The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1876-02-08
Finance i'm Congress.

Ever since the session Of Congress
commenced there has been much skir-
inishing among the members Of the
House on the subject of finance and cur
rency. The Democrats having ma
jority felt themselves responsible for any
measures that might be adopted bearing
upon these topics. These matters were,
moreover, vital ones. By their treat
ment the issues Of the great political
campaign OF 1876 were to be shaped and
determined. But behind this general
consideration, to which, of course, all
the members were directing most vigi-
iant attention, there came another con-
sideration special to themselves, prompt
ing them to SO order and direct their
ways as to make themselves acceptable
10 their constituents for reelection.
Between these two considerations
there have been much halting and hesi-
tation. To advocate expansion of the
currency might answer tor single Con-
gressional District at home, but it might
not be expedient for the party at large,
70 advocate resumption, implied the
necessary requirement to provide ways
and means to make resumption practica,
BILE; and to do this might develope some
unfucky plan that would blow them out
of water at the Presidential election like
abox OF dynamite. They hesitated about
medoling with any such Internal polit
ical chemistry. To do nothing would
lead to public disappointment and party
dissatisfaction.
The dilemma is distressing. The Re-
publicans are involved in the same trib-
ulation, but in less degree, because
their party responsibilities are not SO
direct. The consequence has been, as
we said, great deal OF political Skin
mishing to feel the force and position Of
the enemy, and to draw his fire before
making q full attack.
This skirrnishing has now, after two
months OF the session are passed,
revealed the TACT that the Democrats OF
the House find themselves divided and
even subdivided, with a consciousness
Of all the evils that, are predicted con-
cerning sHouse" divided against
itself. Three cllques have been re.
vealed In that party while the Repub
lIcans can boast OF but two, and they
rather mild ones.
The Democrats have their inflationists
their "hard moneyites," and their com
promisers. The first clique are tht
noisiest, If not the wisest; and seem II
rule the roost in the late Democratic
caucus. They are mostly Western ant
Southern members. But they are nu
merous, and believe themselves sus
tanned by firm backing among the pee
pie at home. The second clique, th'
.hard-money men, are mostly from the
East and some from Texas. They ar
men of power as well as Of prudence
and may succeed In giving direction Il
legislation, but can scarcely hope Il
control it unless by coalition with tn,
hard-money Republicans. This they
dread to do, on account Of the eontagior
Of party that they tear may infect theil
democratic health.
The "Compromisers" are for anything
that will tend to unity and concert o
action in the Democratic party. The.
would rather do nothing than risk tn
chance OF electing their President. They
are really only trimmers for the presen
to gain power for the future. Conse
quently, by reason Of this disjointe'
state Of things, any important or judi
cious movement for the benefit Of ou
financial and monetary condition cal
scarcely be looked for from the presen
Congress; certainly not till after tn,
Presidential question is removed from
the arena by this falps election.
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