New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-09-20
IN PLAIN VIOLATION OF LAW.
DEMOCRATIC CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENTS AT THE
NATIONAL CAPITAL


DEMOCRATIC CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENTS AT TIKI
NATIONAL CAPITAL.
Washington, Sept 10 (SpcciaD. james l." Hor1s
local lawyer announces In an Interview prin'ed II
"The Washington Post" to-day, that he has been au
thorlzed by Chairman Brice, OF the Democratic Ma
tonal Committee to open all Office here for the colec
ton Of campaign contributions from officials ard others
Says Mr.. Norris
al shall have my Office on FISH, near Thirteentb-st
where shall be glad to welcome and receive conr'
buttons or encouragement fom Democrats and al
citizens or onceholdcrs wishing Democratic success
and the same will DO promptly RENTED to the Ma
tlonal Committee have received number OF con-
trbutlons from Government officials. and some Others
OF very high position have given literally. IL u
clearly understood, OF course, that In all cases con-
trbutions are wholly voluntary. and that no penalty
is either threatened enforced for refusal Though
actuated by higher motives, 1t. is believed that
every man will tender aid for the continuation In
power Of an Executive who has given the country an
honest and honorable Government. free from the ex
actions OF previous Administrations
This rather impudcnt assertion OF Mr.. Norris is
swercd In a causc letter to the Editor of The Post"
written by Edward MCPHERSON, secretary Of tho Re-
publican Congressional Committee and formerly clerk
Of the House of Representatives. in which he clearly
shows that the course mapped out by the Demo-
cratic National Committee for Norris Is In direct ylo-
Iation OF law Mr.. Mcpherson says:
Washington, ID. c.. Sept. 10. 1888.
Editor POST: Mr. James L. Norris announces him.
self in your paper Of this dstc the authorized repre-
sentative In Washington OF the National Democratic Com
mlttee" As he that he should glad
ceive contributions from Democrats and
all citizens ofco-holdors Wishing Democratic
and the same shall be promptly RENTED to the National
Committee. So far this invitation applies once.
holders OF the United States IL is transaction forbidden
By the laws OF the United States
Section H. Civil Service act, January TO- 1852 forblds
any officer empoyc Of the United States from directly
or indirectly soliciting receiving contributions for any
political purpose whatever from any other officer
ployc Of the United States
Section IA OF the prohibits any person the
service OF the United directly indirectly
giving to another the service of the United
any money to be applied 10 the promotion Of any political
object whatever"
Section 10 makes violation OF either OF these pro-
visions misdcmeanor, punishable conviction by both
fine and imprisonment in the discretion OF the
What the Democratic National Committee cannot lawfully
do by itself 1t cannot do by another Upon the National
Committee members, there both and Rep
resentatives in the Congress OF United States.
gift to the committee git OF the committee,
and 1t is clearly within the prohibition Of the law and
intended Undoubtedly officials OF United States
have the right contribute Of their funds political
purposes but they lawfully do committees
composed in whole in OF in the service Of
Ic o"l'c' oeaes' 1he pam oojecS Oh inc acO was 10
break up and forever prohibit all political be-
tween classes OF United States officials.
Mr. Norris further states fl the interview that Govern
ment officials and Others OF very high position have
given literally" THIS may refer to the announced contri
buttons OF the President and certain OF his
Cabinet II these officials have made contributions
the Democratic National Committee plain that they
thereby rendered themselves liable punishment
under this and public decency requires that this
fragrant shall be considered by the officers law
in this district II this Law is fit only violated
ought be repealed. II IL is fit stand upon
book 1t ought to be faithfully enforced Very respect
fully, EDWARD MCPHERSON.