The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-01-31
Current Notes.

Since the opening of the present session of
Congress, thirteen bills and two resolutions
bearing on questions of national finance have
been introduced by Democratic members of
the House of Representatives. All these are
hostile either in letter or spirit to an early re-
sumption OF specie payment, and all propose
In one way or another to dishonor the solemn
pledge OF the nation on this and kindred SUBJ
jects.-N. Y. Times.
1t is long time since William Allen has
been heard from. The prevalent opinion has
been that his friends have concluded that he
had risen up for the last time. This seems
to have been mistake, however, for the Gin
cinnati Enquirer takes occasion to remark:
''The Uncle has still more strength than the
Nephew in his own country and NAV vet
prove very troublesome. The Democratic
party owes him debt OF gratitude, and NAV
take notion to pay him by supporting him
for the Presidency"
The exposition now promises to be all that
could be desired, and the amount of money
raised already for it, by the states and indi-
vlduals, is so great as TO make it as certain as
anything of the kind can be that Congress
will be called on for no more than the sum
now asked for, 81, 100000; and the nation is
certainly interested to that extent at least in
the success of the undertaking, and is, we
think morally bound to contribute to it, for
the miscredit of failure will now fall not on
any one state or city, Or corporation. hut on
the Union, and, for reasons too numerous
to mention, it is very undesirable than any
further discredit should befall us in foreign
eyes. The general welfare is not made up
alone OF hogs, and corn, and miles of rail-
road, and yards of cotton, and tons of iron.
Influence and reputation enter into it largely,
especially when they magnify principles and
ideas which the whole nation has deeply at
heart, and which, whatever the practice NAV
be, lie at the foundation Of American policy,
and do more than anything else to fire the
popular Imagination and keep it in readiness
for great interchangeable Nation.
LII our memory serves US, there was meet
ing representative Democrats about year
ago at the Manhattan Club in this city, the
object of which was to exchange congratula-
tons on the great Democratic victories
throughout the country, and take counsel for
the future of the party. Among the speakers
on the somewhat august occasion was the
Hop. Mr.. Eaton, Senator from Connecticut.
That gentleman then stated, in manner
actually oppressive with solemnity, and beg
ging. to be held personally responsible for his
words, that the National debt could be paid
in ten years by system of retrenchment in
the Government expenditures. There was
something in his tone and manner that car
ried conviction to every heart. His PROPOSE
ton was received with demonstrations of the
widest enthusiasm; the prevalent impression
being that if there was any mistake in his
calculations he would pay the debt out of his
own pocket. We have no desire to hurry
Mr.. Eaton, but we do take leave to remind
him that the patriots in that meeting had
cop6ding natures. They took it all for corn,
and are waiting for him to 'play or pay."-
Neav York Tribune