Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-12-29
The Dcbatc-Sonc Remark u BILE Amend
mcnts-Scnutor Browns Objections.

tBy Telegraph to The Free Press and Timesl
WAsuNG1oN, d. C., Dec. 21.--When the
Senate met to-day forly-threc Senator's five
more than quorum, were in their seats The
civil service bill was taken up. Mr. Beck,
speaking on the pending amendment, crit-
czcd the attitude of the Republicans on his
political assessment resolution He declared
that the Republicans were suspconsy zeal
Gus for reform and that Senator IIawley was
chairman Of the Republican caucus which
decided that the bill should be taken out of
Senator Pcndleton's hands.
Senator lIawley said that this was not cor.
rect.
Senator Bccls-It was 50 reported in the
newspapers.
MIR. llawlcy-l am higher authority than
that report, aud | say there is not shadow
of truth in it.
The debate took wide range AS 10 the
right of Congress to prohibit government en-
ployos from contributing money for political
purposes. Senator Vest took the ground
that the amendment which prohibits any
Senator or Representative or officer of any
branch of the Government being concerned
directly or indirectly in soliciting or receiving
political contributions was absurd.
Senator Beck said that as far as he was
concerned he did not wish to turn the pres
ent oilicehodcrs ont. lie would be glad if
no man or woman from Kentucky ever
sought office in Washington, He would
rather see any son Of his breaking stone on
the roadside than seeking department
office.
Senator liawley said his amendment aimed
at the prevention of oppressive cXactions
from employees Of the government. 1t was
drawn carefully with that object in view.
He could not 20 beyond this and provide
that no clerk after earning and receiving his
salary should spend "A dollar thereof for any
political purpose h. might take interest in.
Senator Vest said any law which did not
absolutely prohibit employees of the govern
ment paying money for political purposes
would be Il nullily.
senator Nost'S amendment was then re-
jccted, - TO Is,
Senator George moved to amend Senator
Hawley's amendment prohibit NJ the solicit
alton or receipt of contributions tor political
purposes in public buildings, SO as TO extend
its provisions to tic whole District of Colum-
bia. Lost, - to 10.
Senator Blair trcrcd an additional section
that no person hluiluallv using Intoxicating
o''Ni"5S' eA"ii w dIp'lutNu ~ vi ltlalucI
in any office, business Or employment to
which the provision of the act is applicable. |
Senator Brown moved to amend by insert
ing the words TO excess" agreed to.
Senator Blair supported his amendment,
saying That everybody knew that indulgence |
in intoxicating drink was Il great evil among |
persons in public Office us well as among |
others.
Senator Edmunds said the amendment as
It stood contained a legal implication that |
other vices were to be excluded from cOnsi- |
Iteration by the civil service commission. To
cure this defect he would insert "or is guilty
If any other immoral habit Laughter
Agreed to, 81 to IL.
Senator llawley moved to reconsider the
'ote; lost, 24 10 IA. Senator Blair's amend
ncnt as amended was then adopted.
Senator Plumb offered an additional sec
ion, which was adopted, providing that
where two or more members of family are
n the public service in the grades covered by
he act, no other members of such family can
Nc eligible TO appointment in such grades.
Senator Brown otferts the following As
nearly all public post ions are now filled by
ms, it is further enacted that when
he board of examiners ascertain by public
Examination, which shall be free to all APP
'licants, that two, or If there be more than
wo, are OF equal 4nnl'lcallon ana merit, then
rom those OF tue highest grade oil qnalIilca-
ION tney shall select from among those best
ualllltd one whose political allIlat'ons are
Win the polllcal party having me lowest
lumber IN position until there shall at least
e an approximation TO an equal
mare IN inc patronage oil me government
mong those who bear equally its burdens !
nd after such approNima'lon to equality is Z
cached it shall be Illegal for the board in fu-
lre to inquire into or consider the political
OF any apphGan Tor position
enator Brown advocated the amendment as
measure OF justice auu necessary IN order !