The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-02-27

who have mainly advocated these spolia-
tions, do not expect to get all they have de-
manded; but by putting on an excessive
margin, they do hope and intend, II it be at
all possible, to saddle the Treasury with
several millions for the Rings, in which
they take patriotic interest. The pretenco
that any Of these grants Is needed for the
public service Is false and hollow. That
sham was used year ago by the same men,
and now IL Is demonstrated, after expert
cncc since the 1st OF July, when the current
fiscal year commenced, that the economy of
twenty-five millions has not only not de-
ranged the departments, but that further
reduction is practicable without the least
Inconvenience
1t will require all the vigilance and intcg
rity Of the House committee to defeat these
schemes Of plumber. The Democrats are ex-
pected TO stand up in good faith for the prin-
cipe Of reform which they inauguratcd in
this Congress, and which IL more needed
now than when IL was started. There has
been no recovery from the commercial pros
tration OF the last three years, and sagacious
men look ahead with distrust and profound
anxiety. The process Of restoration Is slow,
owing to the immense shrinkage I'm values,
the huge debt and the taxation required to
pay the interest on national State, county,
and municipal bonds. and the resulting stag
nation OF all enterprise Retrcnchmcnt Is the
Indispensable means TO improvement, and IL
must go on until the prodigal, by cutting of
his Injuries and reducing his expenses, ~
again set ON his legs and prepared TO profit
Ey bitter lesson OF worldly wisdom. AT a
time like this, and when everybody but the
favored few is Obliged Is take In sail and to
enforce fruSality, the Republicans of tho
Senate are loading the backs of the people
With more weight To carry and new taxa
ton.
II the House fails TO resist this iobbery to
the last extremity. be tho consequences what
they may, it will fall short of the duty due
TO the country In its suffering condition.
And every man who defaults to this trust
may expect to be marked 10y his consttu-
cnts and held up to puhlic odium. The sup
ply bills passed 10y the House give really
moro than IL needed to carry on the Govern
ment frugally. Mr.. TILDEN would have
recommended still further reductions. SO
there Is no plausible excuse for voting the
additional millions demanded by jobbcis in
the Senate.
The Army bill might properly he cut
down several millions more than the Com
mittec on Appropriations report Ten thou
sand men are abundant for every need.
Hence there Is no reason for opposition on
In" part of the Senate. unless from a desire
to keep up top-heavy military establish
mcnt, with magnificent outfit, at tho public
expense, Of stats and officers sufficient to
command a quarter ~ million Of soldiers.
The House ought not 10 vote dollar or "A
man TO the army. without conditions to pro-
tcct the Governments chosen honestly by
the people in Louisiana and South Carolina
The professions OF HAYES and the pledges OF
his friends are worthless, as n defence
against military rule and oppression. The
representatives Of the people have II in their
power now Ia guard these communities from
now impositions. and to hold the Executive
arm in check. They have just been cheated
by men in the highest positions and claim
ins the purcst character. IL will not do,
therefore to trust the cheap declarations of
ertful politicians.
If n deadlock should grow out Of the do
tclniinatiun uf the House TO defeat cStraNa-
gancc ami iohbcry and TO defend Louisiana
and South Carolina against a prolonged
reign OF carpct-baggcrs. the country will
know whore t. place the responsibility. The
Republican majority OF the Senate must OK
lect to confront It, and to take the conse-
qucnccs There arc many things worse
than an extra session Of Congress.