Weekly Trinity journal., 1877-07-14
SENATORIAL BRIBERY.

It begins TO look as if they will faster
the charge Of bribery on Senator Grover,
not quite as plainly perhaps as was the
case when Pomeroy, Of Kansas, pungled
out seven thousand dollars to Yorke, but
still SO plainly that every unprejudiced
man must admit that although the charge
may not be legally proven. yet the evil
dence carries conviction. One impecu-
nious cuss got $3.50. He was II friend
to Nesmith for the position, and told
Nesmith of his poverty. This gentleman
is not comeatable, however, having been
seized with sudden desire to go fishing
hundred miles from his residence short
time before The investigating committee
arrived in Oregon. And this Reform
Goveanor, Grover, is the one who, in the
interest Of Reform, endeavored to swim
die the people of Oregon out oftheir vote.
Ror for Reform.
1t has got to be pretty regular thing
now, to charge bribery and corruption
whenever United States Senator is
elected. In our State the use of money
to secure the high honor Of seat in the
Senate of the United States was first at
tempted in the Legislature of 1863, when
T. W. Park conceived the idea of substi-
tuting money for brains. 1t was not sue
cessful, however, and the Legislature
threw the moneyed candidates all over
board and sent John Conness. The
charge OF bribery was not entered against
Cornelius Cole, the next successful can
didate. But in 1867 political revolution
swep: over the State which gave it to the
Democracy. Then hungry lot started
in for the Senatorship, and we think there
is no question but few of the great un-
washed whom the chapter Of accidents
had sent to the Legislature went home
with heavier packets than they would,
had no Senatorial election been pending.
One honorable gentleman was reported
to have received 81, 500 which, on his re-
turn to his constituents he lid out in
hogs, and went into the woods with them.
We pitied the hogs. Whether the charge
of bribery SO freely talked of after the
election Of Casserly in 1867 was true, or
not, will not now be known. 1t is GER
tam that the Democrats stihed all at
tempts at investigation and steadily
voted them down.
Nevada's elections are invariably fol
lowed by a cry that corrupt means have
been freely employed, and in view Of
the fact that the Silver State has
knack Of sending milIionares, there is Il
certain air of probability to the char ges.
However, John p. Jones says that Mil
lions may be used, yet no man corrupt
cd But it is only since the great Re
form movement has taken shape that
our Web feet neighbors are accused of
being so susceptible to the soductions of
little ready cash. Politics is with pro-
fcssonal politicians, trade, in which all
the arts, both corrupt and legitimate are
brought to bear. We ought to be sur
prised at nothing coming from such
source.
To those who believe in purity in all
matters Of government, the charge that
the highest dignity State can bcstow is
an object Of bargain and sale, is one cal
culated 10 arouse unpleasant thoughts. 1t
is not alone that the dignity of the Sena-
tolial Office is lowered, but it lowers that
Of II Legislator also. Already that posi-
ton is one which man of ability worthy
the place cannot accept without a pecun.
ary sacrifice, hence it is that the Califor-
mia Legislatures are generally composed
OF material Of that character that half
dozen men in each house, who are more
talented than their fellows run it to suit
their own notions. 1t is degrading to
man Of sterling worth to be member Of
body, portion of which is believed to
be for sale to the highest bidder. While
men of character will stand aloof from
Legislative service, the position will be
eagerly sought by political favorites who
care for the honor orly because Of the
opportunities it will give. So we hope
this Senatorial investigation, IN Oregon,
will sift out the truth, and if Grover OBJ
lained his seat by corrupt means let him
be ousted. And wherever similar
charge is made, the Senate of the United
States owes it to itself and to the country
to at once ascertain its truth or falsehood.
The adoption ofsuch course would, frg-
idly adhered to in every instance, soon
bring us Lack to the days OF Clay and
Webster when to be u Senator ofthe Uni
ted States was an honor indeed.