The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1881-12-16
A LITTLE CAUTION NECESSARY

A LITTLE CAUTION NECESSARY
As was generally supposed would be the
case, among the first bills or messages pro
posed at this session of Congress were those
providing for the payment of the expenses
incurred in the nursing and medical treat
ment of the late President Garfield during
his last sickness, and also the funeral ex-
penses attending the ceremonies at Wash
ington before the.removal of the remains to
Cleveland. 1t is understood, We believe,
that the State OF Ohio proposes to pay all
bills arising from the ceremonies and
burial in that State, and the government
is to audit and settle the remainder.
1t is eminently proper that the
United Stated Treasury should bear this
burden, as the Chief Magistrate was strick-
EN- down while at the post of duty without
fault of his own, and from the fact that he
was President The Government is rich
enough, and ought, of course, to be mag
unanimous enough to pay these expenses,
md will in fact do so, but Congress ought
to approach the bill for this purpose with a
little caution. 1t is the fault of our people
that they are to impossible, and in a
moment of admiration for the man. or pity
1t his taking off, or Indignation at the
dastardly method of his murder, they
are apt to grow sentimental and forget bus
mess. Jobbery has become so prevalent
and irreverent in legislative halls of late
years, that no matter what the measure
may be, too close scrutiny cannot be given
1T. by the conscientious legislator. 1t is
right to see that the Presidents family are
relieved of the burden and the subscription
from outside sources be left to them intact
for the honor and dignity of the nation, but
it would be crying shame to pass bill
filled with items and cxorbitant charges
calculated to make some oily and two
accd rascal rich. There are numbers of
such, many of whom have claims in the
premises and with the cunning that always
distinguishes villainy and thorough
knowledge of the methods of legislation
and an intimate acquaintance with the
lobby, they would desire no better oppol-
tunity to put up job on the Government
and make neat speculation than this bill
lictated by the generosity of the nation and
likely to pass through the ordinary stages
Of legislation without question or debate
Indeed, we noticed a few days ago that one
Of our most popular and influential ex-
changes advises the passage of this
measure without debate or curtaiIment
If charges. This is, in our opinion, the
most dangerous and foolish thing
that could be done. No bill of whatever
character, ought to become q law in any
such way, or before it has received the at
tentive investigation and consideration of
the different departments OF the law
making power. 1t is not wise to permit
sentiment at any time to interfere with
business, and particularly pubnc business
If man desires to be reckless or careless
with his private funds, while we may qucs-
ton his sense We cannot deny his right, but
Win thoSe VINO are merely cuStOdlanS or
repositories of trust the case
is different. Therefore, we sincerely
wish TO see Congress pay the
last cent of the reasonable, equitable
and Legitimate charges arising from the
sickness and death of General Garfield, but
nothing more. The matter has ceased to he
one of feeling, now, and has become purely
a matter of business and ought to be treated
AS such. II is simply debt in honor due
and ought to be regarded and handled with
the same caution and scrutiny that all other
governmental debts receive a greater dis
grace than not to pay these claims, would
ne 10 permit iobbcry or rascality to fastcn
itself upon a measure sacredly springing
from the best impulses of humanity.