Circumstances, however, alter cases.  How different the feeling—­how thin the disguise would have been—­had our Capitol fallen, at Harrisburg!  Before another Session we trust the proper spirit will move some underpinning there, for the greater good of the Commonwealth.  It was formerly said that “Law is law;” but not even a Philadelphia lawyer now knows what law is or what law is not—­for “any thing” is law here abouts.  Of one result we may boast, if that be not sinful, we are ahead of thy wicked city..  Thee had thy delinquent Tax Collector, but thee has him not.  We sorrowed, for we had him not, but now we rejoice in one whose name is—­not BAILEY—­but HILL.  We did not want him, but got him involuntarily, as thee might get the small-pox.

Doubtless he will make it more up-Hill work than ever with our taxes, but, if he would only shoulder them and be off, what a blessing?  For, verily, it cannot be said, as of old, that a man “heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.”

But, perhaps, thee pays taxes also?  If so, thee can affirm to the gatherer, as well as thy friend,

PHINEAS BRODBRIMME.

Philadelphia, 5th month, 9th day, 1870.

* * * * *

OLD IRON.

Somebody talks of the Iron Men of Congress.  Does he mean the Cast-iron members or the Pig-iron members?  For instance there are the rusty Heavy-weights, and then there are the fellows who are greedy about Tariff.  Members of the scrap-iron and ten-penny nail order are, of course, not alluded to.  All these are iron men, but, as every body knows, are not men of Iron.  In view of its rusty legislation and legislators, we recommend Congress to hang out a sign—­“Highest prices paid here for old iron.”

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Bar That!

The Toronto Globe is at present treating the Premier of the Dominion to a course of lectures, advising him not to get drunk so often as he does.  Now this is too much to expect, since the gentleman referred to has, by virtue of his official position, the run of the Bar.

* * * * *

CONDENSED CONGRESS.

SENATE.

MR. MORRILL expressed his views upon what he is pleased, for MORRILL is mirthful in his heavy way, to designate the reduction of taxes.  He said that we had been for some time in a state of peace, and our expenses were not so large as they had been.  Therefore he thought we might leave direct taxation alone.  To be sure he was not prepared to suggest any specific reductions in direct taxation.  But, doubtless, they would be made some day or other.  In the meantime let us pile on the tariff.  This was his notion of reducing taxation.  Let the importers and the consumers who don’t like it—­

    Learn how sublime a thing it is
    To suffer and be strong.