Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-11-25

sion on Monday, December 3. The Sen
ate is already organized. The House, in
which both parties are nicely balanced,
will first occupy itself with the choice
of a Speaker. The Republicans are in a
positionto secure that officer, if not by
actual party strength. by the aid Of the
two Readjusters, OF by Greenback votes
Messrs. Kasson, of Iowa, and Hiscock,
of New York, are considered to have the
lead in the race, with the odds in favor
Of the former. In securing the Speak
ership, the Republicans will obtain con-
troll of the various committees, and be
enabled to direct legislation for the next
two years.
A great deal of important work is
awaiting the action of Congress, and the
session promises to be al interesting one
1t is likely, too, that the lobby, which of
late years has in a great measure lost its
occupation, will be on hand in its pristine
strength.
The large surplus revenue, which, it
is thought. will next year reach one hun
dred and fifty million dollars, must be
dealt with. Just how is the problem
that the Congressional mind must tackle.
1t must be determined whether we shall
90 on collecting this surplus, and if so,
how to dispose of it. or whether to cut
it down By modification or abolition
of the internal taxes. or failing such,
change in import duties. Com
missioner Dudley, of the Pension Blu
reau, is endeavoring to relieve Congress
of any anxiety upon this point by the
extraordinary demand he makes for
arrears of pensions, which, if granted,
will eat up the surplus for several years
to come 1t remains TO be seen what
action the President will advise on this
important subject, and whether Congress
will shut its eyes to the big steal which
it has sanctioned.
The question of tariff reform will also
come up, either independently of the
internal revenue or in connection with it.
Whether anything more than a discus
sion of the subject wiz be had at this
session is uncertain, but as the prOtec
lionists will make a stout stand against
any assault on heir pockets, it is likely
that little or nothing will be done in the
premises. The issue must be fought out
at the ballot-box. and efforts made~else
where will be largely fruitless.
The national banking law will come
under fire, and certainly needs amend
ment, especially as to examiners and
their work. 1t is reported that the Demo
Gratis will renew their demand for three
per cent loan. Mr.. WINDOWS action in
the matter of refundiDg, though success
full, was unwarranted. His defense is
that be did the work more cheaply than
it could have been done under the fund
ing bill as it stood. If the work is as
complete IS it can he. there will, prOba-
oily, be no further efforts made in this
direction, and it is not certain that such
efforts would prove successful.
The demand fer free ships will be re-
newed, but, just and wise as it is, it is
too much TO expect that any progress
will be made further than to emphasize
the need of a repeal of our crazy naviga
ton laws. This issue, TOO, must be dis
posed Of at the ballot box, if 1t ever is to
be met
The crowded condition of the Supreme
Court docket and measures for its relief,
a rational bankrupt law, and, possibly,
yhe silver question, will also engage the
attention OF Congress. The regular de
mand for better method of electing the
President aud Vice President will like
wise be made with probably the usual
success.
The Monroe doctrine, too, wal enable
members to air their spread-eagleism at
the expense of their good sense. Numer-
Gus other subjects Of more or less i'm
portance will be brought up.
1t is to be hoped that the stories to the
effect that the drought has OblIterated
numerous trout streams are correct. For
if so the river and harbor bill will be
made what it should bean instrument
for the improvement of vertable water
ways, and a large amount can be saved
to the actual needs of commerce.
There may or may not be important
legislation, but there must be a fair
amount of intelligent discussion which
will prepare the people for proper judg-
nent on the questions at issue. The
Democrats in both houses, while they
cannot do much active work, can see to
it that abuses are prevented, and guard
against that prodigsl waste to which the
Radical party is ever prone. The Demo
Gratis have wrought great changes, and
their duty is to take care that there shall
be no step backward.