Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-03-27

Salaries Of Oongressme en-.

The following sketch of the debate
in the Senate on the increase of sala-
Iies gives pretty clear view OF The
question, and one that will be under
stood by the country.
From the Congressional Globe.
Mr.. CARPENTER. The Senators from
Vermont may truthfully represent the
views of their constituents. The Sem
ator from Pennsylvania Mr.. SoorT
may truthfully represent his constitu-
ents. 4 have no right TO say they do
not. But speak for a people living
on the beach of the great lakes, on the
wide prairies Of the West; q people
whose cheeks are famed by breezes
which have come q thousand miles; q
people living on the banks Of river
which traverses a continent; people
whose views are enlarged to correspond
With the face Of nature, with which
they are familiar. They are able, and
expect to pay for whatever they have.
They expect to be served faithfully,
and are willing to pay a compensation
for the service rendered. They expect,
desire TO be represented IS well as the
other States are Represented. They
intend that their Senators shall have
As much influence in the national coun-
ell as the Senators of any State have /;
and they are willing to pay the neces-
sary expense to secure this end.
What would be the practical effect
Of such social distinctions upon the
Senate as must result from paying low
salaries! The old writer's upon gov
ernment say that there is but one way
to have 3 republican government, and
that Is to fix the salaries of public SER
wants 80 that they will amount to CON-
pensation for the services rendered.
Nobody claims that the present salary
amounte 20 compensation. The bon
orabie Senator from Pennsylvania SAYS
that no man co.. cac..,es to this Senate with
the expectation that he is to be COM
pensated. Why not? Why should
We not be compensated3 Are We the
only portion Of these forty millions OF
people Who ere to be slaves; who are
expected TO toll for an inadequate CON-
pensation?
Mr.. Soorr. Will the Senator permit
me . question!
Mr.. CARPENTER. Certainly.
Mr.. Soorr. Ineed not ask the Sen.
akor from Wisconsin whether he was
not aware Of the law of 1866 when he
agreed to come here?
Mr.. CARPENTER. Certainly; and
was aware Of the power to increast
the pay, laughter, and l expected
the Senate bad sense enough to do it
! knew both tbings.
Nr. 'Scorr. / wish to'put a practi
cal question If the Senator did COM
here with the view Of increasing hi
pay! ~
Mr.. CxxPKxrKR. Yes. Laughter.
/ came here determined to do what
thought vas right upon ell subjects
salaries included. have advocates
m increase Of pay in every branch Q
the public service for ten years.
have not had the honor of being i
Congress so long, but / have been o
the stump in this country for ten year.
and ! may cay, speaking Of the pee
ple of the West, that l know the put
lie pulse as well as any man IN th
West. have always advocated
grade Of salaries amounting 70 con
pensation and my constituents. whe
: they elected me, knew that If l ha
! basn honest ON ahe stump, would vol
i: to increase the salary of every publ
Officer from the President down TO
constahle, ] TELL you, Ar. Ffesiden
thAs = ~ tyae reformation for o.
q service that this would reform it n
cure the abossps ~Lead Us not in
: tsuptatioa" , o. prayer. "Lsa
- mt into tonptofion" shnn
y s0esadahieA - h1senoul6 ~