Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-11-13
Work for Congress.


Prom Ito Washington iuHts
Since the Democratic party gained
control of the House. as the result of
the elections of 1874, there has been
effected mn average saving of nearly
$l0,0O00OO year in the appropriations,
as compared with previous years, when
the Republican party was IN majority
in both branches of Congress. This
substantial fact is mn important factor
in estimating the relative value Of the
various causes that have contributed to
the happy change that has como over
the country since the Radical grip was
looscncd.
II should not be forgotten that in
making this vast saving of the National
resources, and lifting this enormous bur.
den from the shoulders of our product.
i've industries, the Democratic House
has been compelled to fight for every
dollar. In addition 10 Republican
Administration, the House was, until
last March, opposed by II Republican
Senate, which stoutly resisted every at
tempt To move IN the direction of econ.
omy. Not an appropriation could he
sent from the House that was not re.
constructed in the Senate, and the ad.
dltions put on were often about as large
aud imposing as the original structure.
TO have reduced expenditures on
formidable scale. under such hard con.
ditions for rctormntory work, is a record
of honor 10 the Democratic party, and
a faithfn! iuliillment Of its pledges to
the people.
But there is n broad field yet to be
explored, and there is vast deal of
good work for Congress to perform at
the approaching session. There Is not
single department, and but few bu.
reaus. in which material reductions Of
expenditures may not be effected, with.
out injury TO the public business; in
many instances such reduction will in.
crease the efficiency Of the service.
Congress should find remedy for all
this, il possible; and it is possible to
effect at least "A partial cure.
The War department should receive
early attention to the extent Of an en-.
tire re organization OF the army. Its
absurd top.heayiuc-s demands reform
not 10y increasing the body, but by rc.
ducing the head. The greatest finan.
cial fraud Of the times is the payment
OF forty to iifty millions a year for an
army OF 1900 men. The number Of
cadets must hc reduced. The West
Point factory ought TO bc closed.
The Navy department shows a happy
change from the Robson era, but there
are evils, and expensive onc-, in the
navy, which Congress only can mitigate
or remove. There is a top. .hcayincss in
this branch Of the service that is worsc
than that OF the army. We have
a.
great trouble is that, under existing
laws and usages, It must always be on
shore, because there Is large excess Of
high. grade officers OF the line. Rapid
promotion for the sake OF retiring. or
high rank and pay, ought to bo check.
ed, and the number Of cadets should be
reduced not less than a:%ty ;c- rcat.
The State department, 30 far o. relates
to foreign missions, demands instant
oycrhaulug and the most thorough re-.
form. This journal demonstrated. long
ago. the absolute iuutIlity of foreign
ministers. The people are beginning
to understand the imposition practiced
on them in this regard. and they will
expect Congress to reform the Hagrant
abuse.
The Treasury department is honey.
combcd with abuses. The Interior de.
parrment must part with its Indian
bureau, and thus relieve the people Of
some millions Of needless taxation. As
to the Attorney Generals Office, or "Dc.
partment Of Justice" Congress will hold
the same views that found expression
during the extra session. That depart.
mcnt has been not only corrupt but
oorrupting II will need and receive
attention.
By faithful attention TO public bust.
ness, Congress will be able TO reduce
the annual expenditures very material.
ly, and will thus have funds on which
to draw for important and necessary
public buildings and other works. which
are needed IN various parts Of the
country.