Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-04-01
The Financcs---Senator Sprague's
Speech.


The present administration has been in ope-
ration for nearly a month and Congress has
also been in session during tba. time, costing
thousands Of dollars per diem, and yet the
most vital interests Of the people are still ne
elected This too. notwithstanding the Press,
that great medium through which the wants Of
the Republic are made known, all over the
land. irrespective Of party, with singular una
niuliiy has urged upon Congress the absolute
necessity Of prompt and speedy action upon
the Financial question. tho one demanding
their most serious consideration.
Il really does seem, when we observe the
state Of affairs al Washington, that the great
object Of Government is to dispense its patron
age, among its party frieuds-and that the
great aud vital interests Of the masses are sub
iects that can be laid aside for a " more conve-
uieut season"
In the better days Of the Republic, in times
Of doubt and darkness, We were accustomed to
hear the cry. look to the Senate" for that
body then was composed Of tried aud trusted
Statesmen, to whom the people did not look
IN vain for relief. For, more than once, that
CRY for relief was heard and answered TO the
satisfaction Of the people Now, how great
the change What a spectacle do we behold
in that angus, body, that should be the palla-
dium Of popular rights men sacrificing their
own manhood, totally ignoring the solemn
trusts Of the people who seat them there, IN
their willing homage to the great Moloch Of
Party, usurping the prerogat yes Of the Ex-
ecutive, and persisteutly clinging to its usur-
patton, in the face Of the wishes Of the people
as clearly manifested by the popular branch
IN It's decisive vote repeating the Tsnure-of-
Ofice-Act.
Amid this almost universal slavery 20 Party.
Il is refreshing TO see that one man, and he one
Of the youngest Senators, has fearlesslv and
manfUlly exposed the state Of existing Attain,
in the body polite, and, loving his Country
more than party, boldly exposed its rottcnness
and corruption, in language, if not graced witt
the charms Of rhetoric, or uttered with the elo-
quence that thrilled the Senate and electrified
the country in by-gone days vet has the un-
nistakabe ring Of truth and sincerity.
IN the speech Of Senator Sprague, to which
We have reference, after stating that during
che war lie bad done more for the country
than al the rest Of the Senators together, IN
the field and out Of it, he said, that be yet
dared not face them and tell them his honest
convictions Of the course Of conduct they were
Pursuiug-i1r fear Of the contumely and per
secaton 1t would bring upon him. lie ha>
done 50. however. aud the people viii sustain
him. The points he makes with regard TO the
finances may be briefly stated.
]. That money may be termed the life Of
human affairs, as air Is the 10, Of the body.
2 ], must be abundant and cheap.
s. That there ia plenty Of currency in IN,
country, but it is kept on. Of reach, in large
masses, snd controlled by the few
8 Desach /. from its present relations wit
business anu 0ptlaliousi dud tt2L u INTO other
channels than speculations on itself or on pro
perty.
s. He would effect 10y means Of Treasury
disbursements, where the lsrgest portions Of
tbe capital Of the country collects. Initiating
the example Of certain European nl;in.S be
suggests the appointment Of twenty-five Of the
most worthy men in the country % inspect tle
reception Of all government funds, to collect
them 70 the credi, or bodily into the Treasury
10 New York. ready to pay The government
indebtedness. ard also 20 be placed on the
market by laaas every day. Such has been
ths practice IL E-slani 90 p,r.o3 Of one