National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-02-27
CONGRESS YESTERDAY

The first practical work in the Senate on
appropriation bills-was consummatei yes.
terday. Weary Of provisions for raising
revenues the session was devoted to sew
eral methods for the disbursement of the
cash on hand. First came the Centennial
bill, an innocent project, but the forerun-
ner of heavy raid on the Treasury. The
most essential thing now demanded for the
enterprise is character, and consequently
the measure now proposed is intended as
an Endorsement by the United States of the
exhibition; an official sanction of individual
advancement. What will follow logically
in the order of events should the Govern
ment accept the paternity of the Centennial
will be demand for the guardian to make
provision for the debts of the ward. This
was so easily demonstrable upon the prin-
ciple that coming events cast their shadows
before, that the preponderating influence
is against any statutory complications which
will compel the assumption of all ''debts
contracted" Mr.. Cameron labors dill
gently in the interests of Philadelphia, but
he is evidently pulling against the tide of
senatorial judgment. The opposition is
not confined to the Republicans, but Demo
Gratis and even Liberals are vigorously in
imical to allowing money for Centennial
purposes. In the debate yesterday it trans
pired that other objections, aside from the
expected demand for large pecuniary sup
plies, have arisen. 1t is argued that an ex-
position in side city would in effect smother
any general celebration of American indie
pendence, without even giving the enter
occur to any one that if the Government is
to provide means for the sustenance of the
concern the objection as to the want of ma
tional character would be obviated, both at
home and abroad, by grand celebration ut
the capital of the country under government
al auspices. This would provide Mecca
for the patriotic pilgrim, and. while salts
factory to the national pride, be entitled to
recognition by the world at large. But
without the settlement Of any of the ques-
tons involved the Senate refused to con-
slider, at the present time. the subject, and
passed to the naval appropriation BILL. The
action upon this bill was Of the most expe-
ditious order, and half hours considea-
ton sufficed to prov:se the naval allowance
for the next fiscal year.
The Thanking privilege came up in the
House q unfinished business, the chairman
of the Post Office Committee having an
hour to close debate. As that gentleman
had already spoken at length on the project,
the time was divided among those members
who desired to explain their reasons for
giving support to the measure. The bur
den of the arguments made was that Con-
gress provided for the publication of nu-
merous public documents, and, as &C.
quence, should give an opportunity for
their distribution; and this reasoning
seemed destined to carry the day. But,
although the frankites were bent on vic
tory, and had the temerity to test the House
on 9 complete repeal of the law sbolishing
the abuse, they ultimately met with disas-
ter. The square proposition for the revival
of the old law was defeated BY large ma
jority. This paved the way for . negative
vote throughout. When the question came
up on the partial restoration Of the .'privi-
lege, - provided for by the committee, II
was negatived by two votes, tho record
showing 1s9 yeas to i81 nays. This settles
tho ftanking privilege for this session at
leas, but 1t Is understood that proposltaea
viii be made for the free distributions Of
newspapers within the county in which
they are published. This Is eouivalent 10