Government, and it has
withstood all criticism since its enactment. Instead of moieties and
perquisites theretofore allowed to customs officers in the chief cities
for the detection of frauds upon the revenue, specific salaries were
established; and the modes of procedure against violators of the law
were more clearly defined, and made more efficient.

The various propositions in this Congress fairly illustrate the
conflicting views on financial matters held among the people. The
business depression continued. The country looked to Congress for
relief, and yet did not agree upon any measures of relief. The party
in the majority was held responsible for the condition of industry and
trade, and the elections in the autumn of 1874 showed how wide-spread
and intense was the dissatisfaction with the existing order of things.
The very freedom and breadth of discussion which were essential to
secure unity of action were taken as ground of censure, and the failure
to provide for a return to specie payment was brought as an indictment
against the majority in Congress by those who had shown the least
faith in the National credit and the least regard for the National honor.

For the first time since the organization of the Republican party and
its accession to power in the Union, an opposition majority was
elected to the House of Representatives. The Republican leaders took
warning, and agreed that before losing control of the lower House they
would secure the passage of an Act for the resumption of specie
payment. President Grant and Secretary Bristow were earnest in
recommending a measure of that character. Personal conferences to
compare views, to consolidate Republican opinion, and to induce harmony
of action were held early in the second session of the Forty-third
Congress. Concessions were made, a middle ground was secured, and a
measure was finally perfected. The long discussion had demonstrated
the difficulties of the situation. But public necessity and party
interest combined to induce a sacrifice of financial theories in order
that practical results might be achieved.

The bill reported to the Senate by Mr. Sherman on the 21st of December
(1874) embodied the conclusions which had been reached in private
conference. The next day he gave notice that he would press it to
an immediate vote. Mr. Thurman and Mr. Schurz spoke of it as a party
measure agreed upon in caucus. The former argued at some length
agains