The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-12-14
The Stu alton,

being manifested in Washington than we
have ever noticed before on the occasion of
the reassembling of Congress after a
heated political contest. This may grow
out of the fact that both parties were con-
demned by the verdict rendered by the peo-
pie in November last, inasmuch as both
were responsible for the extravaeant leg
isiation which offended the popular con-
science. 1t so happened that the Republi-
cans were in power, and for that reason
held more conspicuous relation to the OBJ
jectionabe measures enacted, while DEM
ocrats were equally culpable in making up
the majorities through which the leglsla-
tion was passed. These facts seem to be
recognized now, and there appears to be no
disposition on the part of the Democrats to
indulge in eXstatic rejoicings. A sub
dned and chastined tone appears to per-
wade all political circles, with tendency
to conservative methods, and distinct re-
cognition of what the result of the cleo
tiOn means. Extreme men on either side
will have but little influence in the present
session. The important quest ions OF rev.
enue and tariff reform will be approached
with deliberate purpose to conform to the
popular desire and reach practical conclu-
sons, to the end that sagacious measures
may be framed, with reference primarily to
the public welfare, and rot as the result OF
partiZan suggestion.
The President, in his message, has plain
ly and conspicuously pointed out the line OF
policy which should be adopted, and recon-
mended such notifications of existing
laws as meet the judgment of the best
craftsmanship ofthe country. There never
has been State paper VIII ich has met with
such general approval OF one that will have
greater influence in shaping national
legislation. While the general ideas
advanced will be accepted as wise and ap-
propriate, there may, and doubtless viii
be, some differences as to details in the
shaping OF bills, not in conflict however,
with the general tenor of the suggestions
| OF the message. The tariff laws will first
undergo REVISION, or the report Of the tariff
commission be accepted as embOdYing the
reforms necessary as nearly as can be for
mulated during the session. When the pol
ICY implied by such changes is saffic iently
| Indicated, then will follow a modification
OF the revenue laws. with view to an ad-
| Iustment of the tax system for the relief OF
| the people from unnecessary burdens, aud
the assurance OF retrencbment aud ecOno'
my in the expenditures. We conclude that
| this will be the policy of legislation, from
the fact that it would be dangerous expe.
! rlment TO rest the government revenues
solely on import duties, which are liable to
fluctuatiOn, while there are certain govern
ment obligations which must be met, under
any circumstances. The interest on the
public debt, the pension allowances. the
support IT the military. naval, judicial and
CIVIL departments of government, call for
| certain and definite amount of appropria.
| tions, for which 1t would be unsafe to de-
pend on import duties exclusively. The
tax on distilled spirits and tobacco, in its
various forms, while it may be modified,
should be retained, at least for while, so
as to protect the treasury against default
and at the same time justify economic
changes in the saTiff laws. 1t is true that
the tax on tobseeo, and the complicated and
ramitied methods of its collection, impose
serious inconvenience on dealers, yet the
system is NOW so web understood that its
retention would be far preferable to an
exposure of the treasury to shortage, by
reason. of its removal.
We assume. therefore, that Congress will
so mod fy both the tariff and internal rev.
enue laws as to conform to judicious relief
in. both direct ions, and at the same time
not impoverish the treasury. The Repub-
licans, having the committees, will inau-
gurate the necessary reforms, and, in the
light of the recent expression of public
sentiment, the Democrats will hardly un-
dertaSe to ebstru0t the contamination of
such reforms. They will be compelled to
oppose or approve, and if the measures
introduced shall meet public expectation,
as doubtless they will, the Democratic
members will have no other safe course to-
pursue but to support them. Their action
will be closely scanned and scrutinized for
they are now attitudenizing as reforme1s,
and the people are in no humor to tolerate
any merely partizan devices or methods in
dealinswith interests so directly affecting
the eneral welfare.
We look for enlightened legislation from
the present Congress, and in proportion as
it meets the popular estimate of what is
needed. will the Republican party bbe
strengthened and the Democratic party
weakened. The former occupies the van-
tage ground. and will be held responsible
for the manner in which it is used. 1t has
it in Its power to command public conf.
dence and perpetuate its rule, for there is
Deep seated distruss of the. latter, and
nothing but fragrant and indefensible
abuse of the authority held would induce
the American people to pass the govern
ment into tile hands of the Democrat ic
party. That party was never placed ia
more trying position, nor was there ever
more propitous surroundings for the r e.
publican party to inspire and command the
continued confidence of the country.