St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1889-03-19
SALARIES OF CONGRESSMAN.

become epidemic.
SALARIES OF CONGRESSMEN.
Those senators down at Washington
are excited about their pay. They want
their salary doubled; and it is singular
coincidence that the agitation OF the
new salary grab should have been
started Immediately upon the restora-
ton of the Republican party to power.
1t is a striking illustration of the rela-
lions between cause and effect.
Now that the increase of salary has
been proposed and openly discussed, it
is sure to go through. 1t is one of those
congressional revolutions that never
go backward, and before the first
session of this congress is at an end the
members will be pocketing $4,000
year as compensation for their dis
tinguished services to the nation.
1t is very different proposition, how
ever, when we come to consider whether
or not member of congress merits the
increase in salary. There was great
outburst of public indignation when
during the GRANT regime the salary OF
a congressman was increased from $4,000
to $1,000 year. and many member
who had been prominent In the national
councils was retired to private
life for the rest of his days be-
cause of his support of the salary
grab bill. The increase in salary was
justified then upon exactly the same
plea that is now offered in support of an
additional increase-that member OF
congress could not live in Washington
On his pay. 1t was true then, as it is
true now, the majority of congressman
did live beyond their income. But was
it the fault of the salary or the fault of
the congressman? There were then, as
there are now, thousands and tens OF
thousands of men out of congress, far
more capable and deserving than those
in congress, who would be very glad to
live like fighting cocks on it. The eX-
travagance of Washington society is not
only notorious, but malodOrous as well.
Why, then, should our congressman be
encouraged to make it more so? We do
not approve of parsimony ip the matter
of compromising our public servants;
neither do we believe they should be
encouraged in extravagant living. If
the social conditions at Washington are
such that a man can not live decently
on $1,000 year and be respected, it is
time to remove the national capital to
some point where such eXtravagant
ideas do not prevail.
The truth is, the majority of congress
men, and this is especially true of the
senate, do not spend their salary in liv
ing expenses. 1t is generally spent in
advance, in payment of campaign eX-
penses. We venture the assertion, in
the fullest confidence that it is suscep-
tible of proof, that of the seventy-six
members of the United States senate
there are not twenty-five who did not
spend the full amountof their six years.
salary in securing their election. Fully
one-half of the members Of the house
spend all, OF more, of one years salary
each time they run for congress. Thus
it be comes serious question with the
American people, now that they are en-
gagged in an effort to accomplish ballot
reform, whether or not they shall con-
tribute from the public treasury an addi-
tional sum of money to congressman to
be expended in debauching the ballot.
This is pretty plain language. we know,
but the facts seem to justify it. This is
no time for mincing words or beating
around the bush in discussion of a
grave pubic question like this. The
senators have started it. and we pro-
pose to take hand with them in the
discussion.
If there is any member of congress.
either in the senate or in the lower
house. no matter what state he halls
from, who thinks that he cannot afford
to live in Washington on a salary of
$1,000 year, let him resign at once,
and we will guarantee to fill his place
with better man. who will be really
grateful to get the salary.
If there is any member of congress
who wants to keep up the mimicry of
aping English aristocracy, let him do
it at his individual expense, and not be
asking the people to furnish him money
to make a fool of himself.
These are times which compel people
who live outside of Washington to re-
trench and economic. Let those who
live at the national capital adopt the
same practices.
If our Minnesota legislature is anxious
to put itself on record concerning ma
tional affairs. let it instruct our senators
and memorabilia our representatives in
congress to oppose all measures looking
to the increase of the salaries of public
officials.