National Republican., 1873-12-19


THB House proceedings yesterday afforded
the usual amount of personality and recriminn-
tion, the participants being Messrs. Hale, Of
New York, and Wilson, of Indiana. Mossrs.
Butler and Eldrdge eventually joined the de-
bate and contributed to the amusement Of the
galleries. 1t naturally occurs that "salary"
formed the material element In the discussion,
and It's retroactive features received the benefit
Of an elaborate cxcmplilcation Of Congressional
character. During the consideration Of the
repeal law, Mr.. Hale, of New York, undertook
the castigatlon Of those members who In the
last Congress participated in the enactment of
the back pay law. This action induced judge
Wilson to propose an amendment to the bill
compelling the return of all moneys received
b. members from the Government for any SER
vices rendered outside Of legislative capacity.
A direct attack upon Mr.. Hale, who received
yearly income as agent of the Mixed Commis-
sion, the sequel occurred yesterday in "pCr-
sonal explanation" Although Mr.. Hale Of
fcrcd In evidence the special law under which
he was permitted to receive pay from two
Offices, there were those aftcr, him who
were able to dcmolish his efforts TO
excuipate himself As an antagonist General
dcnom!na,cd Dangerous" And although
Judge Wilson very thoroughly neutralized the
effect produced by the explanation, It re.
malncd for General Butler to entirely dissolve
and dissipatc in vapor the attack and at.
tempted defence. To those smarting from the
structures of the previous evening It was a
source Of the greatest mcrriment, they being
anxious TO lead another to the sacrifice irauvhl
with so much suffering. Dealing in an un.
usually calm spirit with the subject, the Gene.
raj commended the services rendered the Gov.
ernmcnt by Mr.. Hale, and declared his firm
| conviction that no wrong had been committed
in receiving pay therefor, bus the Objectionable
act, reached at last, was the attempt 10 affS
the seal OF condemnation upon others for going
through a less trying ordeal. Although tn,
rcprimand administered was rcplctc with tell
Ing points AMI sever, in It's character, Il provct
happy Lesson to those bent upon persona
fame by the malignant prosecution Of thci
compeers. The spirit of demagogcry cx
hibitcd has received many s'rcturcs, but /
remained for the speaker of this day to aunihl
late It's every prctcnsion, anl place bare NJ
proportions In the lurid light evoked by It's owl
decomposition. The completion Of this cx
plantation, which lailed 10 rebound TO the crcdi
of Mr.. Hale, was succeeded by tho usual bun
combe OF "rights of the minority" provoke,
by the introduction of n measure intended L
expedite business. But the business of tn
large Republican majority obl I:Ct even seem
Ing complaint, for the sug gcs4iOns OF ihc m
nority were accclcl to, ani the rule causing 5
great conservation was rcm4Ilcl TO ia
! proper committee.
But the most important d"rclopmen, of H.
day was the firm footho!d a'c0rlel the civ
rights bill, so urgently press 20 attention b
the convention recently in s2ssinn IN this cit,
Accepted by the judiciary Committee, Q
already stated in The REPUBLICAN, 1t HI
attained position in the legitimate business {
the House, and must receive attention. il
decd, the fact that General Butler has T.
charge Is a sufficient guarantee tina; It Will
early considered anil promptly passed..
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