The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1869-12-09
YRUMBULL's BILL-wHAr DOES III
MEAN

onr d;.nstobes have given the outline OF
q bill introduced into the I. 5. Senate im'
posing penalties on Congressman and sena.
tor. if any such person shall recommend
anv other person for appointment to feder-
Al office, unless such recommendation shall
be in the form Of a privileged communication
in answer to an inquiry from tho Executive
or some head of department. Mr.. Irum.
ball, the author OF this bill, declared at the
last session, we believe, his intention to
introduce and urge such q measure, but
most people thought he made this threat
while vexed out of patience by the 'mPer'
Thence and importantly of some inVeleFate,
inevitable Office. seeker, who had just button
holed him for an Office, and placed him in
the dilemma of thinking he could and ought
TO. for some reasons, and yet for others ought
not The bill having been introduced, 1t Is
q serious question to ask what does ne
mean2 Does he expect such a bill to be-
come law? Or does he take this method
of declaring to the hungry pack OF othce
seeking wolves in his party, that he wonlo
As soon endure the penalties prescribed III
the bill as to recommend any OF them Tor
office? Does he wish to say to oil Repuoh' |
can Office seekers that he is out Of the. trade
and has no longer senatorial influence to
exchange for political fsvors or support
Have his age and experience demonstrated 10
him tina, these cannot be exchanged except
through q series of artful receptions and
false pretenees, unbecomng and disgrace:ul
10 Senator or Representative in Congress
OF course these Congressional dignl.sries
are a grateful set Of people, theirs beng
that kind Of gratitude which is dehnedto be
expectation of favors TO come. When they
reach Washington it's excitement and honors
weave about them such destinations OF lie
at the capital that they all wish TO go back
and one reelection ordinarily spos them
for ANYTHING else than Congressman or
Senators. Only those who have tried II
know how many sntagonistc claims Con
gresham is compelled to audit at the risk
Of losing friends at thu polls in making re
Communications for Office. To on homes
man this must be disgusting, and TO dis
honest one-a genuine pohticien--it mus
be very embarrassing and perpleAlne'
make but one recommendation and yet r.
tain the friendship and support OF all u
applicants. The prscticed politician
many cases 40 far hoodwinks the suppllan
for his influence, as to make each one bslie'
that he really prefers him, yet for reasc
drawn from prior pledge or some sa'Isia
tory source, he is compelled rather reIuetai
" to recommend the other.
The fact that vast revenues flow to %
gressmen through the channels OF th'
influence with the Executive aud heads
departments, would preclude, it would see
oil hope of the passage through that DO
Of such measure as this. 1t has come
be regarded az the right of Congressman
name the persons to be appointed to Oil
in their respective districts, and Senate
have been accorded the right TO settle I
fate Of an nominations made to that be
for positions in their particular states.
is BY the exertion of their influence with
President in securing nominations and
the giving Of their consent to conhrmat
that Representatives and Senators,lna "a
measure, reimburse themselves tor the
mense outlays of money frequently made
= Il
securing their positions. If tins source
income should be cut Off, it would necc
tate the spending OF less money in eIectlt
or additional levies on lobbyists seeking
reach the judgement Of Congress-
through their pockets These are pro-
as large now as the public service or priv
interests can stand. Although these fl
do not augur the success of Mr.. Trumb'
bill, we shall not be surprised il that sor
homage TO the right which vice is said
pay virtue, shall induce majority of
gresham to vote for it, hoping to make
for their losses by the increased taciI1
th. cloak Of virtue will afford them
securing contributions from the lobby.