The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-04-09

tame, and Gay, they do often talk very adml-
rably; far better, we think, Speaking with all
possible Difference and reverence than more
modern reporters are able, at all times, to make
intellectual bipeds. But much of this, doubt
less, depends on the reporter.
Among Mr.. Clay's posthumous, or at least
mortuary resolutions, is one on the subject OF
the mileage of members of Congress, which is
expressed in the following grave, and solemn
and patriotic language:
Rssolued, therefore That Congress is called upon
TO retrench its expenses-by abridging the duration
of the long sessions by regulating and more clearly
defining the mileage Of the members; and by DR.
minishing its contingent expenses, and especially
those incurred for stationery for printing for the EN-,
ployment of clerks for committees, and for folding
printed matter to be transmitted through the mails,
&c. &c. &c.
In reading this resolution, we were reminded
of certain account for mileage, rendered by
member Of the House of Representatives some
eighteen or twenty years ago, and allowed and
paid by Mr. Clay, at that time Speaker of the
House; and this recollection was accompanied
by revival, in our memory, of the fable of the
Dying Fox. II we remember, the substance Of
that fable is as follows
GA Fox, in life's extreme decay,
Weak, sick, and faint, expiring lay
All appetite had left his nav,
And aye dsarmed his mumbling jaw.
His numerous around him stand,
To learn their dying sres command;
He raised his head with whining moan,
And thus was heard the feeble tone:
sab son, from evil ways depart,
My crimes lie heapy my heart.
See, see the murdered geese appear!
Why are those bleeding turkeys here2
Why all around this cackling train,
Who haunt my ears for chickens slain2
Oh guttons says the dropping SIRE
Restrain inordnate desire;
SO live, in credit, and esteem,
Ald the good name you lost, redeem
"The counseIs good, fox replies,
Could we perform what you advise;
But, if hen roost be decreased,
We shall be thought to share the feast;
The change will never be believed;
A lost good name is ne'er retrieved
Nay, then, replies the feeble Fox
But bark hear hen, that clucks-
Go but be moderate in your food;
chicken, too, might do me good"
So much for the Fable. And now we pre-
sent an account, from official documents, of the
mileage allowed to Jno. Scott, member of Con-
gress from Missouri Our reader will note the
date. Mr.. Scott, as is well known, in Februa-
ny 1925, gave the vote Of Missouri for Mr..
Adams, and Mr.. Adams being elected, Mr..
Clay became Secretary of State. We impute
no motives, but here are the facts.
Lett be remembered that all payments are
made on the Speakers q0avramt:
3D. Sess., II Cong.
P. P. Barbour Speaker, 1928
John Scott, of Missouri,
Mileage from ST. Genevieve,
100 Miles at 80 cents, $3.50
80 days attendance 736---$l6l6
LIST. Session, 18th Con.
Fl. CLAY, Speaker. 1924.
John Scott, of Missouri.
Mileage from St. Genevieve,
100 Miles at so cents $3.50
l79 days attendance l432---$23l2
Add 500 miles at 80 cents 400
500 miles short twice in travel
ling in coming here by water,
1000 miles at 4Oc. 400
SO miles short seven times in
returning by water-3500 140O
$45l2