Democratic Sentinel, Volume 6, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 July 1882 — The Republicans Alarmed. [ARTICLE]

The Republicans Alarmed.

The revolt against Cameron in Pennsylvania, the reaction against Mahone in Virginia, the reckless prodigality jof the present Congress, the corrupt leadership of Secor Robeson, the prevailing discontent with the party in power, and the general indignation at the failure of Congress to give any relief to the taxpayers, have seriously alarmed the Republican leaders in the Senate and House. When the old party hacks of the Sen - ate, like Mr. Morrill, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Windom and others, who are ordinarily indifferent to the demands of public opinion, come to the front with an effort to save the party at the approaching elections of Congressmen, the situation must indeed be desperate. After nearly seven and a half months they have discovered that nothing has been done by Congress but to pass jobs and to squander the people’s monov beyond all precedent. A disgraceful race to grab and to steal the $150,000,000 of surplus has been the distinguishing feature of this session. An act was rushed through Congress creating a Tariff Commission, intended to postpone indefinitely any reform of the existing abuses. Mr. Allison admitted in the Senate, what everybody knew to be true, that this commission at least postponed any change until after the next Presidential election. The House of Representatives recently contrived a shtpn measure under the pretence of reducing the internal revenue. By this sham some $17,000,000 of taxes were lifted from special interests without the in slightest degree benefiting the people who have to carry the burden of taxation. After the passage' of the bill murmurs of dissatisfaction were heard from every part of the country. Its real character was at once understood. . It was seen to be nothing but an ill-disguised attempt to trifle with the gravest interests, a trick of legislation deliberately contrived with dishonest purpose. The intended deception not only failed of effect, but it has brought the Republican leaders of the Senate to a sense of the situation. They are threatened with a loss of the next House of Representatives, They have not forgotten what Grantism and extravagance did in 1874, and they dread what Robeson and rascality may do in 1882. Under this panic the men who carried through the Tariff Commission measure have suddenly changed front, and now Mr. Morrill reports an amendment to the sham from the House, which, if adopted, will reduce the duties on Bessemer steel and on sugar. Only recently, he held that any revision of the tariff must go to nine wise politicians with $lO a day and expenses; now he has all at once discovered that changes are necessary. Hear the ingenuous millionaire, John Sherman, on the same subject: “If this Congress shall adjourn, whether it be hot or cold, without a reduction of taxes now imposed upon the people, it will be derelict in its highest duty. There is no’ sentiment in this country stronger now than that Congress has neglected its duty thus far in not repealing taxes that are obnoxious to the people and unnecessary for the public uses; and if we should still neglect that duty we should properly be held responsible by our coiiwfcuents.” The sentiment that Congress has neglected its duty has been as strong in the country for months past as it is to-day. John Sherman and his associates never thought of “repealing taxes that are obnoxious to the people and unnecessary for the public uses” until they were brought face to face with the fall elections. The conversion was remarkable all along the line. Here is what Gen. Hawley said on behalf of the Republican side, and his sentiments were echoed by Mr. Windom and by others, who made haste to change front: “ I have also known that the great majority of the Republicans in Congress believe there ought to be a serious reduction in taxation before we adjourn. The surplus is monstrous; it is enormous ; it is dangerous; $150,000,000, and I do not kuow but what it will be more next year. It has already led us into unwisdom iu the shape of an excessive and monstrous River and Hsrbor bill, and into other expenses that, I think, can scarcely be justified by the otrictest economy.” The Republicans have complete possession of Congress. Why did they not propose reduction in taxation months ago if they believed it ought to be made ? At the eleventh hour they begin to try to pose as revenue reformers. They are badly frightened.— Washington telegram to New York Sun.