National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-01-10

TIE impression has become general that the
Senate intends to stiHe all measures looking
to . return to the original Congressional salary,
and that, without an open avowal of this par
pose, the means taken to accomplish this end
are great ado about q comprehensive reform
which can but terminate in the total extinction
of all reduction contemplated, and the public
policy of casting the blame upon outside iniu-
ence which deprecates any interference with
other than Congressional pay. When Congress
convened the desire to comply with the wishes
of the people was scarcely less marked than
the struggle to secure the "first honors" in
bringing forth plan compatible with justice
and thorough in effect. But the strife inausu-
rated to secure the distinction of a doubt
full virtue soon developed into q
diplomatic chicanery which would furnish the
desired escape without the opprobrium conse-
quent upon the abandonment of the virtuous
stand originally assumed. Beginning early in
after the exhaustion of every possible dccep-
ton, It finally was compelled to acknowledge
the injustice Of awarding punishment to the
Departmental officials for the errors Of the
legislative branch, and in accordance with pub
lie judgment passed q bill which aimed at hon.
esty, even If it failed to reach the target at
first set up. A month wasted, the Senate com
menced the consideration Of the House propo-
stion on Monday last, and the expiration of .
week, consumed in daily sessions, still finds
that body further from the solution Of the
problem than on the day Of meeting. The mis-
fortune is that the spasmodic efforts to hurt
somebody elss is heavier weight in the scales
than the desire to conform their own emolu-
ments to the grade universally dictated a. lib
eral and just.
The entire proceedings of yesterday, in the
same vein IS dsys previous, wore an cxeinpliG-
cation of the unworthy sentiment which would
involve executive officers in rrin to e1at the
yirtuous character Of such Congressman -
expect reward for cvincing economy when
measuring the stipend of others. Instead of
coming courageously forward and voting ssno"
upon the reduction Of their own pay, should
their real inclinations be TN that direction, the
Senators, and some Republican in faith, allow
opportunity for constant insinuations against
able officers by the introduction Of Thorough"
measures intended alone for the formation Of .
burdensome pile whose very incougruities repel
the most intense rsformer. After tho exhaus-
ton of the civil list, attention has been given
the army, and an ex- confederate, General Cor
don, proposes to curtail twenty-five per cent.
the annual allowance of those officers who ef-
fected the downfall of the cause to which he was
allied. This is certainly strategic movement
to overcome those by whom he was vanquished
in actual battle. And reasoning upon the
basis that the Congressional salary was about
to suffer reduction proportionate IN amount,
it is also attempted to cut down TO the same
extent the salary Of every Governments en-
ployee now receiving two thousand dollars and
upwards. These propositions are stu pend
ing, and - the Senate has adjourned until
Monday, It Is not improbable that they VIII be
the pretext for another weeks frivolous diesi-
patton. It Is idle to recount the varied ex-
pressions of Senators, - the failure to dispose
finally of this measure and assume bustness
attitude d the most direct comment upon their
rectituds Of intention and honesty Of speech.
But q should be remembered that Demo
cratic influence 4 hurrying them forward TO
excuses and creating ridiculous positions for
which the Republican party alone Will be con
sidsred responsible.
The manifest injustice Of . member, from
personal reasons, debating the committee
In which private claims shall have their con-
sheraton was exenpli6ed 10 the House yes
teraay by Mr.. Dawes, who commented severely
upon the references. allowed the Chorpenning
claim. Casting asids entirely this particular
case there 10 an evident laxity In the rules In
this particular, and Il consequently often oc-
c,,r~ that t,Slya ere reeerrcd IN committees IN
which the subject d utterly foreign to the
legitimate sphere marked out by tho rules OF
the House. Incidentally, - Il were, this In