The morning call., 1893-06-27
REWARDS OF LEGISLATORS.

A very interesting document has been
published by the British Foreign Office
showing what payments are made to
Legislatures in different parts of the world.
South and Central America and also the
British colonies have been omitted from
the return and Russia cuts no figure in it,
that great country not having risen to the
dignity of Parliamentary system. All this
trouble has been taken in order to con-
vince the British public that it is time
their legislators had some little remunera-
ton for scorniDg delights aud living
laborious days, or rather nights, and per-
haps ere long the faithful Commons will
have an allowance of $500 a year per
member. This does not seem an extrava-
CANT sum when we compare it with 5000
year given to our Congressman, together
with twenty cents a mile for travel and
S125 for stationery and newspapers. No
other country pays as much.
Germany does not pay its members of
the Rechstag anything, but they enjoy
free passes over all the railroads. The
Prussian Landtag members have, how
ever, So IS day and travelling allow
ance. Portugal also is frugal. 1t stopped
payments last year, bnt allowed electoral
districts TO pay subsidy TO any oHe whose
circumstances require it, In Wurtember g
payment Is given upon special application.
In Spain the legislators are unpaid and
Italy only gives travelling expenses. Aus
tria gives S4 day and travelling expenses.
Hungary allows $3.50 and a sum for house
rent. Bavaria sanctions 81 90 a day and
free railway passes. Belgium votes $50 a
month during the session. Bulgaria al
lows So day Tor residents and S4for nom
residents Denmark is contented with
81 sc day and actual travelling expenses.
France gives $500 a year and free travel
on state railroads. Holland gives $3.50 and
firs-class fare; Norway 81 16 a day and
81 II for travelling expenses; Sweden
1888 % and fine for absence is imposed {;
Switzerland 81 a day and allowances for
travelling. This list might be considerably
extended, but the scale of remuneration is
very petty whatever the state or country
may be.
The little republic of Andorra in the
Pyrenees is not mentioned. 1t is some
what French, somewhat Spanish, but quite
left to itself out of the world and wholly
undlsturbed by thoughts of war or the
wiles OF diplomacy. Curious privileges
are enjoyed in sundry states. Bulgaria
allows free kilograms. Britain used to
permit free postage, but that has long
ceased. Denmark gives free seat in the
Royal Theater Hungarian Deputies may
travel a class higher than their ticket per-
mits. Cab fares are given in Prussia. The
expenses in Holland must be strictly those
incurred. Strangest of all, Norway sane
lions IAN allo vance for nursing and medi-
cal treatment in case of sickness" This
is interpreted very literally by the de-
see dants of the Vikings. We are told
that members have made the state treas
ury pay for their baths (more or less med
| icaD, for courses of gymnastics or mas
sage, for medical comforts (wine for the
sick. and even for the rawing ana stop
ping OF teeth" The conclusion may be
drawn from these details that the bust
ness of legislation is carried on the world
over by men who derive very little finan.
cial gain from their labors. They have,
no doubt, other compensations in the pride
of power and the qualification of the spiri,
| of patriotism, and those who rise to adj.
ministrative Office have substantial emolu-
ments and honor.