The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1886-07-25

the House will not provide squarely for their pay,
II should at least do so by way Of extra compensa.
Ton, as has been the uniform practice Tor nearly
half century perhaps longer.
word a. to one Of the men who stampeded the
House on this question. Judge Reagan may
have been said TO have been a citizen. born
in.of,ce. Atthe age Of twenty-ore he was Surveyor
OF Public Lands In the Republic of Texas then
member OF the Legislature Of Texas, then Judge
until he resigned to come to the Tnlriy-nfth Con-
rress, seeded thercfrom to enter the Confederate
Congress, then made Postmaster General, and for
little while also acting Secretary OF the Treasury Of
the Confederate States lie was one OF the last, II
not the last man to let go OF the Confederate tee
As soon as Texas got safely rcsested In that Union
which had paid 30 much In treasure and In blood for
Its acquisition, Judge Reagan came back 10 Con-
gress, and has remained there ever since so mitch
Tor the Judges record "A consistent and contina-
ots oflce-holdet-in the Republic of Texas FROM the
time OF his birth as citizen, then In the state of
Texas, then ID the United States House o. REPRE-
sehtatiees, In the "rrdvslonalr government and
finally In the "Pcrmahent" government OF the Con-
fedefacy, and again In the United States House Of
Representatives. lie HAS been connected as sal
ary-drawer with more governments temporary, pro.
Slsional PERMANENT, revolutionary, "and otherwise,'
than almost any man In the country.
During this entire period he has never been
known to decline pcrqulsite. During this time
he has drawn enough mileage, actual or constructive,
TO almost pay the "usual extra compensation to
House employes.' While drawing this mileage he
has, 1t Is said, Travelled as deadhead on free rail.
road and steamboat passes. During portion Of
this period he has drawn for each session, extra or
regular si2s for stationery. And the printed rec.
ords Of the Clerks Of the House Of Representatives
show that he has annually spent but about an aver
Inn M fpr 4.
cash, and that the SIS actually charged against
him for stationery has been really spent BY the
Judge on fancy articles, knick.knacks, Jim
cracks, and brlc-a.brac, and that a large part OF
his stationery account Is for articles used by his
family. The Judge has not always attended Con-
gress regularly Whether for sickness or other
causes, he has been absent great deal from the
House. But he has never refused TO draw pay for
time when he was absent, but pocketed it-and
rghtfully, too, for an ordinary man. but not for
Reformer.
could give you some other biographies Of the
"Reformers OF the House." but your space will not
permit.
As to the indiana delegation, or tho Democratic
part Of II, there is only one man who does not run
when sucn picayune stalnpedes take place. That
man is the bralnest and pluckies from the state-a
fast friend OF the District Of Columbia, and not
afraid to do the employees Of the House and Senate
| justice. OF course mean Dan Voorhees, am in.
formed that he Will introduce an amendment to the
| Deficiency bill providing for the "usual extra COM
pensation" for the legislative employees, and that he
has been armed with facts and figures to place the
subject in It's true light
Mrs. Fassett's painting of the Electoral commis.
sion has fallen, and great was the fall thereof. I'm
luckily, however. no damage was done the painting,
| W in I'M nd frou sIo
stroyed. The fall of the frame is said to have been
heard In Fremont, ohio. The picture was hanging
In the retired quarters Of the Library Committee Of
the Senate, as the committee had been unable to
decide where to locate 1t permanently. This acci-
dent may delay the selection Of permanent site for
this wretched commemoration OF the foulest fact in
American history. It ia hoped 1t will once more,
venture to suggest that 1t be hung In the retiring
rooms Of the Supreme Court, where those who par
ticipated In the business became Its benenciaries
may have chance Of seeing 1t daily in term time.
AS was inimated In THE HERALD some time
since, the Steering Committee has undertaken not
only to say what measures should be considered
but to fo-ce action to the amount Of appropriations
certain measures shall contain. This power was not
delegated BY the Democratic caucus. But the Steer.
Ing Committee, nevertheless exercised 1t, especi.
ally touching the bill for the reconstruction OF the
Navy.
"This dlctatlon Of the Steering Committee is rem
dered still more Objectionable" said Democratic
member Wednesday last, "by the process through
which its dictates are carried out. The members Of
the Steering Committee also happen to be majority
| Of the Committee on Rules. Taking advantage Of
| this, the triumvrate exercise the privilege Of re-.
porting an order OF business, and thus command
priority for such measures as they desire to pass
In point OF fact, the Committee on Rules has no
such power delegated to 1t 1t Is assuming to exer-
clse."
"Why, always thought that WAS the province Of
| the Committee on Rules" said.
"No, sir" replied the member. "Under Rule XII,
section 4s, 'Ail proposed action touching the rules
and joint rules shall be referred to the Committee on
Rules Now, 1t has the power only to act upon
matters referred to It changing the rules. 1t acts,
however, without having such matters referred to 1t.
I maintain that the question to be acted upon has
first to be referred 10 the Committee on Rules before
they can report upon 1t, AMI secondly, that II II Is
change In the order OF business. then that motion
can only be made after one days notice. Besides !
afirm that 1t Is not a change Of rule to report
resolution fixing time for the consideration Of a
particular bill out Of Its order, but suspension Of
the rules, which requires two thirds. II 1t is re-
garded merely as question of priority Of business
TO be decided by majority, then the Committee on
Rules have nothing to do with such propositions.
|