The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1869-12-25

the estimation of practical legislators, as be-
inc changed with one of the most important
subjects now pending in Congress. Certainly
II is composed of able and sagacious business
men, and since the sessions here, the appear
ance OF Gen. Washburne, and Mr.. Judd of
Illinois have strengthened its character, rep
resenting as they do, the great lake COM
merce, while Mr.. Wells of st. Louis,
represents the river interests What
is likely to be the recommendations of
the committee, not even the shrewdest Yam
kee can guess, for it is understood that none
have been agreed on as yet. But it will
probably not be far out to say that
there will certainly be allowed a draw
back on material used in shipbuilding.-
That there will be proposed some aid to
steamship lines for carrying the mails is very
probable. The latter point appears to have
been energeticaiy supported by Admiral
Porter who appeared before the committee to-
day, upon grounds of public defence Mail
steamers, such as are now being used in the
transatlantic lines, can within very brief
period be transferred into cruisers. Had we
owned the steamships now employed in the
mail lines between New York and Europe, at
the beginning of the war, we should have been
able from the outset to have blockaded every
port and closed up the rebellion for want of
sustenance on its part within half the time
taken. Great Britain had a subsidized fleet
of mail steamers, all capable Of speedy con-
version into cruisers, and all controlled in
some sort by the admiralty, of not less than
$50 powerful vessels. We have not a dozen
all told. In this view alone the result of Mr..
Lynch's work and that of his committee is of
the greatest Importance.
The continuance of present high rates of
customs dues and internal taxation, will pro-
vnyn tul Il hn1i fN
end in a much more radical readjustment than
is at present contemplated. The report of
Special Commissioner Wells is already pro-
ducing marked effect. He has struck at the
real points at issue, with which the abstracts
ones of free trade and protection have lttl-
to do. The real questions are on the adjusts
ment of the tariff, and whether the people'e
burden snail all be crowded on the shoulders
of the present and ensuing five years. Unless
the Republican party does equalize the burden,
tighten the taxation now aid lift the pressure
from raw materials and the duties from the
various stages of manufacturing interest, it can
proceed to square accounts and write its will.
Like David Crockett's coon, it will be "gon-
err" unless some change is made. This is the
burden of Western speech, and some of it is
heard from States further East, not included
in the boundaries of Pennsylvania.
CUBAN MATTERS.
There is Of course lull in the controversy
over the recognition of belligerency, but it is
safe to say that there is a strong feeling of in-
dignation growing, which will be likely to
make itself felt after the holidays. Members
CT Congress can see that the sudden change
in the attitude of the administration toward
Cuba, which took place after the death of
Gen. Rawlins, had its rise in the desire to
avoid war with Spain. 1t is not pleasant
thing to think Of that we should be cowed by
apower like Spain, and that, too, in righteous
cause of action, where our sympathies are
warmly enlisted. 1t is not likely to pass with
out something being said unpleasant for the
Secretary of State to hear. The following was
handed to me to day as copy of resolution
to be proposed by Western Representative
when Congress reassembles. 1t is somewhat
saucy, but has point enough in it to sting:
Resolved, That His Excellency the President
is hereby respectfully requested, if not incom-
patble with the public interests, to communi-
cate to this House any information in his pos
session as 10 whether any near relative of a
Cabinet minister holds the position of counsel
to any foreign government, and especially to
any government between which and the Uni
ted States grave controversies are in ISSUE
OF course it is the SecretaryFof State that
this Parthian arrow is aimed at.
en- .- SPE6T ATOR