The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-03-20
CONGRESSIONAL JUNKETING.

One Of the growing evils of the present day,
and it is fortunately exciting an increasing de-
gree Of adverse public criticism, ia the amount
of junketing that is now being done by COM
mittees of the House and Senate at the ex-
pense of the people. This junketing is thought
to be justified by those taking part in it, on
grounds that, in most instances. are too
fimsy to stand the slightest examination,
being generally known to be mere cover for
individual amusement without individual
cost. The Government foots the bills with
out receiving any compensation Of substan-
tial character for the expense to which 1t IS
put by the strong disposition Of the national
representatives TO pay visits 10 different parts
of the country, oStensbly for some public
object but in reality for the pleasure attend
ing change Of scene.
Whenthe body Of the late Senator Hearst
was transferred to California in a special train
furnished by the Government, il was accom-
panied by the largest committee that has ever
attended the remains Of dead representative,
not because the deceased Senator was held in
peculiar honor and veneration while alive, but
because trip TO California at the expense Of
the people was in prospect. II was
reported that there was a lively scramble TO
be appointed on this committee on account
Of the unusual opportunities for pleasure
which it afforded. and if all these accounts be
true. these opportunities were fully utilized.
All the lions of San Francisco were carefully
inspected and trips down the bay on govern
tolro In
to give as much variety 10 the journey across
the plains as possible, the return was made by
the Southern Pacific, the journey to San Fran
cisco having been by the Central.
1t is stated that no recent Congress has adj
journed withouta ppointinga committee TO visit
our Alaskan possessions, a visit 70 those north
ern latitudes, always novel and interesting, be-
ing especially enjoyable in the late spring and
summer, when the air becomes very grateful
10 the brows Of Congressman, being made all
the more SO 10y the consciousness that il IL
being enjoyed without expense TO the lucky
individuals who are so happy as to be on the
committee. So far no light has been thrown
on the condition OF the Alaskan people and
the outlook for the country, by the reports
which have been drawn up by the Congress
sional committees when their long jaunt has
been concluded.
1t is asserted on very good authority that
the committee which, for several years back.
has been appointed annually 10 investigate
our relations with Canada have invariably
wound up their so-called investigations with a
journey to Alaska for the pretended purpose
Of inspecting the seal fisheries, but in reality
to enjoy n summer trip to that region without
mourning any personal expense.
For number of years a special committee
has been appointed TO visit the Indian reseryn-
tions Of the Northwest or this committee
Mr.. Dawes, Of Massachusetts. has acted as
chairman. and under his guidance It's men,
bers have succeeded in having a very delight
full time, camping out at interesting points in
the far Western States, being attended by
their wives and many friends, who have added
by their society 10 the satisfaction of the
committee after the tedious work Of riding
about the country each day and examining the
wonders of such spots AS the Yellowstone Park,
was over
1t is not surprising that there should be so
much eagerness among the members of Con
gress to receive appointments on these junket-
ing committees, for they not only insure the
most varied summer vacations without any
cost to the individual committeeman, but they
furnish opportunities Of travelling about the
country with all the prestige that surrounds
the persons of men in high official position,
which signifies the most distinguished treat
ment wherever they go.