Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-13
TIE SALARY GR.iE.


THE SALARY GRAE
The republican members of the House
appear TO be determined to make thorough
work with the repeal of the increase Of
salary act The more the increase is dis
cussed, the less favor it seems to find, and
the more radical are the measures pro-
posed for its repeal. There are few
members who uphold the increase, and
may be honestly of the opinion that the
measure was necessary and proper, but
we can assure them that their time and
arguments are all lost. for the verdict OF
their constituents is made up and nothing
will change it. The demand of the people
is for repeal. and this without distinction
of party. IF any portion of the republicans
believe that they can afford to uphold the
salary grab, or trifle with the efforts to
repeal it, they make u serious mistake.
Thus, far however, there appears to be
almost entire unanimty among the re-
publicans in favor of repeal, the only
bill or the extent of the repeal. We sug-
gest that the salaries so far as they may
be reached by Congress should be restored
to what they were before the increase.
The speech of Mr.. Dawes in favor Of that
course has prepared the public to expect
such result, and we trust they will not
be disappointed. This will satisfy the
constituency at home and nothing less
will. We would recommend to Congress
not to treat this matter as joke, or as ofno
consequence, but to give it serious at
tention and dispose of it as early and
decently as circumstances will allow.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS or ia V4NA.
A correspondent Of the Tribune, under date
of the 2nd inst, sends that paper the follow
ing communication
As was standing by the gangway Of the
Moro Castle, just then in the last throes of
departure from the wharf, my attention was
drawn to two Cubans taking leave of each
other with all the ELUSIVE embracing and kiss
ing of the Latin race. Then heard one of
them say to the other, with strong Spanish
rotundo, "Good-by Fraternity and Perole-
um!' That vas the first warlike speech of
the many heard upon the good ship. There
was, however, a conciliatory lip-deep ferocity
in the talk, after we had got well at sea. The
malevolence of both elements, human and
watery, were soon smoothed away i'll our
pleasant lapse southwark. Cubans, Span
iards, and Americans took off their IRON plat
ing, so to speak. with their overcoats, and f.
nally in Summer clothes. and thin shoes.
stood on a complete peace footing. The third
or fourth morning out we passed the Powhat-
tan towing the monitor Manhattan. That
was the only other warlike sign we met until
we came in sight of the Moro Castle.
We made the lighthouse about clock in
the morning, and, of course, had to wait out |
side until sunrise. Thus, we had the much |
wanted beauty of the entrance to Havana at
its best. First, the MORO, reminding one of
the impossible architecture of the pictures of
old-fashioned ladies' keepsakes and albums,
bristling with guns, and towering perhaps
little ont of usefulness In the warfare of these
times of low Notifications. Then came the
high walls Of the Cabanas, and then the whole
city and the shipping outlined against the
hills, crimson with sunrise, as with the men,
DRY Of the blood Of Lopez and OF the countless
executions Of which they have been the scene
We cast anchor opposite the very ship
which has made the anarchy o. this island
more anarchial. There before us, peacefully
drying her sails, was the Tornado, which cap
tured the Virginius, and not far from her Law
the immense frigate Corona, which captured
the Tornado from the Chillians. The Vir.
ginius, being ny at the arsenal or navy-yard,
was not in sight. The captors are turning
her into gunboat. The Tornado is small
ison steamer, and has certain fine points
about her that indicate heetness. We had
plenty of time TO contemplate her before we
were allowed to land. The first Assistant
Chief of Police had been up late talking pcli.
tics the night before, and we had to wait a
long time for him. Then the Health Officer
had not had his coffee, and we had to wait for
him. Then the whole dozen or less custom
house officials had gone to breakfast, and we
had to wait for them. There were innumer.
able other causes of delay, TO which / can
give no technical name. But we finally went
ashore, and through the custom house In
paying for permission 10 land, was boldly
defrsuded out Of SO 80 in change. ! remind
ed the official of il, who acknowledged the
swindle, but did not offer to make restitution.
This seemed to me TO rise way beyond mere
crime into the high atmosphere Of subtle hu-
NOR, and smiled. looked at him in amaze
ment, but he smiled on. In short, he smiled
and smiled, and was villain still, and have
seen the last of my $3.50.
At my hotel have had the honor of several