New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-09-20
BACK-PAY DISCUSSION MOT "PLAYED OUT"
To the Editor Of The Tribune.


SIR: 1t seems that the reactionary party is
showing itself last and begin TO hear the cry that
this backpay business played out" we getting
tired OF hearing Of it," and many similar expressions
There nothing strange in this ii Is just what might be
expected As long the great mass Of honest men all
over the country united I'm execrating the act Of our
Congressman known the salary STEAL it was Of course
the proper thing do and politician with vision
of oaves and fishes shining across his pathway except
ing perhaps few OF the principals in the transaction
would unless hopeessy obtuse undertake TO stem the
popular current out squarey against an express
sion OF public opinion decided and unanimous. The
only hone of that class OF Statesmen" who are
ready and willing TO undertake the arduous and thank
less task of running the Government to the greatest
possible advanagto themselves, seemed to be TO wait
quietly until the storm Of popular Indignation had
blown over or least Gained down little before max
ing another exhibition Of themselves; and this they have
done with few exceptions. But the storm has abaIed
little of its violence and shows sign Of blowing
The grabber and his friends getting impatient to
resume their legitimate business, they have raised
the cry as though speaking for the people, the thing
played out" eve tired of hearing Of it,"
At one time during our civil war was member OF
one of the regiments engaged in the siege OF Fort Wag
ner and it became evident to US all, as the siege ad
vanced that the garrison OF the fort would have been
perfecty willing to call the firing business "payed OUT
and to say Of tho shells, eve have heard enough Of
Them" Unfortunately for them, however, they did not
represent the feelings OF majority OF the people; SO
the siege pressed with increasing Yg0r from day 10
day, until, by dnt of hard work and lOngcontlnued
poIlnding they we're driven from their position.
Now the garrison OF national fortress at Washing
ton having proved themselves unworthy OF the trust
posed in them by legslang In their own favor without
regard to the interests OF the people, IL becomes our
duty unless they acknowledge the wrong by restoring
the money they have taken from u.s. to make test case
of this for benefit OF future legislators ana serve
them as we did the garrison of Fort Wagnerdrye them
out. few stray shots will not accomplish our purpose
hoy STR
scousness of power and their faith in the average
Americans fealy to party as were the Conederates IN
their pine logs and sand and instead or ceasng our
fire when the enemy begin to cry OUT we should take
courage Mt this evidence Of the effect We are producing
and redoube our efforts IL they have heard enough OF
A. let them hear too much Of It, II the thing has played
out let them go with IT, Talk OF 1t on the street cor
ners make IL the subject Of commencement essays and
lyceum lectures; ill the newspapers with III; ana,
alb We ALL remember at future eaucuses ana cleo
tions until the last unrepentant man among them Is
driven from the public service. 5. H. p
hetc York, sept. 10, 1873.