Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-04-25
THE PEOPLES u.ERDECT.

The tempest of indignation excited by
the salary steal bill passed by Congress
near the close of the last session has not
yet subsidized. In every State an excited
and indignant press has fearlessly denounc-
ed the nefarious scheme. Public opinion,
In the first tumult of its wrath, raised its
potent voice against this offspring Of cor
rupt legislation, until members of Con-
gress suddenly found themselves assaulted
by a clamor, the meaning of which some of
them seem yet unable 10 fully comprehend.
In view of all that has been said and writ
ten on this topic, it would be useless now
to discuss the merits of question which
has already passed into history as one of
the most disgraceful and Infamous acts ev-
er engineered through an American Con-
gress.
The people, bewildered by the fraud and
corruption brought to light by the Credit
Mobiler investigation, were looking for
and expecting legislati IN of a far different
charIcten Reform, so often promised to
the people, was demanded. The "salary
steaW was given them in response
Never was there better opportunity Of
fered to members of Congress to win an
enduring name and a lasting place in the
affections of the people, than the discussion
of this bill presented. Even policy, the
god which so many f our public servants
worship, prompted to bold, fearless and
honest action. Congressman Hawley, of
Connecticut, was wise and bold enough to
seize this opportunity. Actngin harmony
with the consistent record of his public
life, he used all his influence TO defeat the
act; and to- day the press of the land is
teeming with just and sincere tributes TO
the man for his fearlessness, patriotism
and honesty.
We deeply regret that any of our Ver-
mont delegation should have suffered this
golden momen TO pass without taking a
decided stand for the right. If our Sena-
tors and Representatives had entered their
earnest protest against the measure, they
would have won deserved ! opularity, not
only with the people of Vermont, but with
the entire nation. We do not understand
why Messrs. Smith and Poland were not
In their seats 10 vote against the scheme,
even If they had no pl otesl to utter. Need
we say that The Safe expected something
more from men of their influence and po-
sitiou.
Many Congressman seem to be now in
doubt about the policy or honesty of TAX
ing the "back pay" We regret that any of
the Vermont delegation should hesitate for
single moment over this problem. To
our know edge, only Mr.. willard has de-
clined 10 rccereit. We do not understand
that code of ethics which induces some to
take the "back pay" and devote it to pious
or charitable uses, instead Of returning ii
to the go, eminent from whom /. was rob-
bed. We see that Mr.. Morrill, has given
his back pay TO the Slate. With all defer
ence to him for bis good intentions, we
cannot but regard this disposal of the funds
as in doubtful taste, TO say nothing OF its
justic Now eau Mr.. Poland tell US what
he proposes TO do with his portion? The
people are becoming intensely interested.
They watch public men with eagle eyes,
and make faithful record of their con-
duct. Refusing to be longer deceived by
fair promises and manifold professions, the
great mass of horest voters have decided
never again TO cast their ballots for those
who disgraced the nation and consigned
themselves to infamy by voting for, or ST.
lently approving of, this shameful swindle.