The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-10-16

The first business before Congress will be
the appropriation for the army, which failed
at the last session by the obstinacy Of the
senate: there will also be the deficiency
in the navy pay to be dealt with, and
IN alleged deficiency in the expenses of the
Judiciary. These subjects all belong TO the
Committee on Appropriations, and no bill
should bc reported for either Of them until
n searching scrutiny shall have justified
every item.
An attempt will be made. under pre-
tended necessity for immediate action,
10 vote the money that may be called
Tor by the departments, combining the
investigation for the time being to the
correctness OF the figures and totals
No such course will satisfy tho country, or
serve the principle Of reform, upon which
the present House Of Representatives must
stand or full. The Administration assumed
the responsibility, without the least reason
to justify it, and without authority OF law,
to support the army on credit by issuing
certificates of indebtedness, and to make
contracts extending over half Of the current
fiscal year, to the 3lst 81 next December, on
the basis of au army of 5000 men.
After the failure OF the regular approprla-
tion in the last Congress- II was decided to
call an extra session in May, in abundant
time to perfect the necessary legislation be-
fore the opening Of the fiscal year on the Isl
Of July. That decision was rcconsidered
and changed from partisan motives only
and at u cost Of many millions to the
Treasury. If the Executive may thus as
sumo to determine. ~ has been done in this
sist, and enter into contracts, made 10 ex-
tend months after Congress shall have met to
consider the subject, and not be called to ac-
count for Il usurpation Of power. Congress
will virtually abdicatc its functions.
Two questions are presented in connection
with the army: first, the payment for the
running half ofthe fiscal year, and secondly
whether the army shall be reduced for the
remaining half of the year after the 1st OF
January. The last House reported a reduc-
ton OF 5000 men. or 1900 for the whole
army. 1t Is, therefore, committed to the
policy OF rctrenchmcnt, which did not go far
enough because 10000 men are enough for
every public need. The pretexts urged for
maintaining the present maximum, and
even for an increase have no real existence.
The Indian war is ended, and there will be
no trouble on the Texas border not fomented
by spectators and schemers interested in
melting hostilities between the United States
and Mexico.
In regard to the navy pay, the House GER
tainly cannot again appropriate the money.
which was expressly voted rs deficiency
in the last Congress. without inquiring how
the million and a half Of dollars has
Al. a
must be brought before the committee,
face to face with his successor
and the benefclares OF this plumber.
There is no mystery about the diversion and
misapplication of this large sum; but the
country il entitled 10 know the exact facts
officially, in order that proceedings may be
instituted against all the parties who shared
in this fragrant spolation OF the Treasury,
which WAS among tho last acts VI ROBE
SONS disgraceful career, and when. too, he
was only holding temporary appointment
awaiting the presence of Mr.. THOMPSON.
There is no such urgency ia either of these
cases as TO preclude or to postpone invest-
cation. The army is provided for by the
Illegal action Of the department for two and
half months ahead. Brief delay cannot
affect the condition OF the navy pay injuri-
ously, since the existing arrangements OF
affairs cover all ordinary contingencies.
Hence the now Committee on Appropra-
tions will best respond TO the public de-
mand by first setting on foot thorough
and organized examination of all the acts Of
the Fraudulent President and his subordl-
mates relating to the expenditures for the
army, the authority under which they pro-
ceeded, and the nature Of every contract.
When this subject shall be siftcd, then
the navy deficiency can be considered.
These Investigations ought to be conducted
with open doors, 80 that the public may see
the zeal or the lukewarmness OF the mem
bers conducting them, and be enabled TO
form an independent judgment, az was done
in the Credit Mobilier ca SO, when the scheme
OF secrecy was promptly crushed out by
burst of general Indignation. That warn
ing ought hot to he forgotten at this time.