Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1883-09-05
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POST : INTELLIGENCE
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aress 70 put an end 10 the reception and
uss by Government officials Of free
passes. Il alleges, What Ii nesosioosly
true, that the practics has brought scan
dal upon its own body, upon the Jn-
dietary, and npon some Of the most re-
sponsible officers Of the executive de-
partmsnta. We have hefetofore pAsd
some attention to this subject and s1-
pressed an unequivocsl opinion thereon.
Its doubtless too much 70 hops that
Whist one or dozen papers may say
will have sufficient influence 10 correct
an evil which has grown into not only
notable but alarming proportions. IL is
also extremely unlikely that q Congress,
tvo-thirds Of whose members ride upon
passes furnished by the several railroad
and steamboat transportation com
paniss. will pass laws prohibiting soch
a custom. The practice must 6rss Be
made unpopular by public discussion
and condemnation
There 10 no man 20 stupid AZ not TO
know that when Congressman or Sen
ator-from the Pacific coast, for In
stanos--accepts free transportation 70
washinetoa and return, be accepts 90 Q
gratuity that which represents money
valuation of about 800. and that, when
In addition be draws from the Sergeant
alarms mileage for tbs distance 30
tfsvels din the aggregate very con
siderable sum-he 10 guilty Of obtaining
money under false pretenses in man
ner at once diseraceful and contsrnpt-
ible. And any honest man must con-
osJe that. In accepting such favofs, the
Representative, Senator, or Judge puts
himsel. in Al equivocal position.
Deadheadism il a growing evil smonk
public men. Railroad, telegraph, and
express companies are before Congress.
State Legislatures, Federal and State
courts, at every session and term. Their
interests are in the hands Of such OH
cials, and their business In more or Len
subject TO the actions and decisions OF
such officers. What In more natural
than that they should desire and
try 70 be. as they express il, on friend
ly terms with Legislatures and courts.
To do this they mako deadhsads OF
them. But the public service does not
require such brides 70 insure fair treat
ment of corporations. II should not b
necessary or allowable 10 curry the ia
vor Of its ofacen by such Rratuitiss.
1, IL not often that We can agree
with the Sss ia its judgment OF
public men or measures. but with the
following extract from late issue Of
that Journal we are heartily in accord !:
Many Of the great corporations are
very generous TO Government ofbsers
whenever real or supposed influence ID
b be gained for the protection Of
special interests. They employ vigi-
LIANT agents at the National and the
State capitals, not only TO oversee leg
isiation. but 10 conquer the pfejudioes
OF Legislators. Members Of Congress
and Of the State Legislatures are some
times retained ~ attorneys for these
corporations, and draw regular annual
salaries. The railroad companies give
free passes TO members and on,csEs OF
Congress, 10 judges Of the Supreme and
Of the inferior Courts, 70 members OF
the Cabinet, and to all officials who
may be useful 10 them. The telegraph
companies send books containing dead
head stamps 10 the same parties. The
principal express companies give free
privileges 10 the same parties. The
members Of Congress and the Judges
and the othsr Government officers Who
accept these favors are, Of course, e.
pected 10 reciprocats them II possible.
Tbs practice has become 20 common a.
TO diminish the gravity Of the crime in
the view Of some Of the benenciarios.
Yet II II nothing less than indirect brib-
cry. II ia the duty OF Congress 10 pat
an end TO these practices"