The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1904-03-23
Congressman SIbley on the BristOw
h I'M Report. .i|l

The following concerning Representa-
tive J. G. Sibley is from the current issue
of the Tidioute News and it is so charac-
teristic of the man that we reproduce 1t
in full, it being the first time we bave
seen the same in print:
"Whatever Mr.. Sibley does he stands
by. Reference is made in our Washing
ton letter to the Bristow report on the
Postoilice Department. Mr.. Sibley is one
of the Congressman named in that re-
port During the debate on the matter
in the House he stated his position in the
following unmistakable terms:
:" Mr.. Speaker, | believe that the re-
port of the committee does mo an injus-
tice. | find my name in that report. |
am credited with getting an increase of
rental in my home city from 500 to
81, 200. The report does not state the rea-
son why that increase was made an in
crease which think was entirely proper,
and believe could convince any rea-
sonable man that the increase should
have been made. am credited also with
having in one instance secured an allow
ance for clerical hire in the Emlenton
postoffice. r"
~ believe the report prejudices me
with my constituency and places me in a
false and improper attitude. think the
report is incorrect. 1 have a distinct recol-
lection of having been instrumental in Sc
curing an increased rental for more than
one building. And know that / have
been securing an increased rental for
more than one building. And l know
that have been securing, at least have
recommended, more than two score in
creases in clerical hire.
"'I regret that my constituency will
read this and will think / have been de-
relct in my duties. If 1 properly con-
ceive my duty as Representative in
Congress, then, whenever the interests Of
my constituency are effected, it is my
plain duty TO act rs their representative
before the Executive Departments to pre-
sent their claims and to see that, so far as
my recommendation will go, justice be
done them.
"'I have been to the Pension Office and
think ] have made more than 5000,
possibly more than 5000, recommends
tons for new pensions or for increase in
pensions previously granted.
"'Rising above any personal effect this
report may have upon individuals is the
question what are the rights, privileges,
prerogatives and duties of Representa-
tive in Congress? The time has come
when there should be distinct declara-
ton as to where our duties or rights be-
gin and where they leave off.
81 think there is not a member of this
House that has ever gone into an Execu-
tive Department and preferred request
where the interests of his constituents
were involved, where their rights were
being infringed, who has not demanded,
IF it be consistent with the law and the
good of the service, then ask that the
Department may take the action asked
Therefore fear that in this report my
constituents will think | have been dere-
lict and unmindtul of their interests in
that I have secured but one increase in
clerical allowance and but one increase in
rentals of buildings. have secured, up
on my recommendation large number
of both. ! hope to secure many more
when justice shall demand such increase
loud applause.p