The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1878-02-15
WASHINGTON LETTER.
wAsurvoroy, u. c., Feb. 70, 1878.

WASHINGTON, u. c., Feb H. 1878.
In looking around for means of reducing
Federal taxation, which now amounts to $40
per annum for every household in the conn.
try there are two subjects which Immediately
attract attention. The first is tho sinking
fund. This fund, accumulating at the rate
prescribed by law, will extinguish the public
debt in given number Of years. But un-
der different Secretaries more has been added
to the fund than is required by law. Senator
Beck proposes that no more money be set
apart for tho fund than is necessary under
the law. This is not only an unobjectonable
proposition, but it is more strict compli-
ance with existing law than the course here
tofore pursued. Next is q radical reduction
Of expenses in every Department of the Gov
ernment. The country is levying more taxes
on the people than the people can pay, and
at the same time carrying on its business in
an extravagant manner. The Army, the Ma
w, the Interior, the Department Of Justice,
the Post Office, the State Departmental Of
them are conducted upon scale inaugurated
in the flush times preceding the war and con-
tinued and maguified during the war. 1t is
at once the duty and policy of the Democrat
ic party to change all this, and to reduce all
expenses. Salaries will have to be reduced
excresscences cut off, and reforms in the con-
duct of business instituted, and these things
will undoubtedly produce q clainor among
Al. -. h,i "a in, In will
applaud the act.
With Senator Beck's excellent bill in force,
and rigid economy in carrying on the.Govcrn-
ment together with the confidence which will
be restored when Congress has given us fixed
currency, we shall have revival Of business
and return of prosperity, without them
there is almost certainty that the present
state of things will continue.
| The House Committee on Ways and
Means is making considerable progress in ex-
amining the new tariff bill of Mr.. Wood
So far, greatly to the delight Of that gentle
man, the bill meets with the almost unani
nous approval of the Committee. 1t IL
hardly to be expected, perhaps, that single
session will be sufficient time for both Houses
to discuss and pass so comprehensive meas
ure, but it is evident that there is strong
disposition to hasten action as much as pos
sible. The distinguishing feature of Mr.
Woods bill is the simplicity it introduces in
to subject heretofore very much complicat
ed. =. 1t practically repeals the patchwork leg
slation of the past
After few more speeches the Senate viii
vote on the silver bill. Davis, of West Va.
Conkling, and Jones of Nevada are all thos,
who are announced for speeches. Mr.. Haye
causes it to beyannounced that he believes il
what he calls ''the old whig doctrine" tha
veto power should not be exercised excep
; to prevent violation of the Constitution.
that "old whiy party" is responsible for al
the twisting and turning of Mr.. Hayes Of
this and other subjects the evil that it doe
after death is greater than what it could hav
done before death.
In an interview on Saturday, Mr.. Haye
entered into an elaborate discussion Of hi
Southern ppointments, ,excusing the selectio
| lie udu LuuuO VI u lew bChObia 70 ioi oihSC
the most creditabe ones he has made b
the way.
1t is now we'll understood that hereafter n
man not Republican will receive office b.
appointment from Mr.. Hayes.
1t seems that majority Of the House Con
mittee investigating Mexican affairs is in fi
vor of speedy recognition Of Diaz.
FL The temperance people here are to haV
mammoth procession on the 22d. The
think there will be over &c, 900 in line.
The sHouse Committee on District of Ct
lumbia have decided that in our new form
government. suffrage shall have place. TIL
qualifications of the voters are not yet fxet
SEMINOLE.