Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-07-04
THE VERDICT ON CONGRESS-.

probation. At its opening it was met by
difficulties of great magnitude, and all the
way through it had difficult and perplex-
ing questions to deal with, which tried it
as but few Congresses have been tried.
That it acquitted itself under the circum-
stances in manner highly honorable is
the unanimous voice of the republican
press, and even papers like the Tribune
do not hesitate to award it praise. All
agree with the Utica Herald when it says:
1.-THE session of Congress which has just
concluded, made a record so excellent
that our opponents are unable to hide the
good points, under their usual misrepre-
sentation. 1t was Congress free from
all jobs, clean even of the suspicion OF
corruption. 1t was Congress which full
filled the pledges of the Republican party
in behalf of economy to the very letter
1t cut off 1925, 900, 900 from the total of the
annual appropriations. 1t resisted all de-
mands to increase taxation. 1t showed
itself not afraid to investigate in every di-
rection, and to apply the knife of reform
at every point where it was needed. 1t
showed itself able to deal wisely with
many of the most delicate legislative ques-
tons OF the day. 1t perfected one of the
greatest reforms OF modern times in the
revision Of the customs laws and the abo-
lition of notifies. 1t is upon this record
that the Republican candidates for Con-
gress will stand this fall"
In a similar strain of approval speaks
another of the leading republican papers
of the State Of New York, the Albany
journal. That paper says:
1.-The general verdict upon the record
of Congress is one of approval. Ofcourse
there are special criticisms on special
points. Of course, the failure to meet
the financial question in the highest spirit
ELECTS objection, however pertinent the
explanation that Congress was not elect
cd on this issue and, like the country it.
self. had to grow up to right understand
ing. But in spite of minor structures, the
general judgment says we'll done.
There are three decisive facts which go
far TO justify this appreciation. In the
first place, it is admitted on all sides that
this Congress has shown no liberation for
any form of jobbery. Even its severest
critics are compelled to concede thus
much. Generally the last days witness
the success of various doubtful schemes
they squeeze through in the hurry and
confusion of the closing hours, where they
have failed when more deliberately ex-
amined. But in this instance, they failed
even then. The last days, like those that
went before. saw scheme after scheme
remorselessly slaughtered. In word,
Congress was against the jobbers every
time, and that is high praise.
In the second place. 1t fias enforced re-
trenchment and economy in the most res
olute manner. 1t has cut down the ex-
renses Of the present fiscal year more
than ten millions, and for the next fiscal
year, where it could operate with more
freedom, it has reduced the appropriations
nearly thirty millions. The Expenditures
for the army are reduced four millions
and q half; for the navy four millions;
for deficiencies seven millions; for all the
sundry civil appropriations five and a half
millions; for legislative, executive aud
judicial purposes three millions and so on
amounting in the aggregate to more
than twenty-seven millions. Isn't such
retrenchment as this good work?
In the third place, Congress has pushed
the work of investigation in every quarter
with the most unsparing hand. 1t has
prosecuted a dozen different inquiries.
Wherever wrong was alleged, it has
sent its probe. And it has done this work
in the most thorough and vigorous style.
Nobody has complained that there has
been any attempt at whitewashing. In
the Sanbourn matter, in the Jayne matter,
and in all others Congress and its Com
mittees have proceeded without regard to
friend or foe, and in every case a reform
of an important character has been accom-
plished. 1t is nowhere disputed that the
wrongs brought to light have been prompt
ly corrected and that the measures sug-
gested by the investigations have been I'M
hesitatingly passed. Isn't this pretty proof
OF the honest purpose of Congress?
Mark the full force of these three points.
First, Congress is acknowledged to have
been against all jobs; second. it is ac-
knowledge to have accomplished great re-
trenchment third, it is acknowledged 10
have driven the knife of investigation
without fear or favor-wouldi it be easy to
make higher title to honor Besides all
this. it has done good deal OF other work
1t didn't take an advance step towards
specie resumption, as we had hoped it
might, but the measure it adopted en-
bodies no special harm. 1t has improved
the bankrupt law. 1t has done partial JUS
tice 70 the Alabama sufferers. 1t has in
tiated the discussion of transportation.
In a word. il has done much good and