Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-10-25
The broad Of Congress.

That the assembling Of the National Legis-
laturc should be viewed with dread by a
large share of the most intelligent people Of
the land, and especially by those having the
heaviest interest in good and honest govern
ment, would seem to show something wrong
in our republican system, in practice il not
in theory. The coming session of Congress
is looked forward to by the business nen Of
the country with a degree of apprehension
which would amount to panic, but for the
hope that the Presidents veto will avail to
save the Nation from the worst cOnse-
quences Of the rule Of demagogism and dis
honesty. The next Congress will be still
more dreaded, for it will be still more thor
oughly at the mercy Of the worst elements in
Congress and in the country. The feeling
must be widespread and strong when it finds
expression in careful public letter from
prominent Democratic Congressman. But
this is what Hon. Clarkson II. Potter, Of
Potter Committee notoriety, says in ceclin-
irg a denomination to Congress from the
Democrats of the New York District, which
has given him four or FIVE successive elec-
tons
TJ-lay our Industries are paralyzed be
cause the men whO have wealth are afraid to
lend it, not for want Of good security, not
because they cannot get satisfactory interest,
bat solely because they are uncertain as to
the dollar in which they are to be repaid.
They will lend on security for thirty or six
ty day. at very low interest, because il Con
grces hould attempt to change the measures
81 values they can get their money back be-
flrc the change couli be accomplished and
men will borrow in the same way for the
same reason. But such brief loans are of
but little help to the community. To be Of
goneraI advantage, capital must be perma-
nently invested and to- day the capitalist hest
tatcs to invest his money in enterprises which
he knows will furnish him both good Sc
curity and proper profit because he cannot
tell what, three or five years from now. is
to be the size Of the dollar in which he Is to
be paid 4 currency which Is neither re-
deemable nor fixed in amount, but Is liable
to lie changed in value by legislation, is Of
all currenclcs the one most destructive to
business. For myself believe that il Con-
gress could be abolished for two years the
Industries Of the country would be reyiying
within month but Just 50 long as the agi-
tation for changing the measure Of values
goes on Just 50 long will those industries be
kept down.
There is clear and solemn truth in this ut
tcrance. The reckless, foolish aud corrupted
voters, whose action is giving the country II
Congress controlled by demagogues, vision
aries, robels and rogues have heavy resronsi-
bility to answer for. On them rests the pres
ont responsibility for the continuance Of the
hard times, and on them, if present lore
bGdings bee inc facts, will rest heavy bur
den Of National dishoror, Disgrace and dis
tres Can it be that any considerable por
ton Of Vermont Republicans are willing to
take on their shoulders share Of that bur
den The day which sends to Congress a
Greenbacker and a corrupt:onist from Var
mont, will be bitter day for those who
have been wont to point to the Green Noun
tain State as an example Of sturdy honesty
and nnvarying loyaltysto truth and right.
III n hat