this course, only a few of which we have to perform is the careful scrutiny of the

space to enumerate. First, it places a very great temptation in the way of the newspaper man to exchange secrets with another similarly situated, and thus matters of the utmost consequence--like treaties and financial measures-are divulged. Secondly, it destroys their independence, and they become, therefore, incapable of passing a fair judgment upon the action of Congress; and, lastly, having, as employés of the House, access to the floor, the tempation to lobby for or against certain measures becomes almost irresistible. Thus it will be perceived that the practice of employing correspondents as clerks to committees is a very serious evil, which has led to great abuses.

AN OFFICIAL DAILY REPORT.

Among the minor evils which tend to produce bad legislation, is the fact that the public is totally dependent upon the irresponsible agents of the Associated Press for its knowledge of Congressional proceedings. We mean by irresponsible, not that the Associated Press agents are persons of bad character, but simply that they are under no legal responsibility to be accurate. We know, and we might cite examples in proof, that for reasons to us unknown much more space is given to some speakers than to others, and that the synopsis brings out more clearly the salient points of the debate on the side which the reporter chooses thus indirectly to advocate.

annual expenditures, we hold that the division of the appropriations into twelve or fifteen different bills tends to defeat this object. We would recommend that there be but one appropriation bill (unless there is a deficiency bill) denominated the budget, and that it be taken up early in the session and kept before the House not less than a month. As the estimates are most intelligently prepared, and are so well arranged that any gentleman of ordinary intelligence can comprehend them, the bill could easily be framed which would present to Congress the total expenditures of the ensuing year.

The rule which excludes new legislation ought also to be more strictly adhered to, for our most important provisions of law are found as amendments to appropriation bills, where they could not be fully matured and considered. If the annual budget were made the main work of the session, the appropri

ation of millions of dollars would not be entrusted to conference committees of three members of each House, any two of whom are able at the last hour of the session to secure the expenditure of mil

lions of dollars.

AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES. Another drawback is that the business of the morning hour is permitted to interfere with the general current of business, so that some of the most important committees have no chance to report during the entire session. If the presentation of bills, &c., were confined to Monday exclusively, and each of the

We believe that both Houses should employ competent stenographers, who should furnish condensed accounts of the proceedings to all journals that important committees had two consecuchose to avail themselves of the privilege. With the Government telegraph and cheap rates, very full reports could be made to appear in every daily journal in the United States. Publicity of Congressional proceedings is one of the great safeguards for honest legislation. CONSOLIDATION OF APPROPRIATION

BILLS.

Believing that among the most important tasks which Congress, and particuiarly the House of Representatives, has

tive days assigned to it, and the balance one day-the business going off the floor with the committee-there would be more ample opportunity for the regular and consecutive transaction of legislation.

CONCLUSION.

These questions are deserving of the most careful consideration, because” if there is anything in our parliamentary rules and practice that tends to induce careless and improper legislation, the

AN OLD ENEMY UNDER A NEW NAME.-The Democratic party has at last found its Moses. Hendricks, of In

people demand that it should be arrested. devising measures to secure the welfare The perpetuity of the Republic and the of all-which is one and inseparable safety of the Republican party alike are with good government and the Republic. at stake; for we hear the murmurs of the people demanding greater purity of legislation. Our statesmen must either lead or abdicate; they must either devise measures for reform and the nation's security, or the places that know them now will not know them beyond the terms for which they have been chosen. We have heard it charged that the American nation itself is corrupt, and that Messrs. Brooks and Ames are its natural and appropriate representatives. We well recollect that similar opinions were expressed when the rebels precipitated the late war upon our people; for it was claimed that they had neither the virtue nor the courage to defend their birthright of liberty. But the echo of the cannons that thundered against Fort Sumter dispelled these misconceptions of the American character as speedily as the sun dispels the noxious mists of the morning. And thus it is to-day; for whenever the people realize that not merely a few millions of money are at stake, but that the life of the nation itself is in danger because some of our public men have joined the army of public plunderers-more insidious, and therefore more dangerous than an armed foe in the field-they will rise as one man, throwing aside all party tram-old Democratic party has been galvanmels, to correct the great wrong.

That great nation which so lavishly poured out its life and treasure to save

the Union, bas both the virtue and vitality to hurl corrupt men from power. In view of the iron necessity for speedy reform, we appeal most earnestly to our statesmen and publicists to think, to plan, to remove obstructions, and to construct an enduring edifice of state. Negative and barren criticism is the bane of progress. It not only is incapable of accomplishing reforms, but it adds to the existing discontent. It is like a consuming fire, that destroys the good and bad without discrimination. Peace and prosperity will only abide with us when every citizen is seriously

diana, is reported as the coming man who is to lift Democracy from the gutter and place it upon the throne of political power. He has already had a conference with his antiquated friends who have grown old waiting for office, and has assured them that if they will follow him he will lead them into the promised land. This Indiana statesman, it is understood, proposes a radical change of programme. He has not as yet advised his friends to join the Republican party, but he has done the next thing to itadvised them to drop the Democratic name and assume a title that will at least disguise the old material, and convey to the public an idea of patriotism and honesty. This is a bold step, but a leader to be worth anything must be bold; so in this new departure Hendricks proves himself a leader. He calls upon his followers to make a great sacrifice, but as they have nothing to lose except a name and everything to gain, it is quite probable that this latest political prophet will have a respectable following. We are willing to do all we can to help Hendricks in this labor of love. The

ized into life so many times that we are in symyathy with anything that will permit the old shell to be buried from sight, in a grave so deep and secure that no political resurrectionist can disturb its remains hereafter. What Greeley commenced we sincerely hope Hendricks will finish. If he can succeed in demolishing the name of Democracy the reformation will be complete, for there has been nothing left but the name for the past ten years. For the sake of human civilization we trust that Hendricks will be encouraged in his good work. He has some tough customers to deal with, but if he has faith enough to wrestle in the good cause, he may before the close of the present century see the consummation of his hopeful dreams.

CANADIAN INDEPENDENCE AND CONTINENTAL UNITY.

or Mexico on one side, or the Provinces within or outside of the Dominion of Canada on the other, desire to join their fortunes with those of the American Republic, they can reach the ear of the Government only through the voice of their own peoples and by securing the coöperation of those of the United States. This is in harmony with the spirit and principles of republicanism, which recognize public opinion as the infallible basis of all genuine progress in the march of civilization.

In the acquisition of territory, the general policy of the United States has been to avoid the system of conquest and force pursued by other Powers, and to make voluntary cession and the free consent of all parties concerned the basis of action. By treaty with Great Britain, in 1783, the limits of the territory of the United States were defined; by treaty with France, in 1803, the "Province of Louisiana" was ceded to the United States; by treaty with Spain, in 1819, the territory then known as the "Provinces of East and West Florida" were ceded to us; in 1845 Texas was admitted to the Union; in 1848 and 1853 Mexico ceded the territory now covered by California and Nevada and the Territories of Utah, Arizona, and New language, as already quoted, is emphatic Mexico; and by treaty, in 1867, Russia ceded Alaska to the American Union.

The President, however, while he pledges his Administration against all initiative annexation movements, does not ignore the principle and practicability of continental unification. His

on that subject. And he is not alone in his views in reference to its advantages. In all these acquisitions the conditions Many of the more intelligent minds in and stipulations were mutually satis- Cuba and Mexico believe that the prosfactory. The same policy still continues, perity of those territories would be and probably always will prevail, on the largely augmented by a union with the part of the United States Government, American Republic. This sentiment is in the acquisition of territory. Presi- largely reciprocated in the United States. dent Grant in his last inaugural address But more generally has the attention of said: "While I hold my present office thoughtful minds, on both sides of the the subject of the acquisition of terri- boundary, been directed for some time tory must have the support of the people past to the mutual advantages of a perbefore I will recommend any proposition manent political union of the British looking to such action." At the same American colonies with the United time, he unhesitatingly stated that he States. The sagacious mind of that "does not share in the apprehension held great statesman the Hon. William H. by many, as to the danger of the Gov- Seward long contemplated the mutual ernment becoming weakened and des- gain that would come from such a result. troyed by reason of the extension of His last utterance is recorded on one of territory;" and adds: “ Commerce, ed-the first pages of his "Travels Around ucation, and rapid transit of thought the World,"published since his decease. and matter, by telegraph and steam, have changed all this. Rather do I believe that our Great Maker is preparing the world in his own good time to become one nation, speaking one language, and when armies and navies will be no longer required."

In starting upon his journey, he crossed over and traveled through Canada, “because," as he says, "the Canadian route is the more direct one to Detroit." He there records his experience and faith in the following words:

"Canada, though no less fertile, is more Here we have the key-note to the sen- thinly inhabited than the American timent and policy of the American Gov-shore. Immigration obeys political instincts. It prefers the established ernment on the important question of equality and social security of the United annexation. If Santo Domingo, Cuba, 'States. It will be long before either

Canada or Mexico can realize its invig-
orating power. This may seem hard, but
it is clear that only one great nation can
be built on one continent at one time.
The remedy for both of those countries
is the same-accession to the United
States. Canada has hesitated long, but
it will see and feel this truth at last-
that it is better to be an equal constitu-
ent member of a great, powerful, and
free nation, than a small, feeble, and
isolated state, even though equally
free."

That such a consolidation of interests
would be followed by mutual advan-
tages has now become the almost uni-
versal impression on the minds of all
parties concerned. It would at once,
and probably forever, remove all causes
of possible disruption in our commercial
relations, and secure the blessings of
perpetual peace at home and abroad.
The baneful effects of an extensive
system of smuggling goods across the
present boundaries would be brought to
a permanent termination. Custom-Herald responds:
houses and stations and custom-house "Independence, it is admitted on all
officers with their aids, along four thou- hands, cannot be very remote, and 'what
sand miles of States and contiguous is to come after independence' is obvious
colonies, would all be dispensed with, that is not likely to be long delayed."
enough. It is manifest destiny,' and
and continental commerce would be as
free as the waters of the lakes and rivers
over which it passes. Standing armies

After quoting the above, together with
other equally suggestive remarks on the
subject from the London Times, the
New York Tribune truthfully remarks
that-

"In England it has long been evident that Canadian independence must soon the United States; it has been evident be established; it has been evident in everywhere except in Canada itself. What is to come after independence seems to us pretty clear.”

To which the Yarmouth (Nova Scotia)

Similar sentiments are entertained by
fully a majority of the people in the
British colonies contiguous to our east-
merside (Prince Edward Island) Pro-
ern and northern borders. The Sum-
gress, issued on the last day of 1872, in an
editorial argument with a contemporary
editor, make this suggestion:

annexation to the United States and
"Let him propose the choice between
confederation with the Dominion to any
assemblage of farmers he may meet, in
any part of the island, and he will find
phatically declare in favor of annexa-
that nine out of ten of them will em-
tion."

and navies would be reduced to the mere
requirements of a land and water police.
Immigration and capital, more than
ever before, would be attracted to the
united continent, and flow freely in its
distribution from the fishing coasts,
mineral districts, and agricultural por-
tions of the new States to the extreme
South and West, and over to the Pacific
coast. Internal taxes would cease, ex-
cepting upon luxuries, and the rapid
reduction of the consolidated public
debts of the Dominion and the United
States, together with the regular ex-
penses of the one government, would be
provided for in the revenues from im-
portations; while the tariff, by its judi-alone would have increased at least
ciously arranged protective features,
would stimulate manufactures and kin-
dred industries.in the newly-organized
States, as it is now doing in every other
portion of the Union.

These facts are familiar to the intelli

And he adds:

"We repeat that had there been free
trade between this colony and the Uni-
ted States this year, our potato crop

ably greater than the debt of the colony
£200,000 in value-a sum very consider-
previous to the passage of the railway
bill, and equal to fully one-fifth of the
railway debt, which we all feel to be so
great a burden."

In another issue the same paper, in an

argumentative editorial of great force, | minion of Canada-is delighted at some

uses the following language:

facts published by the New York Herald from the pen of one of its representatives, who professes to have gone through the Dominion, and to have found no annexationists. If the Herald's repredid not call at the office of this paper, or sentative was in this city, he certainly he could have got some information on the subject of annexation if he wanted

"Who does not see that, compared with the benefits of annexation, taxation is a mere trifle; that union with the United States is the ultimate destiny of these provinces must be clear to every intelligent man who can see an inch beyond his nose; and the people of this island ought to welcome every measure which is likely to bring about so desira-it. The Express is delighted to find that

ble a change.

In a later issue the same writer, in a lengthy editorial upon the subject, argues thus:

'Granting that an imaginary line of frontier cannot keep men of the same race, speaking the same language, and whose interests are identical, long separate, what then? Would it not be a thousand times betterfor these provinces of North America to become part and parcel of the greatest republic the world ever saw-to share in its power and prosperity-than to drag out a miserable existence as the insignificant dependency of a great power whose statesmen affirm, in the plainest terms, that they consider them a burden and a clog?"

Take the sentiment of another section of the colonies. A prominent gentleman in Western Canada, of great intelligence and a large business experience, in a recent letter to an official in Washington, says:

"Our connection with the mother country has never ceased to be, commercially, a misfortune-a barrier to our progress. It prevents the development of our resources. and will continue to do so until we establish a protective tariff. These views are not exceptionable among our legislators and better informed men; but the masses, perhaps, do not comprehend the great benefits to be derived from such a policy."

The colonial press pretty generally concedes the advantages of a protective tariff, but the popular sentiment in the colonies goes further, and claims that by a union with the States the protective system, with a thousand other advantages, would, at the same time, be realized.

The following editorial article from the St. John (New Brunswick) Daily Globe, January 17, 1873, affords an insight into the present state of feeling in the Provinces on the question of union: "ANNEXATION.-The Halifax Express -owned by a salaried official of the Do

there is not enough annexationist feel-
into circulation.
ing to galvanize even a country paper

"It is true that there exists no organized body of annexationists in any part of the Dominion, but the number of annexationists is very large and is rapidly increasing. Lately leading annexationists have had in contemplation the starting of two daily newspapers, one at St. John and one at Halifax, of a class far ahead of the daily press of either of these cities. The funds would be forthcoming at a moment's notice, and the $100,000, or thereabouts, capital necessary for the enterprise, would be subscribed in less than a week in these two provinces. In the capital of New Brunswick there are two journals which, while they do not bring the subject forward very prominently, are not unfavorable to a discussion of the question. In this city a leading daily journal is known to be favorable; in Halifax, Yarmouth, Pictou, and other parts of Nova Scotia there are journals friendly to annexation, and throughout the length and breadth of all the provinces there are thousands of people who believe annexation inevitable, although they are of opinion that it will not take place yet, and that, therefore, its discussion is premature. If, however, any event were to bring up the matter for sudden discussion the annexation element would prove to be much larger than it is supposed to be.

"That a very great advance has been made in this matter in public opinion is evident from the fact that the whole question is likely to be discussed on its merits at any moment. Dislike of the Yankees has died out entirely; the mere sentiment of loyalty has given place to the patriotic consideration of what is best for the country, and there is a willingness to listen to argument on the subject that never before existed. Of course there are yet thousands so devotedly attached to British institutions and to the British flag that they would con-, sider annexation of itself a great calamity; but there are tens of thousands who, if satisfied that it would be a material benefit, would throw sentiment to the winds."