The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-01-27
Another Specimen Of Republican
Reform.

The principal business of the Republican
majority during this session has been to
devise ways and means for the violation of
the constitution and laws for the benefit of
their party, and for the depletion of the
state treasury for the benefit Of their pock-
cts. As sample Of their proposed legislation
we print below a bill introduced by Mr..
EVANS into the Senate, on the 18th inst.
1t will be seen that it possesses the one merit
of perfect frankness. Its infamy is stamped
on its face. 1t don't propose to rob the
treasury by stealth, but to do it openly, and
above.board, and strictly according to
law" EVANS is, undoubtedly, genuine,
reliable Black Republican. He realizes to
the full the humorously graphic, selfdescrip.
tion which LOWELL puts in the mouth of a
venal politician:
81 don't believe in principle,
But o du in interest"
Mr.. EvANs's bill, placing members of the
Legislature in position twenty-five per cent.
a year better off than all other creditors of
the state, is as follows:
Bill for an Act to regulate the compensation
of members and officers of the Senate and
House of Representatives. Introduced by
Mr.. Evans, January II, 1860.
BE 1t enact. d by the Legislature of the State of
Minnesota
SECTION L. The compensation of the mem
bers and officers of the Senate and House of
Representatives shall be as follows, viz The
Speaker, Chief Clerk and Assistant Clerk, the
Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the Sen.
ate, shall be allowed each tor their services
during each session of the Legislature ($3)
three dollars per day. All other officers and
members of the House and Senate shall be al
lowed (sl,5O) one dollar and fifty cents per
day, except the Messengers of both Houses,
who shall be allowed one dollar per day each.
Sec. 2. There shall be allowed to each of
the members of the Legislature the sum of one
dollar and fifty cents for every twenty miles
travelled by him in coming to and going from
the place of the meeting of the Legislature
distance to be computed by the nearest usual
ly travelled route.
Sec. 3. 1t shall be the duty of the chief
clerk of the House and the Secretary of the
Senate to grant certificates to the members
and officers of their respective Houses at any
time when called for, and in such sums as may
be required for the amount due to each mem.
Der or officer thereof for his mileage or per
diem, and said certificates to be signed by the
Speaker of the House and attested by the
chief clerk for all members and officers of the
House and those of the Senate by the Presi-
dent and attested by the Secretary of the
Senate.
Sec. 4. 1t shall be the duty of the State
Auditor to audit all certificates granted to
members or officers of the House and Senate,
and to keep correct list and number of war
rants issued by him on the State Treasurer, and
If not paid on presentation to the State Treas
ure,, said warrants shall d. a,o interest at the
rate of TWENTY-FIVE PER CENT.
PER ANNUM for the term Of SIX YEARS,
unless notice be given by the State Treasurer
that he is prepared to take up said warrants.
Such notice must be given in newspaper
published at the seat of government for at
least six weeks; after such notice the interest
ceases Immediately. If such notice shall not
be given for the term of six years, at that time
the interest shall be reduced to seven per cent.
per annum, until such warrants shall be taken
up or cancelled. All the above certificates or
warrants shall be received in payment of State
taxes, but never at deprecated value, by
any collector; neither shall any member of
the Senate, or of the House of Representatives
trade, buy, barter or traffic in certificates or
Treasurer's warrants at less amount than their
par valuation, while sitting member in either
branch of the Legislature.
SEC. S. This Act shall take effect from and
after its passage.