The New York herald., 1870-02-28
BRIBERY AS9 eoRauPrioy ST WASHINGTON
4 Clue to Further Discoveries.


WAsnINaTONs Fec. 81, 1870.
One of the committees Of Congress Is certainly &C.
compshing something towards nnearthmg few OF
the corrupt transactions In Aign and low Official CIR
cles aud IN the unofficial lobby. We hope the good
work will 90 ON TO the end, and not stop after
making scapeg0ats OF q lew Of the small try. Tie
law OF Congress-, approved February 70. 1863 gives
all needed authority and provides ample punish
ment l0r all Offenders, whether members or Con-
gress, CLERKS OF committees, outside Bohemians or
other lobbyists. section six IL as foOws:-
III any person or persons shall directly or indi-
recty, promise, oIcr or give, or procure 70 be
offered promised or given, any money, goods Drfbe,
present or reward, any valuable thing whatever,
to any member OF the senate or House OF Represen-
tatives of the United states, any onicer OF the
United States persons holding any place or trust
or proht, or dischargng aay Official function under
OF IN connection with any department OF the govern
ment OF the United States, or under the Senate or
House OF Representatives or the United states alter
the passage OF s act with the Intent TO influence his
vote or decision on any question, matter cause or
proceeding which may tnen be pending, or may by
law, or under the constitution OF The United states
be brought before him In his official capacity, or in
his place OF trust or profit and shall thereof con-
viced, such person or persons SO offering, promising
Oh ~ n ANU ne e s onseI Or person VINO
part thereof, shall be liable TO indictment as for
hlgh crime and msdelneanor In any court OF the
United states having jurisdiction for the trial of
crimes and misdemeanors, ana shall, upon cOnvic-
tion thereof, be 1ned not exceeding three the
amount SO offered, promised or given and imprisoned
In penltentary not exceeding three years. ana the
person so convicted OF accepting or receiving the
same shall forfeit his 0cc place; any person
so convicted nndefths section shall forever he dis
qualified 70 hold any once OF honor, trust pront
under the United Statesn
This important law mas remained u dead letter
quite too long. Is high time 1t were put into exc.
cutlOn. IL applies to the lobby j0DDer offering or
giving bribe or present. as well AZ The Official
receiving 10.
Let then, the United States District Attorney pro-
ceed at once against the BOhemiuns, who disgraec
the profession OF journalism ny using II cloak to
cover their nefari0us OpelWiOns with vena, weak
unwary officials.
Let the Investigations 70 on" The more the bet.
ter. Let US see II any officer Oi she Western Union
Telegraph Company has promised, offered given
any money, goods, bribe, present or reward or any
valuable tnlng whatever to any member or Con
gress, department oncer or Congressional commit
tees clerk.
Let Mr.. Congressman Farnsworth, Speaker Blaine,
President ORION and others likely TO know the
OF the Western Union lobby be summoned.
Let us learn II dispatches over the Western Union
lines have been delayed In the interest OF certain
members and II dead-head passes the same
lines or ANY valuable thing whateyern have been
given, promised offered" by officers OF the
Western Union Telegraph Company 10 any membet
OF Congress- clerk VI a committee or department
officer. Here is fine held for Congressional nvesu.
CATION. 1t may turn OUT that the sales OF cadet
ships are small potatoes when compared with the
operations OF the Western Union Telegraph lobby.
Again we say, let investigation 20 on.