Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-12-20
How People are Fiseosd By Attornsys
Pretending to have Influence with
ConsTeeA

Mr. doAf, from the committee on priv
ileges and elections, reported back adversely
the joint resolution introduced by Mr.. Blaine
for . constitutional amendment conferrins
on tie District Of Columbia representation
in the two houses, and 10 the electoral col
lege. and asked that 1t be indefinitely pact
poned.
Mr. Blair remarked that many citizens Of
the District were preparing to be heard, and
the joint resolution was therefore placed on
the calendar.
Among the bills introduced were the fol.
loving:
BY Frye-To place the American mer-
chant marine in foreign trade on an equality
with that Of other nations.
By CulIom-To provide for celebrating
the 4OOth anniversary of the discovery of
America BY an exposition Of arts. industry.
manufactures and products in 1892.
By George-To permit States to tax na-
tional bank notes and United States notes.
Chandler called up the resolution offered
BY him some days since in regard to the or,
CARNATIONS among naval officers to influence
Congressional legislation, and made . state
ment on the subject.
He desired If possible to protect naval on
GERS from being levied lpon and induced or
compelled to pay nonsg. which they could
poorly :p.rs' for the pe1p0'e of inssncins
In the Senate Chandler called up resolu-
ton in regard to the organization among the
naval officers to influence congressional leg
islati0n, and made statement on the sub.
ject. and desired 70 protect naval officers
from being levied upon, ard induced, OF
compelled to pay money (Which they could
poorly spare,) for the purpose Of influencing
legislation.
He said year or two ago Thomas J.
Cowie, past assistant paymaster in the navy
prepared bill for increase Of rank and pay
Of al officers of the navy. 1t had not been
introduced in either house but had been fit
tefing around privately in print. In connec-
ton with that bill movement was organ
ICED to secure money from naval officers That
movement had taken shape in certain print
ed circulars. One Of these circulars Chand-
ler sent to the clerks desk and had it read.
II was from Covie and stated that John H.
homas of Illinois had been engaged to take
charge and advocate the passage Of the bill
for the reorganization and equalization of
pay Of the personnel of the navy. and ex.
pressed the hope that all officers would res
pond promptly to Thomas communication.
In connection with this circular. one from
Thomas vas sent to the clerks desk. which
calls upon officers to send Thomas . retain
ing fee Of %. and signing contract to pay
. contingent fee of 10 per cent on al increase
Of nay for one year. Chandler added that as
there we're 1900 naval officers, this attempt
to get them into the movement had taken an
extremely Offensive shape. He submitted to
the Senate that It vas extremely objectiona-
BILE and discreditable to attempt to influence
legislation.
Hale supported the resolution. 1t was. he
said. matter Of deep regret and some NOR
tiAcation to know that public legislation and
outside efforts in the direction Of accom-
plishing it are being hawked about by at-
tofneys In Washington.
A great many men are living in Washing
ton, and living pretty we'll. whose source Of
income 10 derived from their supposed in
Auence on legislation, who "Toil not, neither
DO they spin," because it was . fact that
senators and representative never had such
men before them in the committee rooms
The imposition Is not 90 much on the Senate
and Hsuse ~ on the persons interested in
the matter. II was hoped that the resolution
would be agreed to. and It was promised
that when information was received the
naval committee would give the matter =
thorough investigation.
McPhefson defended the action Of Pay
master Cowie. Butler said he was glad to
see an effort from the senator from New
Hampshire. and other senators to reform the
lobby, and only regretted that such crusade
vas not set on foot ten or twelve years ago.
The spirit Of reform vas abroad in the land !;
political reform, educational reform, temper
ance reform, now lobby reform. He sup
posed il vas better late than never, but it
appeared to him to be = tempest in . teapot.
An officer Of the navy, becsuse he chose TO
employ counsel TO represent bin before Con-
gress, vas denounced - il be had been doing
. very improper thing. A reputable attor-
ney, because he chose to make . contract
With naval ofacers, was held up to the cour-
try - violating some code Of propriety and
rectifude.
After further discussion by Butler,
Cockrell and Call, . resolution was agreed
70.
Mitchell offered an amendment to the
Pacific railroad funding bill, which vas re-
ferred to the select committee on that cub.
ject.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration
Of executive business.
After the doors we're reopened messagei
were received from the House announcing
the deaths of represe ntafives Ladd Of Ne
bfaska, Tovnshend Of Illinois and Coz Of
New York.
Resolutions. expressive Of regret, ver'
o4eFed and agreed to in the Senate, ~ I
further mark Of respect
The Senate ss 40 adjourned until to
morrow.