New-York tribune., 1875-02-17
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
QUESTIONS OF FINANCES.

Atbouph the President has from the beginning of
bls administration been warm friend of the grand
schemes of internal improvement which have been
proposed and which he has supported IN more than
one of his annual messages, he has said within
few days that in view Of the present cramped con-
dition of the Treasury he thinks it would be highly
impolitic for Congress to appropriate much
money for those objects at this session. He
thinks it would be well to provide for contlnu-
ing the surveys, and perhaps to undertake some
inexpensive experiments where they are nece; ;sary
to demonstrate the pIacticability of specific plans
He does not think that the financial condition of the
country would be improved by expending large sums
of money in prosecuting great works Of internal i'm
provement when it is necessary to increase the bur-
dens OF the people by additional taxation to pay for
them. The refusal of the House to-day to limit de-
bate on the Tariff bill either to an hour and half
OF to three hours was significant event 1t
demonstrates moro forcbly than any vote which
has before been taken the weakness Of the meas
ure The friends of the bill understand perfectly
that if it is passed at all it must be pressed to vote
within very few days, and without anv material
change; but on the votes to-day Mr.. Dawes and his
friends were beaten by an overwhelming majority,
and the only question which now remains iswhether
the bill shall be defeated in It's present form or SO
amended that Mr.. Dawes and his fellow members
of the Ways ard Means Committee who support 1t
will allow it die OF neglect for If the clauses in
creasng the tax whisky and tobacco are stricken
ont as now seems possible the passage of the bill
would be little more than farce.
PROBABILITIES IN THE PINCHBACK CASE.
Mr. Stevenson expects, upon the conclusion OF MI
Sargents speech, to address the Senate upon the
PiDchback Case If q continuous session Is held
others are ready to carry the debate. II is un
derstood that the Democrats, although they have
had no formal agreement in regard to the matter,
prepared to 60 any length in opposing Mr.. Pinch
backs admission. and 1t is doubtful if bis political
friends can be rallied to any high pitch Of enthusiasm
in regard to his case 1t is conceded by those who
have made a careful canvass of the Senate, that
should vote be taken he will command majority
of two. There is o stern determination the part
of the Democrats to resist the passage Of the Caucus
Bill, should it be passed by the House: and it is
argued that the same resistance might with equal
propety be nterposed at this period to the proceed
ings of the majority. Mr. Lewis, who has been absent
for some days returned to-day. and will undoubtedly
vote against Mr.. Pinchback. Messrs. AlcOrn aud
Wadlegh, who declined to sign the report of the
majority the sub OF much pressure but 1t Is
dicult to how they can be induced to surrender
in 40 important fight. On the Whole the Demo
Gratis with their front and tie help OF those
Republicans who will act upon this question upon
its merits without regard 70 party necessity, are
very sanguiue of defeating Mr. MortOns resolution.
THE WRANGLE IN THE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS.
One by one the remarks of members at the last
Republican caucus upon the bill presented to it are
becoming known. When the babeas corpus section
was under discussion, Gen. Garfield said:
There In my opinion several reasons why this sec
ton OF the bill should not become law aud among
them this one: "The Presidential election Will OF
In about mouths aud with the power ia tue hands o
the President TO suspend the writ OF habeas corpus. he
might reGlect himself"
UJpon this Gen. ShaDks said:
am sorry that the Presidential question has been In
troduced into this caucus. am aware that 1t has
the acton OF the Republican party for
time past am aware that II has reduced numbers
In the caucus here. 1 am that II caused
us days and nights OF struggle IN the House
ON the Civil Rights bill and IN amending
the rules 70 enable 10 do business IN the House by
majority vote but did hope that question would not
be introduced In the CAUCUS In terms at least even " we
we're 10 suffer presence. WHAT could the r. es
dent do TO reflect himself II he had the wit OF
habeas corpus IN hls pocket The people have
not spoken in favor of third term.
and they are quite competent TO ma.age
euch questions. and at the proper lime 10 nominate
candidates The aspiration OF individuals for the Pres
drncy is the bane Of the Republican party. II s the
nil OF our political misfortunts.
Following this, Mr.. Ward of Chicago called out
Mr.. Blaine. whose remarks have already been pub
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