The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1869-12-23
THE REPUTATION MATTER.

copy below the interesting debate by which
it was accompanied, and which shows very
clearly how reputation is regarded by
the democratic party. The following is from
the tclcgraphic summary in the New York
Herald of the House proceedings on the 10th
The House then, at two o'clock, went into Com
mittee of the Whole on the Presidents annual mes
sage Mr.. Allison in the chair, and was addressed
by Mr.. MUNGEN, (dem.) of Ohio. in criticism of the
financial policy of the government. Mr.. Munyon's
argument which was delivered from manuscript,
nyocaed reputation of the national debt;
Mr.. BROOKS, (dcm.) of n. y, said:-'The gen
ioman from Ohio said, and well said. he spoke only
ior himself. If what he said had not been said on
The floor of the House, i'll presence of all of us.
should not feel it necessary to dSclaim all reSpOn-
>ibty for his advocacy of reputation, and think
may speak for the democratic members from New
York state as we'll as for myself. The National
debt never has been never can be- never Will be re-
pudiated. While much of what the gentleman said Is
tlle, all that relates TO Reputation we utterly dls.
'laim. We expect to pay every cent Oh 'he uept
according to contract. and under a better and re-
duccd system of taxation we think II VIII De as cas-
lily paid rs the debt of the war of lsl2.
Mr. KERR. (dem.) of Ind, said While | re-
member very well that my friend from Ohio (Nlr.
Mmgen) did us on this side the justice TO remark
that in whatever he was about to say lie would at
tempt to bind nobody but himself, vet deem ii an
act of duty TO myself and to those whom represent
Oand | believe | say it with becoming modesty)-
To the whole democratic party of this country-to
LAY that do not endorse reputation IN any FORM
ana that do not believe that that great and honor
able party of which have the honor to be an hum
lie member endorses any such theory.
Mr. sLoCUM, 1dem.) Of n. y, said:-I am glad
HE gentleman from Ohio makes no pretence of rep
re>entm% amy political party in the remarks he has
made, The Congressional district have the honor
la represent this floor pays into the Treasury
more taxes than two OF three Of the Western States
combined. and | assure the gentleman that he
represents the sentiments ofno party, and may
>ty of no people of that district. For one here
declare thai no party tie no hope of political adj
vaneement, will ever induce me TO favor any meas
are tending towards reputation, either directly or
Indirectly, or any measure tending to prevent this
government from d>charging every obligation in
,urred in the suppression of the rebellion in strict
accordance with the letter and spirit of the law ere
lting the obligation. In behalf of the democracy
represent hereby repudiate all regulators.
Mr. RANDALL, (dem) Of Pa sad-Mr. Chair
man-ln the time allowed to me it is hardly posi-
hly that | should follow the gentleman from Ohio
Mr.. Mungen) in all his doings, or what might
mildly term hi, political hcresie>; but, for my
self, think can speak for my constituents. am
utterly opposed to reputation. The moment allow
against the enumeration of any scheme ofegislation
which l believe would place my country in Il dis
honest attitude before the world. Not only do
believe that we should pay the debt but believe,
what is OF Vastly more importance, that the country
a> the ability, the disposition and the resources to
pay it. | agree with the gentleman from Ohio
Mr.. Mungen) that this debt was negotiated at ru-
nous rates. That is Il matter Of just criticism
against the party who then controlled the govern
ment and made the negotiation: but as to those who
hold bonds upon which is stamped the faith
Of the country | say Reputation stands i'll no other
light except the light of dishonesty. In SAYING this
| but repeat what have said before my conStitl-
ent> believe that in the interests OF my country
there should be question about paving the entire
principal OF the public debt.
Mr.. POTTER (dem.) of n. y, said Mr.. Chair
man, upon questions of public faith and national
honor, | do not propose to let any man decide for
any organization to control my vote. am
not unmndful of some of the evils to which the gem
fleman from Ohio has adverted, but without now
referring to him desire simply to say that myself
md my constituents disclaim the doctrine OF repu
diaon advocated by the gentlemen from Ohio.
Mr. COX, (dem.) of \. y, said:-While no one
Is mere ready than to honor the soldier and the
gentleman from Ohio who has Just spoken, Will
not do him the injustice to believe that he under
takes TO speak either for the democracy of his State
Or of The nation. His opinions are his own. He
alone i responsible for them. They are not tolera-
Die OF eXcu>able because of the wrongs suffered by
the masses: because Congress fails to tax they
should, the bondhoderS; because Congress fails
10 pay The claims of loyal claimants, or because
Of the outrageous and persistent taxation of the
people. The. worst form of reputation has not
been referred to. The legal tenders debt. SO
long they are unredeemed so long is there repu-
datiGn. Who is responsible for this : l charge
the republican members now around with
lacking the SIKH OF the courage to redeem the legal
tenders.
Mr.. DAWES, rep, )of Mass. What is the inter
probation of MI Pendeton'> theory Is it not re-
uudation.
Mr.. CoN-I might agree with Mr.. Pendeton'S in.
depreciation; yet it would not be reputation. Did
not the distinguished morai>t from Massachusetts
Mr. Butler) agree with Mr.. Penulcon! and
ThadleuS Stevens and Senator Morton And are
they repudator>: | understand the aStutcness of
The gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Dawes.
He desires to give partisan tone to the debate, but
he cannot do it. Without regard o party, the House
should endeiyor To raise, not to degrade credit
and honor. denounce Reputation i'll every form
whether il lepudatcS legal tender notes OF bonds,
,laimS constitutional guarantees. will never
consent to favor the dishonor of my country, which
is bound up with its prosperity. All of our conSti-
tuent> pay taxes alike to sustain the public credit.
There are questions which will press hereafter
whether taxation is inordjnate, whether we ought
not reduce it; whether with full Treasury, ii is
not an outrage to keep up these burdens. But we
ali agree that credit shoudremain untarnished
We may differ on the ways and means to preserve
our credit and TO other fiscal questions, but on
Ibis let Us be iii concord
Mr.. WooDW ARD, tlem.1 Of Pa, saidthat it seem
ed TO him to be aday ofgeneral confession, U4augh-
trr.) He had happened to be member of the Su-
!nene Court of Pennsy lvana when the republican
county of Allegheny and the republican city of
Piltsburg repudiated most honest and righteous
debt, and it had fallen to his lot to write the first
opinion that was ever written in Pennsylvania
against those regulators. Other opinions in other
cases had followed and those County Commission
trs and municipal authorities had bee Imprisoned.
Ihr commissioners We're one whole wear in Jail be-
fore they would surrender to the authority of the
court.
Mr.. GARFIELD. (rcp) of Ohio, by unanimous
consent, moved that the Committee report TO the
House the following resolution
Resolved That the proposition, direct or indirect
10 repudiate any portion of the debt of the United
states is unworthy the honor and good name of the
nation, and that the House, without distinction OF
party hereby sets its seal of condemnation on any
aud all such propositions.
After some further debate, a direct vote
upon the resolution was had resulting in
l23 yeas, to nay, being Mr.. Jones. of Ken
lucky.
TIE RAILROAD CONSOLIDATION. The Au-
gusta correspondent of the Boston Advertiser
says the measure is fixed fact, and remarks
rs follows
1t is now well understood that the recent
conference of the leading railroad men of
the State has practically settled the question
Of an integrity of their business interests,
and the terms of consolidation of the Port
land and kennebec, the Maine Central, and
their branches, have been agreed upon. This
will work a new era in Maine railway man.
agement. The long war between the broad
and narrow gauge is ended, and everything
will narrow down to one gauge and one
plan. For one, | believe that on the whole
no rrocnnct iS chaarfi1l for tho nonnla w o