The Worthington advance., 1900-04-13
DIARY OF A CONGRESSMAN.
1t Did Not Take Long to Change Hia
Opinion Of Politics A. q
Profession.

1EO2CO8AOns
AS a private citizen-Politics is rot
ten to the core, and the wrongs of the
oppressed cry aloud to Heaven. But
there is no hope.
AS possible candidate-Politics is
rotten to the core, but if few men of
incorruptible integrity were to be elect
ed to Office the wrongs of the oppressed
might be righted.
AS a nominee-Politics is rotten to
the core, and even the man who has
the wrongs of the oppressed always
at heart and upon his tongue must pay
for his election.
AS congressman-elect-Atl last poll
tics is less rotten by one honest man,
who will wage unceasing war to right
the wrongs of the oppressed. But what
a crimp the boys did throw into my
bank roll!
First week in congress-The rotten
ness of politics is appalling. Mentioned
the wrongs of the oppressed in one of
the cloakrooms of the house to-day
and noticed smile on the faces of all
the old members.
Second week-I see chance to right
the wrongs of the oppressed. The no.
torious Universal Control company,
the new syndicate of all the trusts, has
bill up, and what a warm wallop am
writing against it! -, ~rt .-~@'
Third week-Great Scott! what it
does cost to live in Washington! Rent
alone $1,700. see the early finish of
my $4,000 per. An emissary of the Uni
versal Control company limited an in
famous proposition to me to-day.
Fourth week-Politics is rotten, but
interesting. Wonder where all these
fellows get their money? Went last
night to swell stag dinner given by
the Universal Control man. Some reg
ular tobasco-sauce vaudeville turns be-
tween the courses. Hope my constitu-
ents won't get on.
Fifth wcek-Senator- has been to
see me about his bill. A man really
ought to look at both sides of question
and stay hy his party if possible.
Sixth week-Ye gods! it does cost to
live in Washington! Iseem 10 be about
the only lobster in my set. Idon't hear
any of the others worrying about
money. They're all going to boost that
bill, by the way. Politics is
Seventh week-I'm afraid the wrongs
of the oppressed are largely imaginary.
Say, what Washington life does to
$4,000 year is sin and a shame!
That Universal Control man seems to
be very nice sort of fellow.
Eighth week-No man can live on his
congressional salary. Wish my con.
stituents wouldn't be so impatient. 1t
takes time to right the wrongs of the
oppressed. Am almost convinced the
Universal Control company would
prove their real benefactors in the end.
Ninth week-Whatever am I am
not cheap. Shall battle against the in.
famous Universal Control company to
the bitter end. The wrongs of the op.
pressed must be righted.
Tenth week-Voted for the Universal
Control bill, after all. Think it will be
for the real good of the downtrodden.
Set up stable and wired my wife to
come on and open her social campaign.
Guess will manage to meet the ex.
pense. Did not deliver my ringing
speech against the bill, but have had it
printed in the Congressional Record
and sent marked copy to the Back
Home Banner. Universal Control COM
pany composed of very nice gentlemen.
Near the terms end-Politics is all
right after you once learn the rules OF
the game. Washington is the only
place of residence and living is com.
paratively cheap, too, considering. By
the way, must begin to get together
some more of that old salve about the
wrongs of the oppressed I want to
come back.-Puck,