davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11
TIE FARCE AT THE CAPITAL

TIE FARCE At THE CAPITAL.
In the report Of the proceedings before
the Joint Committee of Investigation into
the affairs of the District yesterday, in other
columns. will be found the first charge,
with specifications of the memorlalists,
sgsainst the District government To it We
invite the closest attention of our readers in
Congress and out of it. A careful perusal
of the document in question, which we give
rer6d,im ct literatim, will convince every
ono who reads it of the utter weakness, the
pitiable imbecility of the opposition. How
men claiming to be lawyers and to know
anything about law could have presented a
document so utterly puerile is almost in
comprehensive, and can only be accounted
!or upon the ground that the gentlemen
who have been retained upon that side of
the case are willing to do anything, to put
their names to anything, provided they are
paid for it.
Iu the first place, combination of bust
ness men is denominated "a conspiracy"
Admitting the whole case, what is there in
it! Suppose the gentlemen named in the
charge did meet in Philadelphia and did
make arrangements to buy up certain pave
ments, what is there to it? 1t was a simple
business transaction, entirely fair and hon
est. Whether they met or did not meet
concerns nobody except themselves. To
found upon it charges of fraud and corrup-
ton is simply the dream of a diseased i'm
agination, and only shows the desperate
straits to which the opposition have been re-
drccl! in their cndeavor to make good their
charges.
The previous investigations into the Dis
tr;ct explain away the other portion of the
charges. The contracts of John o. Evans
and of the other persons named in the in
dictment of the memorialists herewith pre-
scnted have been again and again investi-
gated. The charges against the Board of
Public Works in regard to contracts with
these parties have been all disproved.
Nearly one thousand pages of testimony are
now on file among the documents of Con-
gress in which the falsity of the allegations
upon these several points is clearly and sat-
isfactorily shown. To reopen up the whole
subject again is simply absurd and ridicu-
lous. Is Congress to be made sort of
annual circus for the amusement of these
chaps?
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11

but there Is sort of agreeable hSllucina-
ton about this paper currency that II Is
impossible to divest oneself Of and it is
inseparably connected with plenty of money
TO be had without hard work. That this
deiusion or illusion may be in part dispelled.
let US see how the currency is obtained ffom
the Treasury and issued for circulation.
A bank organized with . capital OF
$100. 900 could purchase. at present market
price. about $s5, 900 of five per cent bonds.
which would entitle the bank to about
SIC, 500 of currency, from which deduct IF.
teen per cent. reserve. to be held on hand,
leaving I'll, 500, and it will leave $65, 900
of currency that the bank can make
available in place of 800, 900 invested
in bonds, or SIS, 900 less available means to
bank with than without currency. A bank
that should surrender its currency would be
benefited to the same extent in available
means that the new bank would suffer by
taking currency.
On the whole twenty-five millions pro-
proposed to be transferred the South and
West would have to pay between ten and
eleven millions more money for bonds than
would be received in available currency.
What does the South and West want, then,
gilmore national bank currencyf Do they not
confuse capital with currency, and is it not
more capital they want instead of currency!
They now receive in currency annually over
one hundred and fifty millions each for their
cotton and cereal crops respectively, and
why do they not keep it theres Why does
it seek the seaboard instead of remaining
with themf Simply because those sections
are in debt to the seaboard, and, instead of
practicing a rigid economy and saving a
portion of their annual profits, they con-
tinually renew their Indebtedness, mort
gaging the next crop to secure its payment.
If they would have thrift, these sections
must learn economy,
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11
REDISTRIBUTION rs CONTRAC
TION.

That re distribution of the currency, al
proposed in the bill before the Senate,
would be measure of immediate contrac
ton must be plain to each practical OBJ,
server who reflects th.-t the banks would
deposit legal tenders and take up their
bonds, and the money as a special fund
would remain in the Treasury for the re-
demption of national bank notes until banks
in the course of time should be organized,
and issue an equal amount Of new notes to
take their place. .....
This process would be slow for the rea-
son that there is no profit in circulation.
There is delusive idea abroad that very
large profit is derived from, circulation.
But when we consider that the difference
between interest on the bonds (say five per
cent. and the legal rate of interest on loans
(say seven per cent. is two per cent.
and that the Government tax is one per
cent. and the interest on the reserve one pei
cent, and interest on the fifteen per cent.
premium on bonds (say) one per cent, we
shall have no difficulty in perceiving thai
there ia no profit on national bank cir.
culstion. Neither does the banker have
as much money to loan as he does Of
the capital invested in the bonds. The tai
on deposits and circulation should be re.
duced to cheaper the rate of interest and
induce banks to organize under free
banking law. 80.
The cry for more money, now % fire.
quently heard has become familiar to every
ear, but is far from clear to the comprehen:
sion of any considerable portion of the com
munity. Many have supposed that an cd
dition to the aggTsgnee volume of currency
would give an increased supply pro rata
and pr espita to those now without any.
OF course. every one knows better than this,
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11
THE REPUBLICAN, PARTY AND
THE TEETOTALERS.

Before the complete and victorious or
ganization Of the Republican party there
were many factions in the country, each
one of which represented some element Of
discomfort. Many of these factions were
called "isms, and when their discomfort
toward the Democracy induced them to
join the Republican ranks, it became the
custom of the opposition to characterize
the Republican party as the party of isms.
1t is true that the new organization en-
braced many theorists and their followers,
from the Brook farm vagarists down to the
bran bread vegetarians; but it is also true
that any one of these theorists was possessed
of greater honesty of purpose and yigor Of
intent than the entire horde of their de
tractors. Some of them were veritable
agrarians; others were pioneer communists;
but the chaos of diverse faith presented by
their conflicting theories became crystal
lized in time, and the nucleus of opposition
to the extension of slavery rallied them to
the support of common cause. Natural
born reformers and progressivein the great
est degree, they were not satisfied with the
obstacles placed in the path Of de slavery
propagandists, and finally successfully at
tempted the overthrow Of the peculiar insti-
tuition" ITSELF This is in brief description
of the seemingly discordant constituencies
which, being conciliated by efforts to &C.
complish q great reform, furnished the
basis of strength for the preservation Of the
Union during the late civil war, and for the
success of republican principles since its
close. There Is nothing in it of which we
should be ashamed; on the contrary, the
miracle of discipline accomplished in bring
ing these conflicting elements into cohesive
shape, without giving prominence to any
single Characteristic or ism, is something of
which we may justly feel proud.
But it seems that the masses, while adj
miring and VIGOROUSLY supporting the party
as it now exists, still regard it a. the proper
receptacle Of all the isms which agiate
every section of the country or clique of
the people. This is distinctly proven by
the efforts of the female sufffagans" to
attach themselves to II, and by the fact that
when any new project Of reform Is insti-
tuted an attempt is invariably made to in
terject . declaration in favor Of It into our
platforms. How Ear the party has with
stood the attempts b well known, but Il ID
now apparent that another and . stronger
effort. because it h sustained by time
honored theories Of needed reform. VIII
soon be made TO force the party 70 recog-
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11
WEDNESDAY MoRNING::::::::MARCH IL, lS4
We ISSUE this morning another doul

We issue this morning another double
shset, schich wiH BE- found to contain a
ea1ety Of interesting and salua6ls reading
matter rarely presented in any single issue
Of any single paper. In the forty or fifty
columns printed i. THE NATIONAL REPUB-
LIcAN this morning may be mentioned a
synopsis Of the ansner Of Governor Shep-
herd to the petition Of the memoridlists,
and defence Of Louis j. Jennings, Of the
New York Times, aoritten by a Republican
editor of the State Of Nep York, on the
second page; a report Of the commencement
Of the medical department Of Georgetown
College and fashionable intelligence on the
sirth page. On the outside pages 'ciH be
found telegraphic, Congressional, depart
mental and the general nems Of the day in
addition to a full report Of the District in
oestigation; an extended synopsis Of Canon
Nagsley lecture upon Westminster Abbey,
and miscellaneous local matters.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11
UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT

TUESDAY, March 10, 1874
No. 500. The Citizens Fire, Marine and Life
Insurance Company, plaintiffs in error, vs.. Geo
Hoffman. On motion Of Mr.. Carlisle, Of counsel
for the plaintiff In error ordered by tho court that
the writ Of error in this cause be dismissed with
costs.
No. 2s2. The sloop Martin wyankoop, &C., ap,
pellant.vs. John Murphy ct al. On motion of Mr..
J. M. Carlisle, in behalf of counsel, ordered BY
the court that the appeal in this case be dismissed
per stipulation on file.
No. liz. Thomas J. Burke, plaintiff in error, W.
Louis Tregre stal. This cause was argued by Mr..
p. Phillips, Of counsel for the plaintiff In error,
and by Mr.. T. ]. Durant, for the defendants in
error.
No. 2l2. Vernon X. Stevenson, plaintiff in error,
W. Mary Med. Williams, &C., ct al. This cause
was argued BY Mr. D. @. Campbell, Of counsel for
the plaintiff in error, and by Mr.. 7. ]. Durant for
the defendant In error.
No. "a. The Oregon Steam Navigation Com
pany, plaintiff In error, W. Henry Winson ct all.
This cause was argued by Hon. Geo. H. williams,
Of counsel for the plaintiff in error and submitted
on printed arguments by Mr.. Leandsr Holmes
for the defendant in error.
No. rs Boliver s. Head, plaintiff in ,rror, VI.
Tho Curators Of the University Of the State of
Missouri. This cause was submitted on printed
arguments by the plaintiff in error In person. No
counsel for the defendant in error.
No. "a. The City Of Memphis, appellant, VI.
T. Z. Brown, &c. The argument Of this cause
was commenced by Mr.. J. D. Mcpherson, OF coun.
sci for the appellant, and continued by Mr.. p
Phillips for the appellee.
Adjourned until tomorrow at II o'clock.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11
PAFENT RnYLNE6S.

Business ct the Pstsnt Once has been m
usually brisk this weak, and Commissioners Leg.
gstt end his army Of sssistsnts have bsen kept
we'll employed. Two hundred and ninsty-sight
patents were issasd yesterday, being an average
Of nearly my day Tor the week. The patents
are isslsd % Tuesdays, al bearing that date.
As every one has 70 b signsd By the Commits
sionsr and Seerstsfy Of the interior the labor
that y sntsilsd upoa then By the mere attaching
Of their signa4nfss 70 Tie patsnts ID quits eoasd
cradle. A nanbss Of intervening patent cases
ars updsf Investigates, bat IL decisions are -
yet not ready for pabheitt.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11
TEMPERANCE.

SONS OF JONADAB IN RYLAND CHAPEL.
successful Temperance meeting was held in
Ryland chapel last evening, under the auspices
Of the sons Of Jouadab. A large gathering Of the
people Of South Washington assembled ct an early
hour and manifested warm interest to the close.
Addresses were made BY Judge 8. @. Mills, sover-
eign patriarch Of the order; Rev. Mr.. Merrick, ].
b. Dunning and q. ". McIAin.
Judging HON the statement made By Mr.. Dun
Ming the Sons Of Jonadab number In this city rs.
Pioneer council, No. !, has become 90 lsrge It 70
deemed advisable to form new council for more
extended operations, and to this end the grand
CHIEF Mr.. Edward BAWsel, will institute q IN
early date council No. 3. The above-named omcer,
aoconpauisd BY large number Of the order, will
70 70 Prince 0eorgss county, Maryland. Friday
evening next, to Institute council near Surratts-
villa This will b followed By council st
Brightwood On the nth instant.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11

ATTENTION is invited to the able defence
of Mr.. L. ]. Jennings, editor of the New
York Times, to be found upon the second
page. 1t is from the pen of one of the
most gifted Of New York editors, and who
stands high in the councils of the Republi.
can party in that State.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11
CONGRESS- YESTERDAY.

The "ten thousand dollar bill for the
expenses of the District investigation again
came forward yesterday in the Senate, and
was very freely discussed. The feeling is
unmistakably against the allowance Of SO
large a sum in the incipiency of the COM
ruittee's labor, but still the disposition to
grant every aid to successful completion
of the work allotted them is also evident.
In the opinion of many Senators 5000 is
sufficient as first installment, and, indeed,
fully large enough to meet all legitimate
expenses attendant upon the examination.
Without reaching vote on the bill the
Senate passed to the consideration of the
financial question.
In the House the legislative appropriation
bill served as the pretext for an unlimited
discussion, the Sanborn contract proving
the prominent figure at which everybody
had shaft to aim. Mr.. Beck led off in a
general denunciation of the Treasury man
agemenr, in which he attempted to substan-
tiate the charge that incompetency, if
not crime, there reigned, but
these statements are so common that
they lose power even from their frequent
repetition, and the proof to establish their
falsity is so easily attainable that some one
is always ready to introduce it. But the
charge on Sanborn and his contract was
of greater force, both in numbers and
ability. Commenced in an undisguised
spirit of hostility, it was prosecuted to the
end by all the participants in like spirit.
Mr.. Beck also opened up this mire of. ex
element, and led the way for the waste of
a day. Bearing heavily upon Mr.. Sanborn,
General Butler deemed it incumbent upon
him to secure fair field, and consequently
entered the arena, the single combatant for
the system as at present practiced, and he
ably maintained the minority fight. Coming
in close columns upon his position he with
stood the assault, and in several instances
completely annihilated those gentlemen who
had the temerity to provoke his animosity.
1t was singular forensic battle-a small
army allied against single man, and suf-
fering defeat in nearly every instance.
When General Hawley advanced with the
energy usual to him bis own statement 80
pithily worded was closely followed. and it
served the purpose of disposing of every
vestige of cause advocated barring the
cause of complaint. While the debate pro-
crossed some few members lost their tenn
per and INDUCED in personality. This
kind of argument, offensive and weak at
all times, is particularly inappropriate in
cases where private interests are concerned.
1t should be possible for member to ex-
press opinions favorable toa measure with
out having his motives impugned. But an
end came to this character Of legislation,
several members giving notice that the bill
to repeal the law under which the contract
was made would be availed of Cor acrimo-
NOUS discussion.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11

TEE REPUBLICAN, HAS LARGER CIRCU-
LATI0E THAEAET OTHER MORNING PAPER
IN The DISTRICT OF cOLUMBLA.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11

J.M
The NATIONAL REPUBLICAN Is published every
morning Sundays excepted at the southwest cor
perofThirteenth street and Pennsylvania avenue,
and is furnished subscribers (by carriers) 1t my
cents per month.
Mail subscribers, ESQ per year; ei.oo for six
months and 200 for three months. Terms In
yariably in advance.
RATES OF ADVERTISING:
Twenty-Five cents per line. Advertisements under
fhe head of s'For Sale Rent, ~ 'swanted " ssIost
and Found, ~ and personal" twelve and . half
cents per line.
THE WEEKLY NATIONAL REPUBLICAN
sspublished every Thursday morning, and is FUR
nished to subscribers at the following rates: One
copy one year, e; three copies one year. eS; ten
copies one year, SIS single copies in wrappers, I'VE
cents each.
~ All communications, whether on business or
for publication, should he addressed to WIZ. ..
MuRTAGH, Proprietor, NATIONAL REPUBLIcAS'
Washington. d. C.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11
FORTY-THIRD CONGRESS,
fcenst.ves res TYrss Paes.l

Mr.. INGALLS, rslertsd from the COMMITTEE
f ~ nhd,s 4: NIX. 1snsss sriSs q isdisns.
bill to .scssssin amount Of iossss incurred By
people Of nerthern California and southern Ore
eon on account Of Indian dsprsdations, and the
Mr. LOGAN esilsd 1p Siii for the relief Of
Susan L. galloway, and Il was passed.
Also, reported from Commltted on Military
Affairs bill TO settle the accounts Of Captain A. b.
Mr. HA9ER presented resolutions Of the Legis-
lstuie OF California asking change TN time Of
Cemmittee On PRIVILEGES and Z lsetidns.
. MI. RAMSEY called mp hill to provide for the
Issuing anu recording q oommissions % Postmas-
PACIFIC RAILROAD ACTS.
Mr.. WRIGHT, from the Committee on the Ju.
dietary, reported and recommended the passage
Of . bill, declaring II 70 be the true intent and
meaning Of the Pacific railroad scts Of 1854 and
Branch Union Pacific railrsed lsnds and bonds
we're granted for one hundred miles next to the
s.ns y sad no more; Ssd psohiolting the
tension Of said road, OF OF the Hannibal and 81.
Joseph railroad, In excess Of one hundred miles
next to the Missouri river. .
The bill was placed ON the calendar.
-. ARMY BILLS REPoRrzD.
Mr.. LOGAN, from the Committee ON Military
Affairs, reported without amendment House bifi
allowing officers on duty west Of Omaha to have
leave OF absence IN Two years, or ninety
in three years, or one hundred and twenty in four
years, without reduction Of pay or allowances II
taken ut one time. Also, with recommendation
OF passage, bill approving the action Of the Sec
Rotary Of War In regard to deductions from the
pay Of officers who were mustered out under act
Of July Is, 1870, with one years extra pay, and
who were subsequently reappointed.
INDIAN DEPREDATIoHs.
Mr.. OGLESBY, from the Committee on Indian
Affairs, reported adversely ON MIR. HITcHcoCK's
bill providing for Q commission to ascertain the
damages sustained BY citizens of Nebraska, Kan
sas and the adjacent Territories by reason Of In
dian depredations.
Mr.. BROWNLOw introduced bill to admit
certain sculpture free Of duty. Referred to FL
nance Committee.
MI. CONKLINa presented petition of 8. p.
Warton and other Louisiana bondholders saying
that the Legislature Is repudiating the State
bonds, and asking Congress to pass Mr.. CARPBN-
TIERS election bill. Referred to Committee on
Privileges and Elections.
The bill to equalixe the distribution of the na-
tional banking currency was taken mp.
Mr.. Ferry, Of Mich, took the floor and made
the most elaborate and lengthy speech which has
been delivered this session on the finances. He
replied seriatim to the different arguments that
have been made in favor Of special redemption
and In opposition to imitation, and adhered to his
position In favor Of what IL known Is Q moderate
expansion. Mr.. 7. spoke over three hours
The Senate, at 40 p. m, on motion OF Mr.. Cor
DoS, went into executive session, and then ad-
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-03-11


these rascals. The taxes were four years old
and would soon be beyond the limit, and unless
| some extraordinary effort was made the delin
quents would escape.
Mr. HALE, of Me-, said he had opposed the
bill originally, and no opposed 1t now. 1t wa,
contrary to the spirit Of the age and because any
policy that cOuntenanced the employment Of
SPIES informers and special agents 1T large sums
would work injury TO the Treasury in the end.
Their employment paralyxed tho regular force,
whose duty was to see the laws enforced, while
violation Of the law.
Mr.. DAWES expressed his surprise that his
COLLEAGUE, who had declared himself above the
the subject excep BY the public press should con-
fess that the press had compelled him to speak.
.
barred - the gentleman had stated. He said tt
Was, after all . question Of policy, Which the
work should BE- done By farming out the rsvsaas
1t 60 per cent. commission.
Mr.. Ell. ROBERTS said the original law was
passed without fair understanding q ~ proyt
moisty system: when thsPfi 70 repeal ths law
was reported they could tim say whsthe1 they
..nsS g son. 4. sa' s, Y. one
NJ III PSF q r.ei..a tn. fact. In hi.
own case He had been the executor Of his fsther's
taxes q they fell due. The estate had mot Been
finally settled, and the fssiduary legacy tax NOT
been under tho law yet due, he was asked TO nay
IL. He explained the situation, and aid III 4
would b proper snd satisfsetory to the Govern
msnt he would pay Il - what they could agree
% . fair sum; and not wait the Anal balancing Of
the books. This azfaAgenoat was made, and he
paid about ~ 900, nevsI supposing that be was
dealing with other than the regular revenue ON
GER, with whom he had had the former business,
and never heard Of Sanborn or his contrasts till
the report cams from the Secretary, and he was
told his mana Was In L.
HI. RANDALL. Of Pa, nd that he haa op-
posed with all his power the bill when ofignsny
proposed, and whom the bill 70 repeal y va ~
ported he yould show outfages upon tao P,Sp.e
O. PhilaAelphia that even ne Sensss4c1 tI0A
4AaDAehnoSkts VOuld mot undcrsekS 70 oe!eno.
Nr. 0ARrIELD denied thes ne ned enes-
neeroA mo mooeuro through. IL ha1 cSen -
ioGeoS N ~ COMMITTEES and put On In the Scnnse
m oo11ittee had again reported against 1e
Ss.sse ssssSdnSat, whieh had been rejected. It
IA ~ ~ 6aok b. the Cuafsrsnce Committee,
- vSSch x opUoood IL, I'D the Houee bad ~
is.S.S n - Is vas oaly asssptsd By the House
I'M. 70 whieh tt had bssa attached.
T.rning beek 70 the Appropriated bill 10 ca.
tanded skas the 0aly dihssence between hin end
~. 11CK On the appropriations and sstinatss
NJ that HI. BncI had taken Tie Report ~ he
SecfefaIy, diving tie estimates oeot - Ooarreao
a the 1t Il Dseonbsr, ma - al tho eeti2ntaR
while. n inst, thero were mpple0antal estimates
ssat IN prioe 70 June - Amounting - 09akeAy
whish, sddsd y The -. aAeoe. weld nahs ~