National Republican., 1873-12-12

The DEBATE on the salary repeal was con-
tInuCd throughout yesterday. Although the
members were inclined TO wcarisomcncSs over
its prolongation, the able presentation Of the
Sssc by Mr.. stephens, of Georgia, and the lu-
dicrous scenes which intcrSperScd the all
dresses, enlivened the House and created a re-
newed interest In the proceedings. The knowl-
edge that the late Vice President Of the So
called Confederate States intended to defend
the action of the American Congress drew a
''largc house." and the expectation of hearing
a candid AMI fair analysis Of the question was
not deceived. The speech, which extended
beyond the twenty minutes allowance, was
philosophical In character and worthy of the
brightest encomiums. A thorough statesman,
he did not descend to vulgar partisanship, hut
attributed the increase TO individuals acting
collectively, irrespective of political affiliations
| Undoubtedly no more able defence of the qucs-
tionable increase has ever appeared, and It's
| significant virtue Is the complete determination
of the responsibility of any single political as
| sociatnn for the legislation which has provoked
so much displeasurc. Mr.. stephens strkingly
excmplihcd the penurIous custom Of our Gov
ernment In It's paymen. Of public servants,
not forgetting that the best talent
should command the best remuneration.
Advanced in years, and physically incapaci.
tated for any extended strain upon the system,
he remained standing during the delivery OF
his address, the shrill, clear notes of his voice
piercing the furthcrmost recesses Of the hall
It could not be styled participation In debate
It was rather the outpouring Of the mature
thoughts of man thoroughly verscd IN tho
theory Of government, and one willing to i'm
part u portion of his knowledge for the guid
ance and benefit Of his successors. Among tho
pleasing features Of the picture presented wa,
the indulgcnt treatment spontaneously awarded
by the dominant party, and the conspicuous
desire of all to coINluec to his comfort and wei
being. The conclusion of Mr.. stephens re
marks was the signal for hearty and genera
congratuation, each member happy In thu
thought that complete cXoncratlon from any
base or mercenary motive had been obtainet
from one rich in experience and learning, ant
devoid of any unworthy trait Of character.
The exalted atmosphere prevalent was dissi
patcd under the chccry brcczCs evolved by th'
unique and humorous speech OF Hon. Alyal
Croclicr. The quaint description Of the grada
tIons of thought experienced IN the considrra
ton Of the disposition of the "back pay" II
illustrated by'this gentleman, were At once thl
pcrsonilcation Of human nature AMI the sim
pllcIty of an honest mind Lying at the doc
Of death, he explained, the conscious possession
of money tainted with the suspicion Of fraul
made him rcstivo aud influenced the decision
for It's return to the Treasury. "But," sait
Mr., Crockcr, al began to get better" an
without further uttcrance, the hearty laugl
aroused amply completed the sentence 30 bols
tcronsly interrupted. It is unnecessary to ado
that Mr., Crockcr retained the "back pay
But the unconscious mistakes of the old gen
tloman did not equal the humor Of Mr.. Cross
lanl, Of Kentucky, Democrat, who accepte,