The semi-weekly messenger., 1908-01-21

| the tnftcO states.
Washington. Jan. l6.-A complete
change of front was exhibited by the
majority in the house Of representa-
tives today in the consideration of the
bill to codify and revise the penal laws
of the United States. The pacific spirit
displayed by the committee on revision
of laws toward the close Of yesterdays
session, when it appeared as though
the several amendments strengthening
certain provisions Of the bill regarding
alleged corruption In the appointment
Of persons to public office would be
adopted had vanished and instead ev-
cry inch of ground was fought over TO
keep amendments out OF the bill. When
adjournment was taken at 4:06 O'Clock
only six additiona! pages had been
disposed of and but one or two verbal
amendments by the committee had
been inserted.
! At the outset Of the debate Mr.. Hard
| wick of Georgia offered a substitute for
the Williams amendment pending yes
terday at adjournment regarding pay
ments to any person for his endorse
ment or assistance in securing ap-
pointments to public Office The sub
stitute arrived at the same end, except
that it disquaifies from any Office of
trust or profit from the government
all persons receiving such pay. Mr..
Hardwick said that for five years ef-
forts had been made to enact such leg
islation and that few years ago a
tremendous scandal mad occurred in his
own district in Georgia In connection
with some postoff1ce appointments. He
challenged any one 10 oppose his sub
! stitute on it's merits
The challenge was at once accepted
! by Mr.. Gardner of Massachusetts, who
maintained that any one who came
tc interest himself in behalf Of some
appointment would violate the law. He
said he was tired of humbug legisla-
tion and inquired.
do you think we can square our
selves with out constituents by legis-
lation like that by pretending TO vir-
tue when there is not a man within the
sound Of my voice that cannot evade
I these statutes if he has a mind to.
You may be able he added, "to
catch unfortunate members Of the
! house or a member of the senate some
time who has not covered his tracks
properly"
| Mr. Payne, of New York, urged that
the Williams amendment and Hard
wick substitute be voted down. He
wanted the committee on judiciary
carefully to consider such propositions
before they are enacted into law.
| Mr. Williams was quick to retort
that Mr.. Payne and other republicans
; had made a party question out Of the
amendment and substitute, whereas
| he said it was not a party question
! but one dealing with corruption. He
was aiming at real crime, and il the
amendment was not satisfactory to the
republicans then. in Gods name"
draw one yourselves"
| The suggestions Of Mr Pavne to re-
| fer to committee the proposed amend
ments, was supported by Mr.. Olmstead,
| Pennsylvania.
Mr Harry, Of Texas, offered az a
substitute for the Hardwick substitute
a clause exempting from guilt the en-
) ployment Of political office holders as
attorneys in the presentation Of any
claim against the government regular
| ly and openly filed. This p,as voted
down, as were the Hardwick substitute
and the Williams amendment
The original section was then
amended on a motion by Mr. Burke
Pennsylvania, SO as to apply the pen
atty imposed by section 144 only to
those cases where the purchase and
sale of endorsements Of support for Of
flee affects ''appointive" Offices.
An amendment in the shape Of a
new section was offered by Mr.. Gaines,
of Tennessee, designed TO prevent lob
bying before congress
Derisive laughter on the republican
side greeted the amendment, followed
By he query from Mr.. Dalzell, OF
Pennsylvania, you are not in earnest
are you?"
Il always am when attack the ram
parts Of the republican party" was the
quick retort, and 1t provoked demo-
cratic applause.
Mr. Gaines condemned the practice
OF lobbying as nefarious. and contrary
to the public welfare and morals.
Mr.. Payne asked IL the amendment
would reach the people Of Tennessee,
sent TO Washington by the tobacco
growers.
No. replied Mr. Gaines, land
ought not, because they are perfectly