The weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1878-1881, 1881-03-01

valley members want about $6,OOO,OW for
the improvement Of the "Father OF Waters
The northern members object to this, osten-
sibly on the ground that the south is not
loyal and should not have a cent. But the
real reason is, as King, of Louisiana stated
the northern members, who were in the in
terest of the railroad companies, naturally
opposed river improvements, as the improve
ment of navigation would cut the profits OF
the railroads.
So it will be seen that if the south and
west are to be left out of the pot-pie they will
likely stand in together against the north,
which wants all of the turkey.
When the bill goes over to the senate the
same geographical fight is made. This shows
that our politicians cannot rise above their
level to that Of statesmen. They look only
to their states, or to their "deestricts."
BY POPULAR VOTE
In view of the recent trouble about the
electoral count, and the circumlocution con-
nected with the making of a President, seve-
raj proposed amendments to the constitution
have been introduced in each house. One is
to elect by congressional districts, instead of
by states. For instance: the southern states
went solid for Hancock yet in those states
eight congressional districts went republican
and greenback. With one exception, the
northern states were solid for Garfield yet,
in these states IS democratic congressman
were elected, and those democratic districts
would have elected Hancock. Each state
would We its W returning board, and the
same tronble would likely present itself as in
1876, in the Louisiana "visiting statesmen"
case. About the shortest and fairest way to
get at it would be the election of q president
of the people by a direct vote. The people
of the territories. who are citizens for taxing
purposes, should also Re citizens for voting
purposes. In a national contest every citizen
of the country should be allowed a vote.
When that is allowed the president would be
the president Of the people. Now he IS pres
ident Of the states, and elected by the states.
Another thing Gen. Weaver, who. it may
be recollected, led the forlorn hope Of the
greenbackers for president, has introduced a
proposed amendment to the constitution pro-
viding for the election of United States sena-
tors by a popular vote instead of state legis-
latures. This is a direct blow at the "perqui.
sites" Of legislative members. 1t would also
IN a measure, prevent the sale of those posi-
tions by individual purchase, or by monopo
lies and railroad corporations.
In referring to Gen. Weaver: He could
have been returned to congress, but lie pre-
ferred running for president, and is now left
out altogether, which Is another instance that
a bird in the ham is worth a much larger one
the wing. A republican was elected from
Viewers district, which gives the louise Just
one majority. Had he come back the green
hackers would have held the balance of power,
and gave the organization to either party that
up the most Offices. Such Is poll
tics.
THE SPEAKERsHIp
of the next house is now being canvassed
earnestly in view of all extra session. There
are many candidates, of course. New York
wants it This would give that state the con-
troll of both houses. But the question of the
citizenship of the vice president is raised, and
clearly it is established that NJ. Arthur was
born in Canada; consequently he is not ELI
gible to the vice presidency. If this is judi
cially proven Hancock would become vice
president, as he received the next highest
number of votes for president.
There is a great autter in the departments.
The numerous clerks, who were placed there
by their congressional friends, are afraid of
All exodus when the new administration ssgets
here" as they style it. In the treasury de-
partmeIt there ale about 700 employees, half
of whom are A majority OF the lat
ter are young and pretty. They were put
there by congressman, when accounts for the
milk IN the cocoanut. They receive flom
$45 to SIS a month, for doing little work, or
practically none. Their hours are from 8
till IL and from l till four-six hours a day
a. d vet most of them are unhappy and growl
at their hardship. Probably their burden is
greater than is imagined. Several attempts
have been made to investigate these whole.
sale appointments to sinecure positions BY
reprobate congressman. But it generally
ended where it began. One ~woman-loving
old senator, Matt Carpenter, of Wisconsin, a
few years ago had sixty-fve women appointed
to positions in>the several departments. They
are all just about like-asylums for political
pets and "lady friends" of congressman. OF
course there are exceptions. There are aged
ladies who support themselves by their small
salaries, young men who assist their aged
parents, and young ladies who contribute tc
But these are the exceptions, and not the
rula Tbs noioritv IF uOmap in tho 6on,rt