Union and American. [volume] (Greeneville, Tenn.) 1875-1877, 1876-02-03
WASHINGTON.
Congress--R euehment--Ince
Tax HailrOard LaBds.-Fe-
male Sufirage--P resi-
dentiaI--Ben
Butler.
Especial Correspondence Union and Amer
lean.
WASHINGTON, d. c.,

w ASHlNGTON, IL. u,
Jan'y Goth, 1876.
The last week has been one of
great importance to the democratic
party. Its chosen representatives
in Congress have proven that they
intend to redeem the pledges made
TO the people in the canvass, that
all unnecessary expenses should
he reduced. The consular and di-
plomatic, and the West Point Acad-
emy appropriation bills have been
reported. In these two small bills
the committee have made saving
of over one million Of dollars,
showing that when the larger bills
are reached at least twenty millions
can be saved to tue people.
HowLING.
The radicals are howliHg like the
spirits Of the damned over the Mt
tempts Of Randall and his associ-
ates, on the committee, to reduce
the pay of our diplomatists and
consular agents. 1t is well known
that they are the best paid class
of our public officials, the salaries
Of ministers range from $500 to
$4,000, whilst a great many con-
suls receive from 81 800 to $4,000
in gold for doing nothing. Many
of the useless consulates are abol-
ished or col soldated, and the same
course was pursued with the min
listers of the minor states. Tie
professors at West Point, who have
the finest quarters and the easiest
times of any officers of the army,
have been receiving allowances
which about doubled their pay.
This favortism has been stopped,
and a4nething but the regular pay
due to officers Of their rank is al
lowed to these professors. The
amount paid to the cadets is re-
duced to the sum necessary to
maintain them properly.
THE RICH TO PAY TAXES.
Mr.. Morrison will, on Monday,
introduce bill restoring the tax
on incomes of over $4,000. This
is most just measure, and one
that should meet the appreciation
of every man in the country. 1t
reaches directly those most able to
pay taxes, and who are most apt
to escape the ordinary levies.
There is hardly doubt about its
passage, as the republicans dare
not oppose it on the eve of cam
paign, where they go in claiming
to he the especial friends of the
poor.
REDUCTION OF SALARIES.
The Committee on Appropria-
tions have determined on the re-.
duction of all salaries over $1,000
per year. The general rate is ten
per cent, but the salary of the
President is put at the old figures,
$4,000 per annum. This cannot
take effect until after the expira-
tion of Grants term, so that he is
safe to receive his $4,000; as the
appropriations made this year ex-
tend to the 30th of June, 1877,
from the 4th of March, 1877, till
that day the sum appropriated to
pay the President is only one-halt
that in the last bill. The enorm
Gus sums for executive expenses
have also been reduced The pay
OF Congressman is placed at $3,-
600. The military and naval
committees are hard at work, bop.
ping off the excrescences that have
gradually grown into these SER
vices.
The number of clerks in &be ex-
ecutive departments will be re
duced about twenty per cent.
The House Committee on Pub
lie Buildings and grounds are
"greed in the proposition to advo.
cate the continuation OF necessary
work Of public buildings, but to
oppose all appropriations for new
buildings.