National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-06-24
REHIEK OF THE SESSION


which threatened to shatter the public charac-
ter Of q majority Of its members. The shafts
aimed were not directed toward any political
organization, but were intended for single indi-
vidusls who through unfortunate action in.
CURED the popular Ill will. The ''sslary grab
or back pay law was the cause of elimination
and reproach, and as the participants in its
enactment could not be reached, the kindred
remedy was availed of. The succeeding Con-
gress was designated to repair the injury sup
posed to have arisen from the act of its prede-
cessor. Before the House had fairly organized
q CAUCUS of Republicans was held, and the re-
solve taken to repeal the law raising the con-
gressional salary. 1t was made distinct issue,
and its accomplishment pledged with the Re-
publicans. While this action within one fold
was under way the Democrats met In council
for the purpose of selecting q candidate for
Speaker. Incidentally the question of "bsck
pay" arose, and, under subsequent develop
ments, was spiritedly debated. The square
issue was made on the repeal Of the salary
provision. Mr.. Wood, of New York, voted for
the increase, and remained one of its staunchest
advocates. He was placed in nomination for
vote for Speaker. An objection was made to
his record on the salary bill, and the sugges-
ton offered that another gentleman had better
be selected. Indeed, another name was placed
before the meeting. Thus the square issue
was presented of respectful compliance with
the will of the people or hardy attempt TO
sustain previous action almost universally con-
demned. And what was the sequel? When
the ballots were given whether a salary
grabber or a reformer should be the standard
bearer, Mr.. Wood received every vote but,two..
Two Democrats had the courage to repudiate
the almost unanimous action of the party, and
place themselves on record as opposed to the
salary law. And when the committee on re-
peal was instituted, and q report delivered,
the loudest denunciation of its provisions
came from Democrats. Aye, the keenest per-
sonalities were invoked during the debate to
arouse measure of opposition TO those who
manfullY battled for the repeal. The strongest
and most elaborate argument of the debate
came from a recognized leader both in the
North and South, Hon. Alexander H. Stephens,
in which the position assumed that no repeal
should be granted, but that an additional
''raise" should be provided for until the Con-
gressional salary aggregated ten thousand dol
lars year. And when the vote was reached
the scale was evenly balanced, the detection of
a single member proving the power wanted to
defeat any attempt at reform. When the last
name on the roll was called the tally evidenced
the passage Of the bill by one majority. In
stantly 1t became known that single change
from the affirmative to the negative side
would defeat the bill. And while the adyo-
Gates of the bill were eagerly searching the
Democratic column to secure the needed vote,
Mr.. George NJ. Adams, a Democratic member
from Kentucky, arose and made known his re-
solve to change from ''aye" to "no." This
defeated that bill, making square repeal, and
the credit for the act was indelibly accorded to
the Democratic side of the House. But the
end was not here. Nothing daunted, the Re-
publican manager again appeared with modi-
fed measure, which it was hoped would merit
the support of all. 1t was attempted to stiAe
this by overlooking it with impracticable
amendments. Success was not attained, how
ever, as, after the adoption of many absurd
amendments, a compromise was made and q
partial repeal of the law effected.
While the House was agitated by the spas
modic efforts to defeat the salary repeal the
first financial measure of the session was
brought forward for actual consideration. This
was "an act to provide for the redemption of
the loan Of eighteen hundred and fifty-eight."
The proposed payment of this loan was not
the first instance where Republicans Congress
had been called upon to make provision for an
indebtedness incurred through The reckless eI-
trayagance Of Democratic Administration.
In time of peace debt of twenty million
dollars had been contracted on account of
slight crusade against few rebellious Nor
mons. Misrepresentation OF the national credit
must be maintained, and in consequence, during
period of thestmost stringency, this relic Of
Democratic economy was settled.
And now the Senate emerged into activity of
speech at least, and ,insugurated that discus
sion on the finances which has heightened out
until its life has only ceased with the death of
the session. 1t is, and will always remain, one
of the impossibilities of this people to make
political combinations on the finances alone.
Sectional interests may transiently compel as
ISOLATION for common protection, which in turn
will be superseded as these interests become
diversified, both from natural as well as local
causes. It is not rare, therefore, to see not only
the utmost dissimilitude among partisans on
questions Of economy, but also TO see seeming
hexplicable revolutions in the theories Of indi-
viduals. In consequence, the widest limit ives
to be expected in the plans introduced as pan
acea for the financial Ills of the day. Legiti-
mately politics was 9 secondary consideration
in the settlement Of the means for relief, and
the harmonious political relationships remained
undisturbed when the contest came to an end.
The combined strength of men of both parties
sufficed to carry the legislative branch Of the
Government for an imitation Of the currency.
But this was overcome by the firm allegiance
of the Executive to the pledges Of the party to
secure 8 return to specie payments at the
earliest practicable day. The Senate origi-
mated a measure which provided for an expan-
sion of the currency nearly one hundred mil
lion dollars, but the vetoof the President con-
signed it forever to oblivion. This was the