davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
A Hint for Congressional EseGgesacza.
CaS,

Mr.. Gladstone, upon the dissolution OF
Parliament, went to the people of England
upon the pledge of retrenchmcnt and re-
form, and was especially committed to the re-
peal of the income tax, and to rigid "ecOno.
my" in all the departments of Government
We know what their verdict was. The
English correspondent of the New York
Times, commenting upon GladstOne's inglO.
rious defeat and its causes, thus describes
the feeling of the people in regard to his
retrenchment policy:
"The country has been for some years in
creasing in wealth, as Mr.. Gladstone himself
said, by leaps and bounds; and people are
shocked and disguised to think that in the
very height of unparalleled prosperity the
cut doacn expenses and sdre money without re-
gard to the honor and reputation of the
country"
The people Of the United States, like those
of England, will be "disgusted'' if their
leaders in Congress show that, in the very
height of unparalleled prosperity, their only
object is how to cut down expenses and save
money without regard, we won't say to the
"honor and reputation" but to the necessi-
ties of the country. The bungling statements
Of the "Chancellor of the Exchequer,"
and his gross errors of facts, in the House of
Representatives, upon Government finan-
ces, will make them still less disposed to
tolerate policy calculated greatly to cripple
the public services without any compromising
advantage.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
The "Sricncc" eG Finance.

a good story is told OF the late Mr.. Fes-
senden's efforts to procure some practical
hints from a couple of very distinguished
New York iinanciers in regard to an import
ant financial measure he had in contempla-
ton. Being uncertain as to its consequences
or effect upon the interests of the country
he invited for consultation two eminent New
York brokers who, as all New York bankers
and merchants and editors are, were per-
fectly at home in the science of finance.
These two eminent bankers, glad of the priv
llcge of aiding to enlighten the understanding
of the Secretary of The Treasury, and willing
to give the country the benefit of their linan-
cal wisdom, without money and without
price, beyond what they could make by the
adoption of the policy they might rec ommend,
promptly responded to his invitation.
But at the very beginning of the interview
as soon as Mr.. Fessenden had laid before
them his proposed measure, they ranged
themselves on opposite sides of the subject
with great promptness and good deal of
heat. They argued the question in all its
bearings, pro and con, and at the end left
the Secretary as undecided as he had been at
the opening of the conference. But he
thanked his visitors for their attendance,
frankly admitted his perplexity, and said he
would consult them on a future occasion, and
asked them in the meantime to give the sub
lcct their best thoughts. n fortnight later
he called them to a second interview. I'M
agne the amazement of the Secretary when
he found i'll the interim his visitors had eX-
actly changed sides, and were as intolerant
of each other now as they had been on the
occasion of the first meeting! Mr.. Fessen-
den, it is said, more than than once declared
his belief that finance was not a science, and
instanced this circumstance.
This incident, we venture to say, is fair
illustration Of experience Of nine out of ten
of the gentlemen who are now engaged in
"liXing up" the finances of the country. 1t
may not be true that they have been on both
sides of the same question within a fortnight,
as the two distinguished New York finan-
ciers were. But we very much doubt if there
are any two of them that cordially favor the
same financial measure, or who are perfectly
free from doubt as to the consequences of the
policy they do favor. There seems to be as
many financial projects in Congress as there
are speaking members, and no two Of them
are alike. The fact is that finance in this
country don't seem to be one of the "erac
Sciences" but is rather an unknown guam
tity" AT any rate nobody yet has found
out the solution of the problem.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
The IeWcls Of Consistency.

At the recent charter election in Syracuse,
New York, the Sorehead Republicans united
with the Copperhead Democracy upon what
they dubbed an "anti-ring candidate" Tor
mayor that is upon malignant and unscru-
pulous Democrat, and elected him. Upon TINS
result being known, it was telegraphed TO
The New York Times, and published with
flaming trsrl lines and nxtra leads as Il great
victory OF the Performers" over a corrupt
Republican ring, and all that sort OF stuff.
Yet there is hardly day that the Times
hasn't an article bitterly denouncing Mayor
Havemyer, who was elected Mayor of New
York as ''refOrm Democrat He has
proved false to all his professions, and is
cheekby-io wl with the most corrupt OF the
Tammany ring not in exile or in prison.
And the other day this some paper gave the
public to fear that Governor Dix was "Soing
back on those who elected him and their
principles. With the example of these and
scores of other Democrats elected to office as
reformers before its eyes, we fear the Times
is a little inconsistent in claiming the cleo
ton of Copperhcad in Syracuse as a Gre
FORM victory.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
Prof. D.. aSE e-gOsE....

We attended the exercises of the debating
society connected with Wayland Seminary,
entertained by lecture on "True Culture"
delivered by Prof. Storum. Prof. Storum
was happy in the treatment of his theme, and
evinccd knowledge of the successful men of
the present and past ages, and the causes
the lamcnted Sumner was touching and beau
tifnl Our limits this week preclude the pos
sibilly of synopsis of his lecture. 1t was
at once edifying, with rhetorical finish, and
eminently practical.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
A Word TO Republican Leaders.

1t is time that the Republican party were
awakening from their peaceful slumbers over
their victories. The enemy, though beaten
in the late Presidential campaign, are not
dismayed, but are still using their energies
in hopes Of making new converts to their
ideas. The Liberal Republicans, Democrats
and Changers are nearly one and the same
in opposition to the Republican party.
In view of this fact, it is time that the
Republican party were wedding from among
them the evil demagogues who have been
sucking the life-blood from the party, and
reapng the benefits of full recognition by
the administration to the detrimcnt OF those
men who have labored effectively for the
party, and expended their all. This Is a
matter that our leaders should look into at
once in order that the remedy may be made
as early as possible.
We are sorry to see the party so Indifferent
| to those who have ever been true in time o.
need Modest Republicans are, as rule,
| ignored after the value of their services has
been simply recognized. We speak plainly
| for the good of our party.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
Libc2S Upon Public Men.

Thoro 10 elaes Of papers prominently
'ndependent' which live, and breathe, and
have their being, and which, indeed, only
can live in the foul atmosphere of vitupera.
ton, abuse, and libel. There is hardly a
leading Republican in the nation who is not
accused of some heinous crime either AGAINST
the Government or society. They are ar.
raigned for pcculation, fraud, drunkenness,
ruilianisnl, licentiousness, and almost every
conceivable offence by the "independentn
and large portion of the Democratic press,
the miserable scandal mon@ers, and profess
sional libellers in newspaper row, seeming
to be employed specifically to invent these
charges against obnoxious Republicans, OF
those who refuse to be bled. Hon. Il,
Chandler has been an object of especial
hatred, and therefore of especial abuse. For
years he has disregarded their libels. But
we see that at last his forbearance is ex-
hausted, and that he has commenced a suit
for libel against one of the most malignant,
most persistent, and the meanest of his as
saiants, the Detroit Free Press. We are glad
he has taken this step, and we predict that
before the Free Press is fairly out of his hands
it will receive lesson that will teach it the
policy, at least, of little outward show of
decency, though there is no hope that any
thing can reform its morals.
Probably there is not man in the Senate
who has more faithfully discharged his duty
to the whole country, and especially to his
immediate constituents during his long term
in the Senate than Mr.. Chandler. He is
ever at his post, and as fearless as he is vigi-
liant. And what is equally true, no faint of
corruption adhcres to his garments, and no
suspicion, even of an improper attempt to
promote his own interest at the expense of
the Government. AS to the charges for
which he has brought this suit, of course they
are wickedly false, as their infamous author,
as we'll as everybody else, knew they were.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
PerVerSiOmS Of Civil Service AttOr.
ncyS.

The Washington correspondent of one of
the New York papers which thinks ex-
Senator Trumbull's 'civil service refomn
scheme is the one measure which the Admin
istration is bound above all others to carry
out, making even specie payments secondary
to it, writes that if 'the bill proposing to
distribute the appointment of officers among
members of Congress should be enacted into
law, it would be regarded by the President
as little less than an act to abolish his
Office" There is, of course, no foundation
for this statement. 1t is not the fact that
such law would interfere with the Presi-
dents prerogative. But the civil service
rules do strip him of a right and duty con.
ferred upon him by the Constitution. and
transfer it to secret, irresponsible body
called "civil service examiners Bv the
provisions of the bill so bitterly denounced
the power of appointment is retained in the
Presidents hands. The civil service rules
takes it from him. If there are fifty appli-
cants for an office, all equally competent and
deserving, these secret inquisitors rule out
all but three of them, compelling. the Presi-
dent to select one of three of them. though
they may have been selected from the fifty.
as those may from whom the appointment
must be made, merely upon the caprice or ia
voritism of this irresponsible board of exam.
liners.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19

Congress is in session not to exceed five
hours daily. Not more than half the men,
bers are ever in their seats, except on some
exciting occasion. The members, on an
average, do not devote more than three hours
daily to their legitimate public duties. But
they propose to compel clerks to remain at
their desks eight hours in the summer and
seven in the winter. Let them remember,
however, that such measure as they mete
it shall be measured to them again.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
Rates Of Postage.

For the information and convenience oil
our readers, we publish the following abstract
of the postal laws of the United States. We
advise our readers to cut this out and pre-
serve it for reference:
Postal cards, one cent each, go without
further charge to all parts of the country.
All letters to all parts of the United States,
three cents per half ounce.
Local, or DROP letters, that is for the
city or town where deposited, two cents il
delivered by carriers, and one cent if there is
no carrier system.
For newspapers and magazines, regularly
issued and sent to regular subscribers, the
following rates per quarter of three months
payable in advance ut the Office where re.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
Paving tisc Way for Woman suf-
fr3gc.

The inspectors of election in Rochester,
who received the votes Of the ladies headed
by Susan Il. Anthony, have been fined
twenty-five dollars and thrown into Jail for
acquainted with the inspectors, and know
that they are as upright and honorable as
any OF the citizens Of Rochester. This per-
secution will open the eyes of the people and
tend to the accomplishment of that which
the opponents of justice are trying by perse-
cution to prevent.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2e. 1874.
INDULGENCE Ts.

Any one sending us $3.50 will receive
the New NATIONAL ERA and Woods
Monthly Magazine for one year, to-
gether with a beautiful chrome OF the
Yosemite Valley, or fine photograph OF
either Frederick Douglass, Esq, or Tous-
saint L'Ouverture, as they may choose.
This chrome is fine copy of piece OF
natures grandest work, and is not presented
in the usual limited style-its dimensions,
14x2O makes picture of very desirable
cizo
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
Hon. ss. II. Elliott.

We print in fall in another column the
speech of Representative Elliott, of South
Carolina, addressed to his constituents while
on a visit among them. Allusion was made
in our last issue TO this speech, and 4 small
extract published from it--enough TO show
that Mr.. Elliott has 4 keen interest i'll the
welfare Of his State. As we said in our last
issue, reform must come through the efforts
of the colorcd people of South Caroline, "''''
we know of He Do. Ha4 90 I.s.f 100 rJ.1
reform than H. is- b.. Elliott
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
Take Notice.

Our friends should be particular in address,
ing letters to publishers of this paper not to
letters intended for us have fallen into the
hands of those whose attempt to destroy the
paper has led them into all sorts of annoying
capers.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19

dition of nearly five millions of the citizens
of the nation, til, !atc victims of cruel and
barbarous bondage.
Will our friends, and the friends of hui
manity, assist us?
DOIJaI,ASS RROTHERS
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
USELESS LUXURY.

There are now 235 members of the House
of Representatives. A reduction of one
half Of this number would make the House
consist of l43 members, and at s. 900 each,
which is the cost Of a member Of Congress to
the country, would make an aggregate saving
of 81 900, 900. 1t will hardly be denied that
l43 members could perform the duties
required of them quite as efficiently and
faithfully as all of 2S5. All beyond that
number imposes useless tax upon the pco-
pie, as the fact that Il Senators now pass as
many bills, useless and otherwise, as 90
Members of the House. This reform
might not be Immediately carried out. But
the people will wait if assured that at the
earliest practical momentit will be adopted.
If Congress, i'll its enlightened wisdom,
shall decide that the public interests demand
a large reduction of the clerical few now
employed in the Departments, we trust they
will prove their consistency, impartality
and unseliishness, by applying to themselves
the same rigid rule of economy they propose
to mete out to Others. Ii won't do to dis
charge here and there an assistant doorkeeper
or messenger. That sort of reform puts
them to Inconvenience and saves very little
money, and being at other peoples expense,
has no merit. Each of the clerks they pro-
pose to remove, has specific duty to perform.
1t does not take 2S5 of them to audit a bill.
examine an amount, make out a report, write
letter, or post n book. Now let us see if
they are willing to drink Of the same cup they
are ready to apply to the lips Of others.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
A Safe Experiment.

Since members Of Congress have been
forced by the deafening hulabaloO of the
independently press and the real or sup
posed requirements of public sentiments, to
take $4,000 from their salaries and restore
them to the old standard, certain ofthem have
been attacked with the ECONOMY" malady
in its most violent form, and are casting about
in great anxiety of mind for safe and appro-
pirate objects on which to practice their ar
dent zeal for retrenchment and reform. y
The clerks in the Departments here having
less friends, through the prejudice excited
against them by demag0gues, and fewer
votes from their isolated position, seem to
offer plausible 'preteXt for the eco nomcal
experiment they so much desire.
To be sure, this class of Government
servants receive but beggarly salares-only
an average of one fourth as much for whole
years service, equiring them to ADAM
don all other employment, as a member of
Congress receives for four months and a-half;
at the same time they can pursue their regu-
lar business. Nor has their number been
considered to exceed the requirements Of the
Government, by the heads of the Depart
ments in which they are employed. But a
reduction Of one out of every nine Of six
thousand employees, and small per cent.
taken from the salaries of each of the spared
monuments Of Congressional clemency, would
| constitute quite a saving in the aggregate,
| and put tall feather in the caps of those who
devised and carried through the important
| measure.
Even if Congress should decide not to re-
| ducc the salaries or tlIVse WHO might be
permitted to remain in the service, the dis
charge of one. ninth of those men employed,
including the one woman who can be spared
from the Fifth Auditors Office, there would
be an annual saving in money of several
hundred thousand dollars, nearly fourth as
much as the back pay and increase salary
bill put into members pockets. But against
this present saving of half a million of dol
lars, must be put in as an offset the very
serious damage the public interests would
suffer from the delay and embarrassment this
eduction would cause
Last week we pointed out to members Of
Congress method by which they might
largely increase the public revenues without
putting themselves to the necessity of search
ing through the Departments for some help
less woman, or poor devil of a clerk whose
services might be spared, and at the same
time benefit the manufacturing industry of
the country and give employment for the
hundreds of Thousands of idle laborers the
panic has made. 1t was simply to restore
the ten per cent. reduction revenue reform
demagouges bul.ied Congress into making
two years ago. Over $50, 100000 could be
gained to the Treasury yearly by this wise
act-a sum more than sufficient to meet all
the requirements of the Government, and
prevent the much dreaded deficiency in the
revenues.
But if Congress should differ with Us in
regard to this question, or lack the courage
to act upon onr suggestion, we have another
plan which may prove of great advantage to
the Government in an economical point Of
view.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-03-19
Summer Memorial Services i'm
Washington.

DOUGLASS BROTHERS.
Smyrna times., 1874-07-08

SALEM, N. j., STRUCK BYA HURRICANE
On Saturday about o'clock a hurricane
struck Salem, N. j., accompanied with sheets
of rain, thunder, and lightning. Houses seemed
to rock, and the din of falling trees and Chin
neys, the rain, thunder, aud lightning, were
terrible. The storm was over in about twenty
minutes. The streets were then found to be
fall of rubbish. Immense trees were blown
down, and completely blocked up the road
way as far as the eye could reach. The i'm
mense hay houses Of Mr.. l. G. Mulford are in
ruins, and about six hundred square feet of
root at Hall, Dunn & Hunts oil-cloth factory
was carried hundred feet from the buildings
doing great deal of damage to their stock and
fixtures. Starr & Mecum had a chimney
blown down on their canning factory, doing
some damage to their roof The barn at r.
+. Fogg's mill was completely Frustrated. In
the country the crops were greatly damaged
and fruit trees were entirely torn up by the
roots. 1t is said to have been one of the
greatest storms which ever occurred this side
of the Alleghanies.
Smyrna times., 1874-07-08
zoo1on1n.1 CAnnrN IN PHI1.AnEIpHIA.

GEOLOGICAL GARDEN IN PHILADELPHIA.-
The opening of the geological Garden in Fair.
mount Park last Wednesday was an event of
more than local interest, from tho fact that the
collection of animals, although not at present
very large, will soon be much the most exten.
sive in the United States. Under the arrange.
ments of the managers we are promised III a
few months collection approaching somewhat
in size, and the in opportunity 1t will afford for
scientific study, the famous one in Regent Park
London. The enterprise was undertaken by a
tives of public spirit alone and has been prose-
cuted with "a great deal of zeal and spirit.
The Garden occupies 16 acres of ground on the
west bank of the Schuylkill, Immediately be-
low the new Fairmount ave. bridge, and within
the limits of the Park, and is accessible by two
lines of street cars and by small steamers from
the old Park, near the water works. Good
taste and liberal expenditure have added to the
natural attractions of the grounds so many
beauties that they would be delightful place
of Summer resort if there were no strange
beasts and birds TO interest the visitor Among
the special features OF scientific value is the col
lection of Australian birds, which is much full
ler than any before exhibited in this country.
The arrangements for caring for the animals
have been copied from those of the leading
geological gardens of Europe, with the best Of
which it is believed this institution will soon
take rank The garden now contains 200 quad
rupeds, 674 birds, and Is reptiles, and several
carloads of animals are expected from the
West in few days. Among the contributors
whose donations have enriched the collection
are Theodore L. Harrison, Gen. o. 4. Bah
cock. Brigham Young. George W. Childs,
Robert Ii. Lambom (who sent village Of
prairie dogs and Martin Fuller & Co.
Smyrna times., 1874-07-08

A BALLOON VOYAGE Following the fes.
tivlties OF the Fourth, the citizens of Salem,
n. j., were surprised, Sunday morning, by a
large balloon which clme gracefully moving
over the town from the north, and landed five
miles south. Upon investigation, it appeared
that four persons, two of whom were eronauts
and the other two reporters, left Buffalo, New
York, on Saturday evening at six o clock, and
after pleasant nights journey, during which
they passed over Harrisburg, AMI Havre de-
Grace, they landed at the place stated at I
o clock on Sunday morning. They were l3
houre on the way, having travelled in that
time about $50 miles The strangers stated
that there was only one hour during the night
in which they could not see the state of the
Thermometer. Our informant did not know
the names of the party
Smyrna times., 1874-07-08

The Hon. NJ. e. Kerr, who was nominated
for Congress by the Democrats Of the Hid
Indiana District last week, has given his views
on the finances to a reporter Of the Chicago
2FiJNae. On being asked if he favored imne.
diate resumption, he said II do not but |
want the face OF the country turned toward
ultimste resumption and the policy of the
country TO be set ia that direction, so that we
may gradually, wisely, and without shock or
injustice return to it in few years. and
especially that we shall take not one step back
ward. Imitation would not bring true or honest
relief to the people. 1t is not what they want.
They need more capital, more of the earnings
of labor and the accumulations of economy
and less credit, less debts-not more deprecia
ted currency"