Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-06-25
REPUBLICAN NOMINATIONS.
ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS-.

ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS.
The first session of the forty-third Con-
gress was brought to a close on Tuesday
evening. The record, as whole, is one
of which the country and the party in
power need not be ashamed 1t has re-
ceived the ordinary abuse that is expected
to be charged upon every national legis-
lative body where SO many and varied in
terests are involved, part of which it has
deserved, but the most of which has been
unfair, unreasonable and uncalled for. In
taking brief review of the work, it will
be found that Immediately on assembling
the back pay swindle was sent to the
shades by large majority that could not
be overcome. The resolution, patriotism
and determination of the President, backed
up by the friends of honest money in Con-
gress, prevented the calamity of wholesale
imitation of the currency, that was at one
time threatened. The main feature of the
currency bill that has become law, has
already been given in these columns.
The feature of most importance in the new
law is the definition Of the legal amount
Of greenbacks at 1882 ,OOO,O 900, and the
absolute prohibition of what has been
falsely called "a reserve" This renders
certain the amount of currency afloat in
the country and authorized by the general
government. The Geneva award bill,
which has passed, provides: First. for the
payment of the claims upon the award
which are undisputed, for the destruction
of property by the Florida, Alabama, and
Shenandoah, the three vessels named at
the Geneva Conference. Indemnities are
not to be paid except when after close
scrutiny actual loss is discovered to have
been sustained. A Board of Commission
ers is to be appointed. in lieu of Court,
to adjudicate these undisputed claims.
The fees of claim agents are to be determ-
ined upon by the board of commissioners.
A bill has passed requiring the prepay
ment of two cents per pound for newspa-
pers and three cents for books, to begin
the first of next january; bound public
documents to go at ten cents each, regard
less of size or weight, and unbound the
same as newspapers. Papers to circulate
free in the counties where they are pub
lished. The only Objectionable feature
about the measure is, that publishers must
pay the postage in advance and run the
risk Of collecting pay from subscribers
who are already in arrearages for their sub
scriptions. The transportation bill did not
pass, and that important matter is still left
for discussion and future legislation.
Every well-wsher of his country will point
with pride at one action of Congress, that
must stand ever prominent in the record
a grand measure of reform-the wiping
out of the moiety system, under which the
Sanborn frauds were perpetrated and per-
petuated; and also the modification of
the customs collection laws. And then
the absolute burial of the bare-faced and
reckless defender and champion of the
system, is matter for congratulation. In
this connection should be mentioned the
overthrow of the District of Columbia gov
eminent, that had doubtless become cor
rupt and corrupting. A commission will
labor this summer to perfect new gov
eminent for the district that shall be wor-
thy the national capital. At last the re-
vision and codifcation of the laws will be
undertaken, task of very great impor
lance, and if carried forward correctly
will be of great good to the country.
Many other measures of public import
ance and interest have been passed upon
but an unusual amount of private legisla-
ton has been transacted of great inter
est to the localities represented, and
which Of course cannot be enumerated
here Private claims have received atten-
ton and calm consideration. With the
exception of one or two brawls, precipita
ted like shower accompanied by thun-
der and lightning, the debates have been
conducted IN courteous ana gentlemaniy
manner. Hard work has been performed
in committees, the members applying
themselves to business with diligence and
determination. The closing days of the
session have been days of severe hard
work and we arc glad to learn, as we do
from correspondents, that during the haste
Of the closing hour, no '.jobs" worthy of
notice have been passed, and few attempt
ed; and that the appropriation bill chal-
lenges public scrutiny.
Here is an extract from the speech of
Eben +. Pillsbury in the Portland convcn-
ton. We give it without note Or com
ment. 1t is one Of the best things he ever
uttered, when not under oath. Imagine
the Dlacidty of his cOuntcnance whom our