Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1895-12-17

VICE PRESIDENT STEVENSON.
same time, only one-third of the sena-
tors closed their terms at that time,
and two-thirds of their number contin-
ued to hold commissions.
1t is because of this constitutional
arrangement that the senate is called
"a continuing body" The house of
representatives, as body, expires every
two years; but there are always two
thirds of the senators ready for legis-
lative duty.
Each state is entitled to two senators.
There are now A states in this union,
and they are entitled to SO senator's.
But, inasmuch as the state of Delaware
failed to elect successor to Senator
Higgins, there is vacancy existing,
and therefore there are only 81 senator's
entitled to participate in the delibera-
tons of that great Legislative body.
Usually, when the house of represen-
tatives convenes, there is q spirited con-
test over the speakership; but on this
occasion there is no contest. Every
body comedies that Big Tom Reed, who
was called the GEAR" during the 51st
congress, shall be the speaker.
In organizing the house of repre-
sentatives the first business is the cleo
ton of officers. consisting of the speak
er, the clerk, sergeant-at-arms, door
keeper and postmaster. Although
there will be no contest over the
speakership, lively canvass is going
on by the aspirants for the other offices.
Ex-Congressman Henderson, of Hi
nois, and Mcdowell are after the posi-
ton of clerk of the house. That office
pays $4,000 per annum; and it is place
of power because the clerk makes the
appointments of numerous assistants.
The candidates are both good men,
and their friends are booming them
along in an interesting manner. There
appears to be no prominent candidate
for the office of sergeant-at-arms, a
position with a salary of $4,000 per an
mum. This is because of the generally
admitted fact that Henderson and Nc
Dowell are looked upon as the coming
men for the best offices; and the one
who shall be defeated for the clerkship
will be made sergeant-at-arms. 1t
looks to me as If Henderson will be
made clerk and Mcdowell sergeant-at-
arms; but the reverse may be the re-
suit. 1t is impossible, even few days
before culmiHations in Washington, to
predict conclusions. This is because
of the humanitarian fact epitomized
by Shakespeare in the little line:
Lord, how this world is given to lying"
The doorkeeper is usually an ex-con-
gresham; and that rule will probably
be followed in the selection of man
for that Office. When the people of con-
| Gressional districts make changes in
their national representation, the fell
lows who get left usually seek places
in Washington, because they are accus-
toned to living in this beautiful city,
and because they do not like to remain
at their old homes after suffering de-
fent. There is bond of sympathy eX-
listing between statesmen, and they
usually give some good Office to the
best fellows who get left in the political
shuttle and scutfle for position and
power ny tne people.
The position of doorkeeper is good
one, and there is considerable patron.
age connected with the Office. The
doorkecper appoints score of assist
ant doorkeepers. He also has charge
of the foldiDg-room, where many men
are employed folding public documents
to send to the constituents of congress-
men.
By the way, you know that hundreds
of thousands of dollars are annually
wasted in printing and mailing public
documents? It is fact. Bills,
pamphlets. speeches and other matters
are printed and paid for out of the pub
lie treasury, and sent to the people by
their congressman, when they ought
not to be printed in large numbers at
all. The people do not need them; but
their publication is authorized in order
to enable congressman to send docu-
ments to their constituents to create
the impression that the statesmen are
doing something. 1t is an abuse of
power, but it has long continued, and
will long continue.
If discrimination were used, the
printing and dissemination of public
documents would be good thing for
the people. in an educational way. If
the money were wisely used, only the
best documents would be printed and
distributed. Only the best speeches
should be printed. But every member
of congress makes one or more speeches,
and sends them to his constituents. AS
. matter Of fact very many of the
speeches are never delivered. Some
members of congress arise and say:
"Mr. Speaker, do not desire to take
the time of the house at present, and
will ask leave to print my remarks in
the Congressional Record"
In compliance with that request, per.
mission is granted, and on the follow.
Ing morning the Congressional Record
appears with an alleged speech by Hon
John Doe, although the speech was
never delivered. The members of con.
gress do tread such printed speeches
and there is no excuse for their publica.
ton. EXCEPT to mislesd the people. a