Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1874-02-24
INTERESTING DEBATE.


Joint Resolution No. so, 'Disapproving and
coDdemning the passage of the law by Con-
gress, increasing the salaries of the members
thereof; and demanding that the members of
Congress who received the back pay either
refund the same or resign their seats"
Mr.. Butcher-I do not intend to object to
that resolution. I am rather astonished that
it should come from the source that it does
would rather amend the bill to the effect
that the President is more guilty than any
man that voted for or received the salary
grab" l submit that the President of the
United States is the biggest salary grabber of
all the rest. Don't take your poor members
of Congress, but go to the fountain head and
am with you. Belonging as 1 do to the
loco-foco party, unless you include tho Presi-
dent, cannot vote for the resolution. Do
not bear down too hard on the small fry, but
give the main grabber your attention.
Senate Joint Resolution 80 was reported
by Mr.. Summers.
Mr.. Snyder, of Monongalia-I thank God
that am not SO low down that will not re-
buke dishonesty in high as we'll ns low places
and would like to know if the Pesident is
the Congress of the United States?
Mr.. Bradford-The President signed it,
and without his signature it would never have
become law. sm glad to know that my
distinguished friend from Jefferson is willing
to favor this motiun, not in any spite of party
feeling, but as one that affects the general and
material interests of the country.
Mr.. Reynolds-I am somewhat astonished
at the want of liberality of my friend from
Jefferson. While might, after hearing this
| subject discussed, coincide with the views of
my friends, l am opposed to hnsty action in
this matter. I do not undertake to defend
General Grant. That is not my purpose at
this time. We might, with the same consists
ency hold Governor Jacob responsible for the
present legislation. We have run General
Grant often enough and don't pretend to say
that he is infalliblc.
Mr.. Brown regret that any such resolu-
tion should take any political shape whatever
Sir, have heard this same one man power
charged against the present Executive of this
| State. l am certain that whether General
| Grant would have signed or vetoed tho bill
that he would not have been free from the op-
| position of the gentleman from Jefferson
| Had he returned this bill to Congress lie would
have heen charged with improper motives and
judged accordingly. I am willing in the alb
stract to condemn the whole thing. But I
would request my friend from Mnnongalia
(AIr. Snyder to let this matter go over until
Tomorrow.
Mr Butcher object to this resolution 90
ing over until to norrrw. l cannot consent
to that as the resolution has been debated
My friend from Mason (Mr. Reynolds) said
something about the one man power. I did
not expect anything Of that kind from him
| It will BIO remembered that the Hon Mr.
Brooks, of New York, was haunted to his
grave by the phantorns Of the Credit Mobiler,
while the smiling Schuyler was revcling now
in opulence and wealth Include tho big
salary grabher with the little salary grabber
and am with you. Why say that these poor
little men merit such con,lign punishment
while you allow the main thief to escare It
ia not right The man that steals penny
violates one of the laws of the land, while the
millionaire goes free. The biggest salary
grabber of them all is President Grant If
he is master, let US say nothing; but if he is
| our servant lie; us condemn him
Mr. Eeynnlds-I am sorry that cannot
do this subject justice. We seem to havo
| departed from the good old rule that supposed
man innocent until found guilty an on
posed to this reckless way of proceeding I
am opposed to this indecent haste. Lot lis in
this matter manifest some little moderation.
Mr. Rrown-T should not have said any
thing further Int for the fact that my friend
from Mason. OR. Reynnlis,) defends the
action of Congress in taking tho increase of
pay. In old times, tho wages of Congress-
man was SO per day. aud l might name long
list of ilustrious statesmen, who served their
country fur something like s., 600 rer wear.
| They were honest. For General Grant q
course in this matter hare 10 apno!o.ies to
offer.
Mr.. Butcher-Tnclude General G rant
Mr. Brown am willing to take them all
in. ! think that we ought to have more time
! do not apologize for any that had any,
| thing to do with the passage Of that bill.
Mr.. Campbell-Whent the Legislature does
anything it should be done intellieeutly.-
The reason that suggest the amendment is
because of the fact that it is not sufficiently
explicit.
Mr.. Thompson-Mr. Speaker. understand
that our representatives in Congress are re-
quested to either pay back the money or re-
sign.
Mr.. Suyder-I would like to state to this
| House the reason that prompted me to offer
| that resolution. | have thought for n long
time that it was great thing to rub elbows
with some great body. and we have followed
the lead of the Republican party until they
have led us nearly to the devil. You are
aware that I as Iond Republican rs there
is in this House. I offered this resolution in
good faith and am sorry that my esteemed
friend from Jefferson should say that it wa:
offered for anything like buncombe I mus
say that [ condemn the President for signing
the BILL but to say that it could not become
law without the signature of the President
cannot assert.
Mr.. Butcher asked him how it would b.
to ask the President also to resign?
Mr.. Snyder said that tho times was rapidly
approaching when the honest masses propos
ed to take the reigns iu their hands and run
the country. I would say that would refer
tho gentleman from Mason (ReYnoldsl to mi