Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1841-12-24
For the Herald.
Mr.. RUSSELL,

Dir. RUSSELL,
| SIR,-It is the privilege of the most humble indi-
vidua in representative government to call in ques
ton the conduct OF representatives; and we believe it
Is the duty of the constituents, to examine the acts
CT their legislators These reflections have induced
me to trouble you with few remarks on the extrav
agance OF our present legislature. The remark that
there is great difference in the conduct of people,
before, and after they get office" true from the
highest to the lowest Office In government. Men
who, while in private life industrious, economical
and perseverance when in Office are lazy, prodisa
and effeminate.
We believe that legislator has no RICH, to spend
his time unnecessarily; neither should he be any
more prodigal ofhe public money than fit were his
own. His time belongs to the public. And because
he can by his vote reach the Public Treasury, he
has right to take FROM it dollar that is not
needed for public good. Believing the Democracy
of Iowa, demand t.at those whom they have by Their
suilrages elected to make laws for them should take
hold of the public money with much caution as
they would put their hands il, their pockets we
therefore purpose to examine some OF their dongs
and see how the rule will work:
lst. AS to their organization.
Five Clerks, two Deorkeepers, two Messengers
one sergeant-at-Arms and one Fireman,
Elers,Ain all Those officers are for the House
of Representatives alone. Now, when we consider
the House consists of but twenty-six members, we
must be at loss to know what they want of SO ma
ny aqueys. The answer is, they wanted some Of
their friends to have share OF the public money! and
as they supposed iekame out of the National Treas
ury, cared but little how it was spent. Would any
of those members when on his farm in his workshop
or Office, think of employing three men do the work
of one! No, by no means. Here then is a great
difference between the man and the Legislator.
2dly. Their ,rondgfui Eberahty towards them
selres
Resolcdd That each member have in addition,
eighteen. copies of some newspaper printed III the
Territory
This is very large number for man to order.
But it comes easv 1t is but to command, and it is
done" free of expense to the member. Many thanks
to our representative for voting against it.
Again, Resolued, "That John b. Newhall, be re-
quested to furnish each member of this House with
one copy of his map and sketches of Iowa. and the
Secretary of the Territory be authorized to pay for
the same -
That Mr. Newhall is entitled to much praise and
patronage, for his researches and industry in furnish
ing so good map of the Territory, no one will de-
ny; but that the members the legislature have any
right to one copy without paying fovit out ofther
own funds many will question. \
Look for one moment, what such conduct is bring
ing us to. Congress appropriates a sufficient
for the expense of our Legislature They by such
unnecessary expenses have already run the Territory
deeply in debt. This debt mus. be paid. 1t should
be done Immediately. The people must ultimately
be taxed to pay it, unless Congress is disposed to
make an appropriation for this purpose. 1t becomes
every individual to look to these things. Remember
those who vote for as well as those who vote against
extravaganza in any shape. ECONOMY.