The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1891-03-12
WASHINGTON LETTER

The Lobbyists Occupation Gone
Indian Treaties in Minne-
sofa Complied With-The
Work Of Davis and
Comstock Endorsed.
Union Special Correspondence.
WASHINGTON, Mar. 7, 1891.
Some people may regret that
congress has adjourned. In fact
it is more than likely that the large
number of men who 60 out to the
world as private citizens regret ex-
ceedingly that their official lives
have been cut short, but the great
majority of people are very glad
that congress is no more. Here in
Washington the saddest of all per-
sons are the sharks, lobbyists and
jobbers that haunt the halls of the
capitol and are ever on the alert
to corrupt the legislator. It is to
be regretted that this congress has
been one of the most successful for
the lobbyists, claim agents and
sharks in the history of later con-
gress Of the American people. In
some instances it has been a veri-
table fattening of these harpies.
1t is perhaps unfortunate that
honest people cannot get their just
dues through congressional action
until the claim sharks have been
taken care of. This congress has
paid a great many just claims. It
has settled many of the govern
ment's outstanding obligations, but
in nearly every case the claim
agent stood by ready to gobb]e up
his 10, 20, IS and often 50 per cent.
of the amount, having secured a
contract for this where the claim
had failed in past congresses.
Something ought to be done to rid
congress of these harpies, but yet
the poor people who are their
dupes are the ones who should be
rid of them.
The many Indian claims and
treaties that were settled by this
congress will always mark it for
the good it has done. The red skin
is no good at best but the govern
ment cannot afford to make treaties
with him and fail to fulfill them.
This congress has made the word
of the government good and by
doing what was promised has pro-
badly prevented any more Indian
wars. There is practically a COM
plete settlement of the Indian ques-
ton in Minnesota, thanks to the
legislation which Congressman
Comstock was able to secure.
There were settlements of other
questions of a like nature which
will prove of great benefit to the
entire western country.
So while it is no doubt a fact
that the great bulk of legislation
has been for the benefit of the east.
yet the westerners have got some
thing out of it, and especially the
great State of Minnesota. No
other congress ever done SO much
for the State as the body just ad-
journed. If it has made mistakes
and it has-they are mistakes of
mankind there yet remains the
fact that Legislation of great bene-
fit has been passed. The future
must determine whether the policy
of congress has been wise or not.
The work of the Minnesota dele
CATION has been highly commended
heretofore, but it cannot be said
too often that no state in the Union
had a delegation that worked with
more complete harmony to secure
for all sections the greatest posi-
bic good. The representatives in
the house have left little for their
successors to do. The people who
rejected these men and sent new
men in their places, however capa-
BILE and honorable they may be.
have been most ungracious and dis
played a great deal Of ingratitude.
Not only that but it was Door
Judgment to supplant such men.
1t is not encouraging to congress-
men to work hard and do their
best, to overthrow them for a fad
However, the senate remains the
same, because they cannot elect at
this session of the legislature. And
right here let it be said: The peo-
pie of Minnesota have time to think
and they will act for their best in
terests when they deliberate. IF
they are not vigilant legislature
will be elected which will not re-
turn Senator Davis to the position
he has SO honorably filled. Let
the people see to it and see that