The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1893-04-05
THE SCOPE OF SENATORIAL IN
YE,SIYGA TION.

THE SCOPE OF SENA TORIAL IN
VES1YGA TON.
The resolutions introduced by Sena
tor Huar to investigate the charges
against Senator Roach of North Da'
kota, of embezzlement in Washington
fifteen years ago, have stirred up a
spirit of investigation that shows
that the Democrats of the senate are
willing to condone Mr.. Roach's Of
Tense as his splendid record in his
new home in the Northwest attests
the fact that the escapade at Wash
ington has served as fearful warn
ing to him and changed the whole
current Of his life, which now runs
clear and pure. Not only this, but
the Democrats manifest a resentment
by declaring that if he is investigated
there are others who shall also be
thoroughly Investigated on the other
side OF the chamber.
1t will bo remembered that Senator
Quay of Pennsylvania does not enjoy
a very fragrant reputation. His pc.
litical tricks are well known to have
merged into palpably corrupt prac-
tees, and if a committee is appointed
to investigate Mr.. Roach it will
also be required to inquire into
the Illicit relations of Mr.. Quay
with the treasury of the state of Penn
sylvania at one time, fresh in the
memory of man. The investigation
will also be extended into the inquiry
of Bill Chandeliers lobby practices and
to ascertain whether his profession as
q lobbyist was continued when he be-
came senator from New Hamp-
shire. Senator Turpie of Indiana did
not mince words in his open charges
in the senate against Mr.. Power OF
Montana, when he opposed seating
him as q senator from that state He
spoke of him as ''unscrupulous, dis
honest, unprinciple impure, defiled,
social and political leper, loaths )me
and with the stencil aid odor of a
plague, worse than that of the man
who washed seven times in Jordan to
be cleansed."
Senator German, who is clear
headed and with the best memory OF
the shortcomings of political oppo-
nent of any gentleman in the senate,
sig dificantly asked that the resolution
lay over for awhile, as it was likely
that other names would DE added
to it in the near future. 1t
is not because Senator Roach is
a Democrat thas The STATESMAN
thinks his offense of long ago ought
to be condoned but because it wants to
give every man a fair chance to cor
rect the practices of his life and by an
honest course be permitted to rehabili-
tate himself socially and politically
holding his head up free from any re-
proach for a wrong that he has re-
pented of in sackcloth and ashes. If
Senator Roacn is to be investigated
let these men vino justify their course
and denying guilt do lot plead re-
poGtence also lie investigated. We
acknowledge we have respect for q
man who admits his guilt but asks
forgiveness and has demonstrated
his earnest reformation, but we have
no respect for men who are guilty of
wrongs who boldly and brazely defy
puniehment and who have escaped in
vestigation and punishment on &C.
count of the accident of being on the
side of majority in the senate. II
the senate of the United States is to
be purged let it be thoroughly purged
of its dishonest element We have no
fear that Senator Roach will suffer by
the investigation. He has admitted
his guilt, suffered and has reclaimed
his honest manhood, in life without
reproach through years of toll. Who
would drive him back from all the
avenues of responsibility and morality
and force him to herd with the Grim.
ais of the country?
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