is to be continued through the remain
der of the session. "NearIy all the Leading
'membeIs" writes our Washington cores
pondent, care of the opinion that nothing is
actually necessary at this session beyond the
Appropriation bills"
We hope that ''the leading members" and
the members who are not "leading," will re-
turn from their home visits with different
impression. The prevailing opinion among
the people is that great deal is actually
necessary this session to meet urgent wants,
and TO institute reforms which cannot be de-
ferred until another session without grievous
injury and wrong. 1t is not enough that
General Grant has been elected President, and
that his friends will be sufficiently strong in
the next Congress to give effect to the reforma-
tory measures Of his administration. The fact
is satisfactory 60 far as it goes But it furnishes
no excuse for negligence on the part OF the
present Congress. 1t has duty to perform
wholly independent of the next President
and the duty OF providing legislation that is
needed now, of doing work that is expected
now, of inauguratDg those measures of i'm
provement and relief which are requisite noU,
and which the new Administration should
complete and execute.
Mr.. Colfax expressed the popular demand
the other night at Philadelphia, when he
pledged the Grant administration to "the
most searching retrenchment; honesty, eff
cheney, and higher character in all connected
with the public service; rigid guardianship OF
the Treasury against unwise and extravagant
schemes; financial policy which shall main
tain our credit untarnished, appreciate our
currency and place us on the firm rock of
specie payments" The programme is too
comprehensive to be realized in. the seven or
eight weeks which will remain of the present
session. But there are portions of it which are
practicable, and to these members should ap-
ply themselves on reassembling, il they
would not scandalize their party and do inus-
tice to the country.
Appropriation bills are confessedly neces-
sary, even in the opinion of 'leading MEM
bers." Their policy of laziness does not ex-
tend to the voting away of money. The task
of providing for the national expenditures,
however, presupposes considerable attention
to the expenses to be covered. Retrench-
ment, therefore, is at this moment in order;
not a hasty cutting down of estimates, to be
hereafter amended by deficiency bills, but
thorough and careful reduction of expenses,
with a due regard to the requirements of the
public service. Mr. McCulloch has shown
not only that large saving is possible in
almost every department, but that it is essen
tial to prevent higher taxation. Here, then,
is one work so actually necessary that it can
ba cd yuit Safa
The public credit too, calls for immediate
attention. 1t cannot be improved by any mere
theorizing on the subject of resumption.
Schemes relating to that subject are well in
their way, and perhaps necessary; but what
ever be the policy OF the incoming sdministra-
ton, it is in the power OF the present Congress
to accelerate resumption simply by bettering
the condition of the Treasury. To do this we
must have retrenchment accompanied by an
increased productiveness of the revenue, as
the result of increased efficiency and integrity
in the internal revenue service and of an in
telligent and just revision of the customs
duties. Not only has the latter object been
thus far neglected, but its attainment has
been rendered more remote than ever by the
favor shown towards changes in the direction
OF monopoly. II the national credit is to be
strengthened, prohibitory duties will have to
be discarded and duties adjusted with a view
to productiveness put in their place. The
fondness for doing little or nothing may Sc
duce members into the neglect of the thing
most wanted; but at least they may BIZ asked
not to make matters worse by piling up OBJ
stacles at the instance OF a few importunats
interests.
The virtue of denial ought to be pushed yet
further. The "rigid guardianship of the
Treasury" which Mr.. Cplfax promises, is a
duty quite as incumbent on and after the 9th
of January as on and after the 4th of March.
Unless fulfilled in the intervening period
brief though it be, much damage will be
done. Magnificent schemes are already on
the carpet. One project has been started
which alone would bankrupt the Treasury,
and ethers little less dangerous are spoken of
as in preparation. Whether these come in
the shape of claims to be paid, or of aid to be
rendered to enterprise, or of the acquisition
of territory, but one safe course is open. All
should be rejected. But even the rejection OF
these and similar projects implies greater
vigilance and a keener appreciation OF pnblic
necessities than have yet Deen apparent.
We would not mar the holidays by fruit
lessly complaining. Congress is made up OF
mortals, who are not required to forswear en-
joyment II they would relish it honestly,
however, and disport themselves with good
conscience, we recommend them 10 resolve
upon disregarding those 'leadiug members
who would oonsecTate the remainder OF the
session to serene self-contemplation instead O
rough and patient work.
Babes In the Wood.
From "B'tck" Pomeroys ~ Y. Democrat.
The other day, in Mississippi, a wandering