New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-12-19
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.
,,cNs OF IMPROVEMENT IN CO,N,REss


YRoBAprR WORK OF TIE sEssIoN-TIIE HOUSE
GIVING EVIDENCE OF A SPIRIT OF REFORS, THE
SENATE NOT so PROMISING - CONSERVATIVE
VIEWS on TIE CURRENCY QUESTION BECOMING
MORE POPULAR
n-RoM A REGULAR CORRESPONDENT TuE TRlBUNE]
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16.-The first ten days of the
session, although nearly fruitless in accomplished
legislation, have not been without valuable results.
1t can be SAID with certainty that the general
politico-moral tone of the House has greatly inn
proved during the recess and that there is little
danger either Of retrogreSsion the currency
question of the passage of such jobs the Texas
Pacific Subsidy. or the proposed Dtch-Dieging
kwindlc To get at the condition of the moral nerve
of the House. so to speak, and see whether 1t had
relaxed since last session higher strung. re-
Qurod time, aud the past few days has given
observers the desired information, and enabled
thoughtful legislators to lay their plans for the
Winters work. The result of the elections has had
much to do in producing the noticeable improve
ment in the opinions and purposes of members.
There is seriousness than before, and more de-
sire to set about doing something that will benefit
the country A wholesome respect for the diScrim-
mating good sense of the people shows itself ID I'M
expected quarters. Members, who from long
course of success, without merit, had come to be-
leve the mass Of the voting population to be either
views. On the majority side there is little left of
that offensive arrogance of power which has been
manifested SO long. The thoughts uppermost in the
minds of scores of Republicans are, How shall We
regain the lost confidence of our constituencies
How rehabilitate the party? How call back the
GeSerters and inspire our forces with something of
the old enthusiasm And TO such reflections often
succeeds the sober second thought, Has there not
been something radically wrong in the legislation
and administration of the past six years which it is
high time 10 reform y
In reference to the currency question it can no
longer be doubted that the House has returned
more conservative than 1t went away. DoctTinaiTes
like Kelley cling to their old opinions with the re-
doubled zeal of self-absorbed enthusiasts;
deInagogues like Butler contiuue to advocate their
foolish theories in the hopes of rallying party of
dunes, or at least of attracting to themselves the
public notice which they crave; but it Is not to be
questioned that the average sentiment of the body has
made substantial advance IN the direction of correct
principles. Besides the inevitable progress of sound
financial theories with the lapse of time, other
have worked to produce this satisfactory re-
suit Dozens of members mounted the dishonest
currency hobby last session because they thought
their constituents believed in it. They were defeated
for reelection and have further interest in pro-
Tossing doctrines which they never more than
half believed, or never believed at all.
Many Others who were more fortunate in
the elections became convinced while at home that
although the nhatonists strong in their dis
trcts the portions of their constituencies whose sup
port was best worth having were resoutely opposed
~ further issues of irredeemable paper. The hard
money men have been appTiSed OF several accesSons
from these two classes Of members They are in eX
cellen spirits and determined to make an effort
10 pass bill which. If not going as far as they
would wish TO- Will be step forward towards the
goal of specie payments. Very soon gathering
al leading Republicans will be held to consider
the matter and endeavor TO agree upon the outline
Of such bill. Pronounced iniationisS viii not be
invited, but the class of members who, while
rlamoring for more currency have never denounced
gold and silver as "relcs of barbarsm" will be rep
resented. There are strong hopes entertained that
the work Of such an assembly will not be abortve,
as was that of the similar caucus which met at
Speaker Blaines house last session to consider the
.amo sut,jcct. Almost everybody believes now that
the salvation OF tie Republican party depends upon
the passage this Winter of some satisfactory cur
rency BILL and this conviction viii go a great way
toward producing harmony.
All that has been said above APPLIES solely to the
House. The Senate ha, developed nothing new. Ii
its members have brought back from their constitu
eucies any resolutions TO reform the many objection
able practices and pretcnscs which have made the
body 50 unpopular Of latc-the trucking to the Ad
mnis ration, the scryile confirmation of bad APP
pOintmonts. The fostering Of Jobs, the intolerance OF
honest difference of OpiniOn-the fact has yet to be
manifested. Thus far little has been done but to
adjourn from day 20 day.