Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1876-05-24

depend on the vote Of Ohio, either in o.
tober or November. On every hand
hear the expression that the party mus
make this National and not n sections
fight.
IllE CONTRAST.
one cannot fail TO be struck with the
decisive action OF he Democratic Hous,
in the Fitzhugh matter, as afording II VIC
lent contrast of the same body under sim
liar circumstances, when controlled by
the Republicans. No sooner were the
evidences Of FitZhugh's untilness present
ed, than the House took imnc late action
upon the matter. There was no dilly-dal-
lying, no Sinking from responsibility, nc
partisan attempt 10 shield him, but Il
unanimous desire to silt the matter to the
bottom, and. if the charges proved true,
to summarly dismiss him, or demand his
immediate resignation. The letters, pl-
pcrs, &C., bearing on the case, were re-
lIilStt w thC NOlilIlillltC Oil JlUltS. IL -
now reported that the Committee will to-
day ask for the dismissal ofthc Doorkecp-
cr, and it is thought that Mr.. Spriugcr's
resolution providing for the consolidation
of the Office with that OF Sergcunt-a.-
Arms will be passed. thus settling the
question OF suCccsSorShip to an Office
whose varied responsibilities, oncrous du-
ties and lofty dignity, have been described
in such glowing terms by the present in
cumbent, rs to largely increase J the b0S-
oms Of those who aspire to his place, the
desire to dispense ghc IavorH OF SO high Il
station. As Il contrast 10 the decided ac-
ton of the House. whereby they have
proved the sincerity OF their professions,
we may note the undecided and partisan
action Of the Senate in the Bclknap mat
ter. Here they have been, for four or five
weeks. debating the question Of iuli,dic-
ton. The object OF delay is to gain
time, in order to devise some plan where
by the Republican party can be saved
from the odum of Rclknap'S impcach-
ment.
RETRENCHNIENT.
One of the most important measures for
retrcnchmcnt and practical reform in the
administration OF the Government yet
proposed is embraced IN the report Of
Hon. r. 4. Willis, Chairman Of the SUB
Committee on Navy Yard. ileproposcs
to secure very great reduction in the cX-
penses Of the Navy and provides for the
closing of all the Navy Yards except those
at Brooklyn, NorGolI, and Mare Island.
This recommendation is based upon the
theory that the only use which the Gov
eminent now has for navy yards is for The
repair of its vessels and machinery.
Eventually Mr. Willis proposes to close the
Norfolk yard also, and to have all work.
in time Of peace, performed at Brooklyn
and Mare Island. Another recommends
ton is that no further appropriate ons be
made for League Island Navy Yard. Mr..
Willis estimates that the cost to complete
this yard and put ii in good working con-
dition will be 100000, 900, and lie thinks
that it will be better for the Government
to lose the money already expended upon
it than to pay ont SO large sum as this.
AT least he would postpone the eXpendi-
ture until a more emphatic approval of the
project is obtained. These recommended
tions are made solely in the interest Of
economy and will, together with the other
measures Mr.. Willis proposes, effect a
saving to the government OF many mil
lions of dollars.
Mr.. Willis is one OF the most active and
efficient members of the House, and while
his present proposal will meet with local
opposition, he cannot help receiving cred
it for the energy and patient research he
has brought to bear in the preparation of
his report.
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE Sw1NDLE.
The House Printing Committee, after
thorough examination OF this concern,
have made report to the House, which,
in brief, recommends the removal, inn
parchment and criminal prosecution of
MIR. Clapp, for incompctency and malfeas
lncp in Office Mr. BollOu, of Rhode Is 4
and, appeared as attorney for Clapp, and
argued his case before the House in a
good taste. 1t is something strange to