The New York herald., 1873-12-15


successfully aftera restoration OF war taxes and
the exposure OF the emptiness OF the cry Of
economy and reduction Of the public debt on
which the Presidential contest OF last year was
chiefly fought In the rural districts. The iore-
sighted among the republicans look at the matter
in Just about the same light, and are anxious 10
escape the danger by averting the necessity OF the
new taxes that Secretary Richardson asks LOT IN
his purely ministerial character as keeper OF the
public treasury The New England and Middle
states congressman favor reduction OF ex-
penditure II 1t is only IN small degree,
but they are not very clear as to where any
considerable saving is possible. The Western ana
Southern members, to considerable number,
favor on the contrary, q liberal expenditure py
the government wherever it can relieve the pros
trate industries OF the country, and think the con-
vertible three-sixty-nve bond would furnish the
means without restoring dollar OF abandoned
taxation. The advocates OF retrenchment, look
Ing over the estimates find them to be s319, 600 ooo
against $500, 600 900 OF actual appropriations for
the fiscal year ending with next June, and without
the several millions that Congress generally ap-
propriates during the session without regular
estimates made by or through the Treasury De-
partment.
Some OF the largest yearly appropriations are
permaneptthat is, not actually passed every year,
but running till altered or repealed Among them,
those for collecting customs, $650o, 900; expenses
OF the national loan, so25o,ooo Pacific Railway in
terest, nearly s4,0oo,0oo; interest the public
debt $s7 00o and nearly $50 10000 for the
sinking fund. 1t Is thought that million and
half could be saved the customs II members were
willing to reduce their patronage and eectioneer
ing facilities, and there might be reduction OF half
million on the loan by real economy. The exhibits
offer no subjects for the pruning knife. II the Sal
aTy bill passes in honest form, there will be
cheese-paring saved in that and the public print
ing and binding could be made TO yield half mil
lion, or even three-quarters, II the executive de-
partments would JOIN in an EFFORT. The Internal
revenue service, costing $4,000, 900 and collecting
Sl0o, 900 and more, claims to be on its smallest
possible basis without sacrifice or revenue. The
revenue cutter service, costing 1000. .0oO 1t
is thought might be retrenched II seriously look ed
after by Congress. The administration OF federal
justice, costing S35 900, is thought by economical
New Englanders to be too heavy by far, consider
ing the kind OF justice administered south of the
Potomac and the suppression OF the Ku Klux: but
it Is found that that service-as federal Jurors at
So each-is the only substantial means OF support
possessed by many useful henchmen OF the party
in the Southern States, and for this the appropria-
rions and estimates are not too great. Our Minis
ters and Consus cost about million, which
third by suppression of useless stations or
superabundant officers the sala.ies not
being too high anywhere. The army wants
s34,ooo.ooo and is existing meantime on
$50, 100000, and certain Jealous gentlemen
in Congress are going TO give especial attention to
increasing the comoative power OF the military
tablishment, while at the same time Topping of
superb uous and ornamental attachments, and saw
ing, at one whole transaction, several millions OF
useless expenditure. The navy WILL doubtless,
escape reduction this year, and may even get in.
creased appropriations through the onportune
occurrence Of ofthreatening weather in the Gulf and
along the coast. The Indian peace policy calls for
more than $50, 100000 millions, which is much
less than mingled imponcy OF war and
peace; but Congress Is likely to distribute
the Indians share OF the financial bur-
den among the tribes by keeping
the appropriation al its present figure
OF ST. oo0o o0o or so less. Pensions cost s3o0 0ooooo
and admit OF no material reduction. Public works
are down Tor s33,ooo,oOo, against appropriation
OF third of a million beyond s24.00o,ooo for
the existing year. Here is where the greatest
ing is possible. Forti1cations call Tor s3,5ooOo0,
river and harbor work two-thlrds OF it more Con-
gressional jobs than s155Oo 900 and ST. 100000
ior the public buildings and grounds about Wash
ington, exclusive OF the Capitol and the street i'm
proyements OF the local authorities around govern
ment property. Custom House and Court House
buildings, many OF them In ambitious young towns
call for Ss,o00,0Oo.
1t is believed that on an issue between increased
taxation and retrenchments no. 900 year for all
tee objects demanding between three and four
times that sum would stop the leaks and breaches
till better times return. The expense Of opening
up the public lands to settlement Is put down for
next year at $1,750,0oo. But this wil beyond
Inuh ha I'D frd r,plao
pear tnat settlement would be impeded thereby
which is not likely for year or two to come while
times are bad and so many railroads are crowding
the government in their Efforts to tempt the
settlement OF their land grants. Altogether the
triangular duel in Congress between retrenchment
increased taxation and inration OF the currency
promises to be both lively and interesting.
Conflict IN Regard to Mr.. Williams
Confirmation-The Executive Working
for Him, but the judiciary Com littec
Hostile.
II is confidently asserted tonight by the friends
OF Mr.. Williams that he will be confirmed as Chief
Justice tomorrow by strict party vote. 1t is also
said that the President has made the confirmation
personal matter and has caused 1t to be given
out that any Senator voting against Mr. Williams
will forfeit the friendship or the Executive. The
President is displeased at the personal attacks
made upon the nominee, and has followed the ex-
ample OF President Jackson in using his influence
in favor OF one who has been attacked on personal
grounds. But in spite OF the confidence felt by the
friends OF Mr.. Williams, 1t Is asserted with equal
posltiveness among Senators tonight that he viii
not be confirmed Though the Judiciary Committee
cannot agree, yet the members are said to be op-
posed to the confirmation, Conkling and Freling-
huysen excepted. Edmunds, the chairman, Carpen.
ter and Wright, and the democratic members OF
the committee, Messrs. Thurman and Stevenson
criticise the appointment as one that cannot have
their support The motives OF Senator Conkling
are ascribed to be his aspirations TO the Presden-
tial nomination in 1876, and his desire to keep the
good will OF the President.
Bill Extending Greater Facilities to
Loyal Sufferers from the Rebellion for
Hearing.