The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-02-10
Congress-.

There remain but eighteen days more for
the present Congress to complete the work it
mapped out for itself and to respond to the
demand of the people for legislation that will
give some relief from onerOus and uncenstitu-
tional taxation. This Congress sat from De-
cember, 1881, until the middle of August,
1882, but did nothing in the way of reform;
the rather, it piled up excessive appropria
tions. The revision of the tariff was discuss
ed and the necessity for change in internal
taxation was shown by the Democratic side,
bit the Republican side saw no cause for i'm
mediate action. When the people spoke at
the ballot-box in November every Republican
was changed as if by magic into a reformer.
1t was astonishing how forcibly and logically
they talked on the causes of the great defeat
the party had sustained, and how soon it was
discovered that a revision of the tariff, a re-
duction of internal revenue, a reduction of
river and harbor appropriations and general
economy were demanded. When Congress
met again four weeks after the election each
Republican was vieing with the others to ac-
complish some good. Many good bills and
measures were proposed, and some bad ones.
The tariff commission, whose appointment
was a severe commentary upon the capacity
ofCongressmen, and an expense unwarranted,
reported the result of its labors and bill in
accord. This bill made some change in the
tariff schedule, but rather increased than di-
minished revenue. The House began work
on it several weeks ago, and the Senate is at
work on another bill. 1t is doubtful whether
either house will complete its bill, but if they
do so tariff reform will be as distant as it was
at the beginning of the session.
The proceedings of Congress for two weeks
past has been given up to a large extent to
preparations for the Presidential campaign of
1884, and an attempt TO secure further lease
of power on the part Of the Republicans. To
this end the Republicans made a bold strike
on Monday. Instead of taking up the tariff
BILL an effort was made to create q new terri
tory within Dakota, to be called South Dako-
ia. and then to admit it as a state. This was
designed to give the Republicans two more
United States Senators and one more Repre-
sentatves, but the scheme was defeated, I'M
der the lead of Randall. An effort was after
ward made to organize Alaska into territory,
which was soon to lie made state, with two
more Republican United States Senators and
one more Republican Representative, and the
Democrats defeated this scheme also. Next
came an effort to pass the Legislative Appro-
priation bill, appropriating twenty millions OF
dollars, without opportunity for discussion,
amendment or protest, and the Democrats
defeated this. The Republicans were now
desperate and they then endeavored to get
the House to agree to take up the tariff bill
and pass il next Monday, without further de-
bate, amendment or revision, but in this they
failed too. The Republicans made attempts
to pass one OF two other bills OF lssE impor
lance, but not less meritorions, but were sig
nally defeated.
These attempts were bold, indeed, but Ran
dali, Carlisle, Blackburn, Belmont and At
kins were two much for Robson, Kelley,
Hiscock, Burrows, and others on the Repub-
Iican side. None of the schemes to create |
new territories and new states will be passed |
this session, and while some reduction may
be made in the appropriations nothing of
much practical benefit will be done for the
country. There has been reduction in in
ternal taxation and that, we believe, is the
only measure looking to the relief of the peo
ple that has or will be passed