The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-10-11
THE DYING FOX.

All the world agrees from ktsop DOWN, mat
fable is admirable vehicle for conveying sentiment
and truth. We will not dispute the matter at
large with Rosseau whether it be not ridiculous
to make birds and beasts talk; but our own opin-
ion is, that, as reported by Esop, La Fontaine,
and Gay, they do often talk very admirably; far
better, we think, (speaking with all possible
Difference and reference,) than modern re-
porters able, at all times, to make intellectual
bipeds. But much Of this doubtless depends on
the reporter.
Among Mr.. Clay's posthumous, or at least NOR
tuary resolutions, ls one on the subject of the
mileage of members of Congress. which is ex-
pressed in the following grave, and solemn and
patriotic language:
''Resolved, 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 diminishing its contingent expenses, and
especially those incurred for stationary for print
ing, for the employment of clerks for committees,
and for folding printed matter to be transmitted
through the mails, " &c, &C.
In reading this resolution, we were reminded of
certain account for miiedge, rendered by MEM
Der 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. If we
remember the substance of the fable is as follows:
A fox in ife's extreme decay,
Weak, sick, and faint, expiring lay;
All appetite had left his nav,
And age disarmed his mumbIing 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:
"Ah! son, from evil ways depart,
My crimes lie haUy on my heart.
See, see, the murdered geese appe ar!
Why those bleeding turkeys here,
Why all around this cackling train,
Who haunt my ears for chicken slain!
oh gluttons!' says the dropping sire,
"Restrain inordnate desire;
So live in credit and esteem,
And the good name you lost redeem"
'The counses good,' fox replies,
'Could we perform what you advise;
But if hen rcost 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
A chicken, TOO, might do me good"
So much for the fable. And now we present
account, from official documents, of the mileage
allowed to John Scott, member of Congress from
Missouri. Our readers will note the date. Mr..
Scott, as is well known, in February, 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.
Let it be remembered chat all payments are made
on the Speakers acarant:
I'd Sess. 18th Con.
P. P. BARBOUR, Speaker, 1923.
John Scott, of Missouri
Mileage from St Geneveve,
100 miles at so cents, $3.50
90 days attendance 736-$I6I6
lst Sess. 18th Con. q
H. CLAY, Speaker, 1924
John Scott, OF Missouri,
Mileage from st. Genevieve,
100 miles at so cents, S $50
l79 days in attendance l4s2-$2Sl2
Add 500 miles at 80 cents 400
500 miles short twice in trav-
cling in coming here by water,
1000 miles at 40 C. 400
500 miles short seven times in
returning by water-3G00 1400
S45l2
1t will be seen by this that Mr. Scott was not
only then for the first time allowed for travel by
the rirer route, but that Mr. Clay kindly corrected
the errors of his predecessors and advanced the