The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-26

iiie2 Do the results compensate for the
loss OF time, the expenses incurred in Sc
curing ones election, and the nameless
burdens which ones constituents put
upon their Representative at Washing
ton?'
During the pas, few days ! have put
these questions to upwards OF fifty out OF
the 100 Representatives in Congress who
either failed OF a recollection or who de-
clned to accept denomination. Tho replies
differed as widely as the various sections
which the gentlemen represent.
Upon two points there was practical
unanimily One was the delightiulness of
Washington social life and the good fell
lowship that exists among the members Of
the House.
Mr.. Poindextcr Dunn, OF Arkansas,
apropos Of this, says: al never expect 10
meet again so many agreeable, cultivated
and kindly men, in the aggregate, "a /
have been brought in contact with here"
The other point is that ones experience
In the House is such MS can be obtained in
no other place, and that its broadening
and comprehensive effect cannot be over
estimated
On the other hand, however, quite a
number OF those interviewed complain
bitterly Of tho "chore work" which their
constituents impose upon them, and
which leaves them but little time IN prop.
orly study the intricacies OF national legis.
lation. By this IL meant visiting the do
partments In the interest Of people who
have claims or applications pending boz
forr the Pension, Land or Patent Offices,
or who arr dcslrous Of serving their coun-
try In some Of her navy yards posloiicos
or custom-houscs. IL tx these burdens
which move Congressman Amos Cum
mings 10 oxclaim that lit is tho life OF u
dog ON troadmill.'
Were each Representative provided
with secretary, ~ the Senators are, this
"chorc work" could be delegated 10 him
ns well as the answering Of the Repre-
sentaiiyc's letters, which would leave the
latter free 10 discharge the legitimate du-
ties Of his position. A rich Congressman
can employ secretary at his own cx.
pcnse, but one who has nothing but his
salary must pcriorce live within his In.
come and do all his work himself. Among
this class Of Representatives the opinion ID
very general that the salary ought TO be-
increased from It's present rate Of -, 600 10
$4,000 per annum.
On the whole the interviews are dc,
cilcdly interesting. because Of the glimpse
they afford the outside public Of the lights
and shadows Of a politicians life at the
National Capital.
Mr.. Amos Cummings (pcmocrat), oI
New York, will resume his editorial con
ncclions again. Congressional liic," said
he. Fought 10 be- pleasant Ia men d
means, who are able 10 have sccrctaric,
and give good dinners. 10 all others, ani
especially those from districts within 5Ol
miles oi Washington, 1t is the life Of do,
on lrradmill. Incir work "a never com
plcicly done. They are expected to con
iinually seek things beyond their reach
aud are damned by their constituents bo
cause they fall 10 secure them. But IN
time Is not wasted. Thcy learn what the
never know before, and retire with ih
conviction that the immcniiy of humal
nature Is AN unknown quantity In cos
mogouy.'
MIR. Archie Hiss. Democrat. Of Brook
lyn. said III d b. a mans pleasure an,
his means will permit place In the llous
h very desirable. The honor and dignit,
OF the place are very great, aud that, q
counc. h another consideration. On lh
other hand long service takes one Uil
tircly out of business. aud ~ n matter ,
fact all such Interests are necessarily neg
lccicd This IL true In my own case, an
furnishes my principal objection 10 con
tinuniIon OF Congressional life. | sha
return to brooklyn and look after the wa
ous private interests with which ! am COZ
noc.pd."
MIR. Mcuiman. Democrat, Of New Yorl
said: 1T doesn't pay. IL costs many
us years salary 10 get elected. II
pleasant 10 come here Il one D. rich. II
. great honor, aud that We all appreciate
think, however, that the advantages NJ
morc than offset hy our failure 90 accom-
plish insults, o. say nothing of the abua
We receive Tor not accomplishing all thl
our constituents demand.
Mr. Cochran lncmocritl, u New Norl
tnid IL rgard the associations Of n
HOUSE Of Representatives ~ the most a
lirhiiul Of any boz the world. think IL
the best representative body In this or nr
other country. it, members arr kiudl,
consilcmtc and generous, they are esp
cially so 10 a now member ! shall lea,
u with Ugpi. WCru I so situated that
could al0d Ia remain To- public lilc.
should prefer sent hcr to any ollie
State 90 Federal, that could alo Offered
me ! cannot stay here and attend 90 ~
law Dualnca, and dn Justice io mN co
riiiuruis alHn. ! Hm, Therefore OBLIGED
return to private lir. I shall tp.umc a
practice OF law In Now YORK city,"
Gen. Lloyd Bryce U,mocml, ~ y,
York. win, upon The expiration oi I
prcscut term. rJsumc biz literary Wof
which nt irst Will consist iu the cliiinf
hls uncle John T.. stUyons'a Travels
Nucltau.'
"My experience In Congrcss," mil Gc
Ifycr, "hu boon very pleasant ut
Tie knowledge which one gains wmrli
national legislation u very beneficial.
coumc b don't pay iu n pccuniafy scu'
Somv men complain because they lail
accomplish n.l Oai thny wish 60. Nv q
pcriencv b. different have been iurl
nate IN passing what legislation / drs.r
and shall leave tuuIraa we'll satisfied wi
the time spent bore
Mr.. Weber lhcpublirlul. " New Yol
said "My future movements nrp uni
cldcd. may travel ior awhile uli,r .
close " this Congress. Political hon.
are IN the main empty. An election
Congress l. too frequently accompanied
financial drabaCka ol ~ CmhafUi ssin,
mature ~ 90 practically consume all
.SSra salary. I should uy ca plna
that this " my observation aud not
cxpcfionce The pl,usautrsi put OF
Congressional career is the extensive
qunninncc ! have made with men rcp
fcnurg every section ui ihc country.
b an experience. too. that lfuatuus q