Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-02-02
Our Washington Letter.

Our Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON u. c., January % 1876
Ncssrs. Editors The principle event at the
Capitol this week was the passage Of the Centen-
NAL appropriation bill, on Tuesday, by the House
When the million and half was asked, at first 1t
was generally thought here that there would be
but very little trouble in getting appropriation
for such an object, which idea was very materi-
ally strengthened when the major portion Of the
House accepted the very kind invitation OF the
Centennial managers TO visit Philadelphia and re-
ceive its Inequalities But great change was
wrought in the minds Of many OF those who
watched the debate upon the bill, and had every
opportunity to hear both sides, for even those who
did not really oppose the measure could not but
admit that there were very excellent reasons why
thoughtful men should not vote for IT, The re-
suit was n majority of sixteen in favor of the bill
while had the debate lasted, say two days longer
It would most certainly have been defeated The
views OF the opposition were gaining ground in
the minds Of the Republicans every day, and even
when the vote was taken more Republicans voted
against it than democrats Therefore the idea
which many people have got that the appropria-
it was opposed only by democrats, is a very mis-
taken one, and Should be promptly corrected. The
most earnest supporters Of the bill were Sam Ran
dahl Mr.. Hopkins and General Banks--the two
former democrats, and the latter ibea-whe
such strong democrats ar Ben Hill, Tom Zones Of
Kentucky, Lamar Of Mississippi, and Fernando
Wood were among its prominent supporters
Among the opponents were TO be found such well
known Republicans as james Wilson, Ainsworth
and Tufts Of Iowa, llomtio C. Burchard Of ILL.,
uos, Hoskins of New York. William Il. Williams
Of Michigan, Conger Of Michigan, and host of
others no less prominent, including Messrs Joyce
and Hendee, Of Vermont
To stem the current of dissatisfaction which
Is being expressed in numerous Vermont papers
at the votes OF Congressman Joyce and Hendee, it
is only necessary 10 point to the reasons laid down
by Col. Joyce, in his speech upon the bill, which
was, by unanimous consent printed in the Record
but which the Colonel was too ndsposed TO de
liver. The speech is one which should be printed
entire in every paper in Vermont, as showing in
its authors best logic and soundest reasoning the
most potent arguments against the passage of
such an appropriation. Aside from the reasons
given in the Speech it may be well for his constit
uents to remember that their state refused through
the Governor, TO come together in general assem-
bly, and vote for a similar purpose but left its own
exhibition to the care and beneficence of private
individuals; also, to remember thai those who are
here on the ground and have looked at the matter
with an unprecedented eye, and heard the remarks
on both sides with an unprecedented ear-who did
not lay themselves under any obligations to the
managers by sitting at a banquet and partaking of
free excursion-are the best able to Judge Of the
merits Of the whole subject, and act accordingly.
Colonel Joyce stated in the opening Of his speech
that he had watched and waited hopefully, anx-
lousy but in vain, for some solid reason OF valid
and plausible excuse even to justify the granting
Of the appropriation. Day after day this feast of
reason had been promised, but as often vanished
into thin air, their promises have been broken
and instead Of putting the bill upon it, merits and
supporting 1t by sound logic, convincing reasons
and vigorous arguments, its friends had gone OFF
in burst Of artificial patriotism and a whirlwnd
Of passion, and when the dust and smoke had
cleared away, it was found to be simply "sound
and fury, signifying nothing" and that like the
gentleman from Indiana, who attempted to nayi-
gate his imitation balloon through the House,
against an adverse current, they had gone cup
like rockets, but come down like sticks" After
thoroughly showing up the failure OF the friends
OF the measure, in this direction, the Colonel gives
the reasons which led him to oppose the bill He
denies, first, that the Constitution, either in let
ter or spirit authorizes Congress to make gift or
to loan money to any individual or corporation for
any object or purpose whatever Such a scheme
would open the gate and establish a precedent
which, undera corrupt administration might drain
sl,at H. a..
charters for the Centennial were passed by Con-
gress under the most solemn and positive assur-
ances that the government should never be called
upon IN any erent to pay one dollar, be asked to
become in any way liable Tor the debts or losses of
these corporations. Outside of all constitutional
questions and scruples, there were other conclu-
sye reasons against the policy OF such measure
The condition of the finance OF the country, and
the great and pressing obligations which she is
now under Furthermore, the state which he re-
presented was now groaning under q load OF taxes
which was grinding them down to the very earth
and testing their strength and courage 10 the ut
most to survive the storm and save themselves
from bankruptcy The Colonel then paid glow
ing tribute to Vermont as law-abiding, consti-
tution-loying prudent ani economical people who
were opposed to all schemes OF speculation at the
expense OF the national treasury, "while sir"
said the Colonel, in the future rs in the past il
the integrity of the republic and the honor Of the
flag shall require every dollar of their substance
and the last drop Of their blood the sacrifice will
be ready at the appointed time" lie admins
tered a scathing rebuke to the democratic ma
jorty who had been preaching retrenchment and
reform all through the session, and asked what
k.l n uhn Tor
every moment OF which they had been spending
the peoples money. drawing their salaries, and
wasting the time which honestly belonged to their
constituents.
tits impossible TO give just idea OF the Colonels
speech within the contracted limits Of a news
paper letter; 1t is simply our purpose to commend
the reasons given to those Of his constituents who
are at loss to imagine why Col Joyce voted as
he did; and while they may not agree with him in
the result they must, at least admit the logic and
wisdom Of his arguments
The latter portion Of the week has been devoted
by the House In considering the proposed reduc-
ton Of the Military Academy at West Point. The
debate has developed something OF the policy aud
tactics OF the democrats, and clearly shows their
boosted economy TO be all a pretcnse and sham The
policy OF Cox and Randall Is 10 exclude all who
have no means Of subsistence outside OF their pay
and ntions, thus leaving the military field to the
seions Of the rich, The appropriations committee
have finally concluded to report bill reducing
the salaries of government employees ten per
cent, and the force twenty per cent. Such bill
will, perhaps pass the House but be killed In the
Senate. On Tuesday the length of the presi.
dental term Is to be considered in the House, and
some fun is expected.
The bill for the relief of the First National Bank
OF St. Adams, introduced in the Senate by Mr.
Edmunds, has been fayorably reported upon by
the committee ON claims and, il is confidently
thought will be passed by both houses during the
coming week The amount claimed il s2s6J0
which was carried away by the "raiders"
Messrs T. A. Sowles and A. G. Stafford, Of ST.
Albans, are here attending TO the bill.
The gay season Is now at its height, and the
splendid weather which has prevailed throughout
the month is especially conducive TO out-of-door
enjoyment. soL