The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-04-04

"It can't be done, Jameson. The miller is too many for him, to use the language of the day. He holds too many cards. He is a member of the general committee and the leader of his district. He controls goo votes and he has a barrel of money"
 "But, surely" continued the young man, "in the upper districts of the city this shameful state of affairs does not exist2"
 dust the same, Jameson, just the same everywhere. Som etimes the boss is not so vulgar. Sometimes he does not show his brutality so plainly. But he always manages to have things his way. Always To be elected you must submit to the party in power. You must protect his in. terests. You can shout for freedom and purity away from home, but when it comes to local affairs you must be dis creetly silent. am afraid you are too impulsive, too honest to succeed in this branch of politics"
 "Wel, possibly may be-" replied the young man with sigh, "but the federal service does not impose such restrictions on man."
 "You will find, Jameson, the older you grow, that these same restrictions exist everywhere. When distinguished foreign minister was recently suggested for the position of United States senator the merchants of New York were almost unanimous in his favor. The bankers supported him warmly. Why2 Because he was any more honest, conscientious oi able than any other candidate, do you think2 No; because he could be relied upon to advance and protect their par ticular interests against those of any other class of citizens, provided conflict ever arose between them. The nomina- ton and election of presidents depend upon the interests the candidates can protect. An appropriation bill cannot pass congress unless certain local inter- ests are taken care of A tariff bill will not be considered unless the interest of a certain class uf men are consulted, how ever unjust their claims may be, or how ever valuable the measure may be to the country at large. No, we are selfish people, and we elect our representatives te protect our interests. Our members are our attorneys. They may prate as much as they choose about freedom and all that. They are paid, hired, engaged to go to the seat of government to look after our particular interests. If these interests happen to be bad we have bad representatives if they are dangerous to other classes we have dangerous repre- sentatives. In any case we have men who can be relied upon, whatever their own impressions or convictions are, to further our interests and nothing else.n
 "Yes that may be all so," replied the young man thoughtfully, but there is one thing you have not touched on. That is the glory, the fame, the wealth which statesmen may acquire"
 "N No, that is true. An! how do you do, majo ?" continued the judge, as he addressed seedy looking individual who was hutrying along the street carrying a load of bundles under his arm. Glow are times with your"
 " Hard enough" replied the major. "I have at last secured a position. It is not remunerative, but pays my living ex- penses, and can't have my family starye."
 "Who is that man~ inquired lame son, as the man resumed his journey.
 He is distinguished statesman He has been congressm an half dog en times, has been foreign minister and has held high positions in the Washington depart ments. He is almost reduced to penury and you never hear his name mentioned aow."
 "Is he an able man?"
 "Yes, very"
 Then he must have been an inefficient officer P
 No, he wasn't inefficient"
 " Then what has led to his poverty and disgrace? What was he2"
 He was honest, Jameson, and he had consci ientious scruples."