Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-12-19

No HOIluSiy recess, says the House, but the Sen
ate has not yet spoken. and the members of the
HJuSt who are anxious to eat Christmas turkey
at nome are looking hopefully towards the north
EN- o! the Capitol. There Is more than suspicion
that some OF the members who voted against a
recess are secretly sharing in the hope that the
Senate VIII open the way for Il few days vacation
lnteed, among the members OF the House them
selves. there is pretty general belief that some
plan VIII be devised to deliver them from a
Christmas week OF labor. 1t is generally admitted
that no threat OF 81 fine will keep In their seats
members enough 10 DO business during the holi-
day week. As Il usual on such occasions so many
Will DEFY the resolution that, acting together, they
Will be strong en0ash To set il aside A point has
already been raised against the Robson resolu-
ton, imposing q fine OF fifty dollars upOn ab-
sente's. which may deprive it OF all force. 1t is
that simple resolution, imposing specific 1ne
Il invalid, unless adopted as amendment to the
ruies In short, that only through the rules can
fine be imposed. 1t was in Difference to public
opinion that the House voted to deny itself the
Usual recess This Congress has the greatest
degree OF respect ior public sentiment and stands
s. much In dread OF offending it that the mere
whisper that thing is demanded by the people is
Sufficient to carry 1t through.
The decision OF the United States Supreme COURT
rendered ye Sterday In the Curtis case is or special
Interest a present, In view of the pending civil
service legislation In Congress. The opinion rem
dcred oy the Chief Justice, is plain and practical
analysis OF the whole subject The evils that a
system OF political assessments may produce and
the right and power of Congress to legislate to
proven them are clearly set FORTH The court not
only hold such legislation to be constitutional but
they so farther and comment IL. Justice Bradley,
IN his dissenting opinion, takes the one ground
upon which all opposition to this class OF iegisla-
ton has been based That is that deprives pub
lilo off ri 10 fF,ntI
enjoy In the matter OF making or receiving contri-
buttons Tor political purposes, and is, therefore
unconstitutional The opinion OF the court af1irms
the CONSTITUTIONAL power OF Congress to enact
legislation to promote efficiency and maintain dis
cpline In the public service, and also shows that
such legislation does not deprive the Official of his
right TO contribute money for campaign uses. He
can give As much a. he pleass to those not In the
public service, but tie law protects him from off,
cial tyranny II respect to assessments.
The Garfeli-Dorsey letters which find their
way into print occasionally, as Mr.. DOrSey,s
Chances seem TO grow darker. furnish rather in
tnreStES reading. but they fail to rise to the dig
nifty OF a yindicdt'ol in a criminal trial. There
never has been any reasonable ground for doubt
tlat the late President had high appreciation Of
the late Senator's political s.gacity and OF his
services as a campaign worker These letters
Gle Fly demonstrate that fact; but what in the
Wjrid has that fact TO do with the question as to
wlether or not the star route gang got away with
two or three million dollars OF the peoDles
money? That is the issue before the court lust
now, not what Garfield thou -ht OF Dorsey or any
Other member OF the gang. II they can prove as
they probably can, thtt they grossly deceived tie
late President. and abused his conf ience at every
turn, both before and after the presidential can
v;ss, ii IS III ,ut 20 how that can help their
Case any. Are the crime and memory OF Benedict
Arnold any less dete5tabie because 1t can be shown
that he possessed 1T time the fun conf ience
aad personal esteem OF Washington?
Nh. PACIFIC md To-