Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1876-06-01

THE ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS-
The resolution which Mr.. Morrison Of
fered to adjourn Congress on the 18th
of June, was probably only intended to
spur legislation on 1T quicker pace
There is hardly probability that it
will be adopted, or that the adjourn
ment can take place till month later,
if so soon. Aside from any general
Legislation, the appropriation bills alone
will require more time than has been
suggested. If the two Houses were in
good accord, the proposition would be
entirely practicable. As it is, they are
wide apart in regard to policy.
The Democratic House is bent on re-
form and retrenchment. The Senate is
decidedly hostile t" either, and insists
upon the old rule of extravaganza. This
is the exact situation, and the first test
is to be made on the Diplomatic and
Consular bill, now in the hands of con-
ference committees. Neither side is
disposed 10 yield. The House cannot,
consistently with the programme laid
down. The Senate will not, on account
Of the patronage. The great Legisla-
tive, Executive and Judicial bill is be-
fore the Committee on Appropriations
of the Senate, where it will surely be
cut to pieces and virtually restored to
the form Of last year, when the Repub-
licans were in complete control. Their
amendments will involve question Of
several millions, which will never be
given up BY the House. That much is
certain.
Thus the two parties are antagonized,
and as soon as Belknap's Impeachment
and some other matters are out Of the
way, the issue must he made up dis
tincily. Investigations and personal
controversies have partially obscured
the great question of reducing the pub
lie expenditures. But it cannot 6e
pushed aside or much longer be post
poned. These appropriation bills will
drive it to the front.
Long and angry discussions may be
expected when the subject shall come
to he agitated in real earnest, and the
lines will be rigidly drawn. Each side
will seek to make its own cause ap-
pear the better, and it is wholly un-
reasonable to believe that great argu-
ment can be closed, or the public bus
mess can be in condition to adjourn on
the 18th Of June, or in that month at
all. Members of the House. Of both
parties, who are looking to renomina-
tons, would he glad to get away. and
will doubtless try their best; but the
Senate can apply the break whenever it
pleases, and it will do 30.
The close of the fiscal year is fast
approaching, and If these appropriation
bills are not put through before the 3Oth
Of June there may be difficulty and embar-
rassment, but not SO serious as seems to
be anticipated. Appropriations have
failed heretofore without producing any
grave inconvenience. Once the Postmas-
ter issued certificates for paw and
Indebtedness, when the department had
no money voted aud they passed current
till Congress came together. But if the
Senate will Join the House in cutting
off extravagance, stopping abuses, and
stamping out corruption, no failure
need occur now. Economy must be
pressed, and if the Republicans choose
to oppose it for selfish reasons they will
have to take the consequences next No.
vember.
In these hard times, when industry is
stagnant and the people suffer, party
! names and professions count for little.
The party which offers the most relief
, to the country practically, and stops
the plumber at Washington, will have
the best chance TO win.-Nesc York
San.