The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-05-28

THE MOnFE BILL.
'sMr. Beck offered an amendment provid
ing that no Senator, Representative, or
Delegate in Congress shall during his con-
tinuance in Office act as attorney, counsel, or
adviser Of any person charged with viola
ton of the revenue laws, or for any officer
or employee of the government, and making
it q misdemeanOr for such Senator, Member,
OF Delegate to receive, or such other person
to pay, any money 70 the same for aid,
counsel services or advice"
During the discussion Of the Moiety Bill,
Mr.. Beck Of Kentucky, offered the above
amendment, which viii meet with the aP-
probation of every honest man in the coun-
try. It is absolutely necessary that there
should bel limit placed upon the greed
and corruption Of men in place and power.
Before the war, or in the purer days of the
republic, Cor nation as now calleD when a
man offered himself as a candidate for an
Office Of honor and profit, the question was
invariably asked els he honestl is he capa-
blegn II upon the most searching examina-
ton into his history, it could be found that
he was not like C@sar's wife above suspi-
cion, he was not even permitted to
become a candidate before the peo-
pie, unless he did so without the in
dorsement Of his party. Then it was in
deed an honor for man to be amember of
Congress He was not only required tn be
honest, but capable. If he was man Of no
mental strength, or of so little that his in
fuence would not be felt, he was not put
forward as a candidate. But the times have
sadly changed, and men have changed with
them. They do not now wait to be brought
forward by their party, but rush forward of
their own motion and through the paid so
licitations of men who, often, have no
standing for honesty and ability. Stepped
in crime and corruption they impudently
seek to press themselves upon the people,
and. with the effrontefy of harlOt,
thsy seek the favor and support of the
most abandoned. The consequences is,
the good and true men, well qualified for
the position, are thrust aside and made to
contribute to the support of the vile cFea-
lures, or turn away in disgust and wash
their hands clean Of the iniquity. The po-
sition is sought to make money; and with
cheeks which are strangers to shame, they
proclaim their fitness and solicit the sup
port of honorable men. II elected, their
hrst effort isto become acquainted with the
machinery Of the government the heads of
departments and their characteristics This
is done for the purpose Of perfecting theiT
plans to make money by the influence Of
their positions. The government has al
ready been s@indled out Of thousands Of
dollars by the corruption Of Senators and
Representatives. f7 s1oda
Il is, therefore, with great pleasure thai
we publish the amendment offered by Dir.
Beck. The very announcement that SEN
ator or Representative is the attorney, coun
sci, or adviser of any person charged with
/ violation Of the revenue laws, or for any
officer or employee Of the government, Il
evidence Of his uaftness for the position
The duties which he owes to the State and
his constituents ought to make man o.
honor and integrity blush if ever approached
for such purposes. Il is well known that I
senator may, and often does, have sufficient
influence to secure the confirmation or re
lection OF some man nominated by tn
President, as was recently the case in Massa'
chusetts, when Beast Butler procured th'
confirmation Of Simmons as collector O
customs AZ Boston. After assisting in plac
inraman in a lucrative Office. heean then g
10 work and have such laws passed as vii
III his own and bis sppOlntee's private
purse. And not only BY having genera
laws passod can he establish private banks
but he can 60 on stePfurther and make q
assist in making appropriations for sucl
purpose. lis therefore matter Of imper
alive necessity that there should be yer!
stringent law passed which will easetuall.
cut OF the opportunity for such abuse o
position, and to make such mallsasance il
ofioo causo Of immediate expulsion, .
getlsr with heavy anes and penalties. IA
puIsich rom the senats of House, g iron
any Of the departments would not Be sun
Gent % deter many from the preparation
lof sach dssdi Of spolafions but when, il
addition, they are made liable % indici
menk and % - pE0ooeded agains
criminals, thty '1lll not run TIE risk
There are many Who. II they could g
lawax With flty o. one hundred thOusan'
! dollars would not care acont for the odioa
rsuussiion ulich they would gains Mone
lbeIar tasisl<od an3, "a their opinion. man
/ ebisf soates al ksppins.s without regsFd 3
/ fhe nsnn1r u which ~ ny hale obtpina'
+ i. lhey ara Villine . risk honor, integrit
) and r1pulnli0n fol is pczsoasion-
II La thss aneni ttoh Be adopted. 8
SON IS i slsli - nade kncwn that Co
rrcssnsl riazs aapa hsl tha oppoglupit
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sag 90 81 ~ bs,lnlenI all e so
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hels ha1 uea wiz -. q ,l.n sanr. and a
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win D, elsrr,,1 q rs Sc hcoor 81
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