offensive. Such combinations are denounced and punished by the
laws of almost every civilized government and by the laws of many
of our states. They should be denounced and punished by the laws
of the United States whenever they affect any matter within the
jurisdiction of the United States. Whenever the tendency of a
monopoly is to prevent mutual competition, and to advance prices
for any articles embraced in our tariff laws, the duty on the
article should be at once reduced or repealed.

As Members of Congress, divided by party lines and crude platforms,
must in the main, care for and protect local interests, I do not
believe any fair, impartial and business tariff can be framed by
them. It would be better for Congress, the law-making power, after
determining the amount to be raised, to sanction and adopt a careful
tariff bill, framed by an impartial commission, large enough to
represent all sections and parties, all employers and employees.
Hitherto, the tariffs framed by Congress have been rejected by the
people. Each party, in its turn, has undertaken the task with a
like result. Let us try the experiment of a tariff framed, not by
a party upon a party platform, but by the selected representatives
of the commercial, industrial, farming and laboring classes. Let
Congress place upon the statute book such a law, and the tariff
question will cease to be the foot ball of partisan legislation.

The remainder of the session was occupied chiefly in the consideration
of appropriation bills. These were carefully scrutinized; many
estimates of the departments were reduced. As usual, appropriations
were increased in the Senate, but most of the amendments were
rejected in conference.

The bill authorizing a loan for the redemption of treasury notes
was passed on the 22nd day of June. Congress adjourned at noon
June 25, 1860.

This memorable Congress, commencing with a contest which threatened
violence on the floor of the House of Representatives, was held
unorganized for sixty days by a defeated party upon a flimsy pretext,
and during all that time we had to listen to open threats of
secession and disunion made by its members. No previous Congress
had exhibited such violence of speech and action. When fully
organized it quieted down, and, with occasional exceptions, proceeded
rapidly to the discharge of its public duties. A greater number
of contested bills were passed at this Congress than usual. Most
of th