New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-12-27
ASSESSMENTS FOR ELECTIONS.

Mr. Jay Hubbel, chairman OF the Congress
sional Republican Committee, is undoubtedly
responsible for some part of the public censure
which has visited the Republican party The
thing which he endeavOred to do, let us say,
was proper enough. If any American citizen,
he he Office holder or not, wants TO contribute
TO the legitimate expenses of the party to which
he belongs, he ought to have an opportunity TO
do 80. HIS rights in that respect cannot be for
felted by accepting an office. But he ought 10
be absolutely free to contribute or not, ana TO
contribute where he thinks his money will he
most honorably aud iDtelligently used. The
Congressional Committee and is believed to
be tie especial representative OF the appointing
power since officials are supposed to be selected
uuon recommendation of Congressman. This
committee, having opportunity to do most use
full auxiliary work for party, has 50 disre-
garded it's trust that its performances have
done almost incalculable harm, and it has come
to be regarded as the pet device of the Repub-
Iican party for extoItng money from officials,
and as more truly representing the party than
tie National Committee itself. That this is a
great mistake .weli-infOl med men know. But
a popular error, when it has been generally ac-
cepted. needs TO be treated by statesmen and
The truth is that the Republican Congress
sional Committee IN ght starye to death without
uufavoraOly affecting the success or the pros
pec,s of the Republican party In the least de-
gree. Somebody else would circulate docu-
mcnts if that committee did not, and would
make much more intelligent selection be
likely to- But here Is a committee which Is
known to he odous, by reason of methods
sometimes injudcOus and sometimes grossly
improper, and which is thought 10 be essential
by Its political opponents. Some of them are
foolish enough to propose by law to abolish it.
Why should Republicans object
The Willis bill, which has now been reported
by Mr. Edmunds as chairman of the Judiciary
Committee of the Senate PROPOSES that 1T shall
be a penal Oliense fer any person In the employ
of the Government to pay to or solicit or receive
from any other person SO employed any sum
whatever for any political purpose What
objection can there be to such a bill 7 If the
person employed wishes to give, he can find
many opportunities without the intervention
of Congressional committee. If he does not
wish to give, no committee or member thereof
ought to have any power to cOerce or to brighten
him into giving ana this is declared in the
orders of the President and in the platforms of
the party. If il Is shown that there has been
money extolted by that con mittee, through
threats or fear. the committee ought 10 cease to
exist. Or if it be shown that public opinion
lays this charge at the door of the committee,
rightly or wrongly, selfrespecting committee
will want to have somebody else do the work,
and the party will want to be so represented in
It's work as to excite no needless antagonism.
What conceivable reason can there be, then,
for refusing TO vote for such a measured
The fact is that the committee is load upon
the shoulders of the party. Why should any
Republican object to the removal of this load
The committee has done some things which
nobody attempts to defend, and is accused of
great many mere There is no conceivable
reason why any true Republican should wish to
have any more money collected by such COM
mttee. The party exists, MOI to magnify any
committee, but to win the confidence and ap-
prevail of the people. If this particular mode
of getting money is thus Objectionable, what
sense is there in continuing it Money there
will be collected, and from employees and
officials also, whenever they see fit to contrib
ute any thing. That constitutional right no law
can take from them. But il is not now nor ID