Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-01-15
SUBSIDIES.

uEau-
SUBSIDIES.
There seems TO be general opinion that the
various subsidy projects Ia We much better chance
for favorable action than at the last session. That
met for the purpose of showing at least outward
ly) how much retrenchment could be carried out
without actually running everything. The en-
IRENE psrsmony resulting from such an ayowed
policy, more or less re. acted upon those engaged
in the scheme-esp .cislly those f,om the South
and Southwest. Now, whether rightly or not
don't pretend to Judge, there is absolute cry for
more liberal measures toward all enterprises in
which the government il directly or even Indirect
" concerned
The hard times and want of work seem to
quire of government larger appropriations for pub
lie buildings and internal Improvements begun by
itself, and some pocuniary encouragement to such
as are aiding the government by forwarding en-
terprises Of public nature.
1t is certain that there never was
time when legitimate and truly beneficial i'm
provements and other measures could be
pushed to completion SO cheaply and steadily
as now, when labor IS cheap and laborers
plenty; and it is serious question. when so many
mouths are calling for bread, whether generous
appropriation policy, properly applied, would not
better meet the approval of the whole people than
misery and unnecessary retrenchment system.
THE BLAND BILL.
The Bland Silver Bill has met with such decided
public opposition, since the adjournment OF Con
giess over the holidays, that there is an apparent
weakening Of its supporters. 1t will undoubtedly
pass, but with such notifications as will greatly
change its character and force-at least am SO
informed. There seems to be very little doubt
that the President will veto it, no matter as to
what form it comes to him, unless nearly approx
mating the plan laid down in the message.
The ARMY BILL.
The new Army Bill proposes among Other
things the dispensing with the services Of about
third Of the Staff and Line officers of the Army
This causes great stir amongst that class of sal
aried men, Whether this is just and right is a
question for everybody to discuss. Certain it is
that there is now great inequality between the
number of commissioned officers and enlisted
men--about one officer to every nine men, and
West Point continually grinding out more. And
there is also proposition TO provide for a system
of education for the enlisted men so that they can
fit themselves for officers. This would be great
blow to West Point, and the bloods Of that insti-
tuition will kick hard against such measure.
The advocates of it believe it would abrogate
the necessity Of having any such institution as
West Point, and would give us capable and
faithful officers come from there, and with far
less ostentation and cost, besides giving far bet
ter chance to the common soldier, better morale
to the army, and encouragement TO a better class
Of citizens to enter its ranks.
On the other md it is argued that such
system would not find so apt scholars, would be
impractcable, even in time of peace, would Gre
ate envyings and jeaousies amongst the men,
and would not produce sufficient ripe students fo
any emergencies that might occur
One thing is very certain anyway-that before
the war, the class of men who were found in the
ranks were inferior TO those engaged in any other
pursuit. and the same may, practically, be said OF
the army now for men, with poor pay and no in
centives ahead, are not going into any such bust
ness unless through actual necessity moral or in
teectual incapacty, or recklessness. few
smart men get in through various other causes,
but they generally manage to soon get out again,
or else secure any minor places Of profit OF ease
which the army may offer.
SECRETARY ScHURz's RESIGNATION.
The rumor is strongly current that Secretary
Scturz will very shortly resign ana take the mis-
sion to Berlin. How true it is cannot ascertain,
but YOU will remember | sent you notice OF a sim
lar tumor, apparently coming from a good source
before the holidays. The Secretary himself will
not Affirm OF derry the rumor. Private Secretary
Rogers keeps mum on the subject. L. j. b.