The Owyhee nugget. ([Silver City], Idaho) 1905-1984, 1909-02-26
The Emulation Of MammOn.
aa FOlleIte,. weeEly. JAM 30. leOgl

WOSh1 eAV 1OboeO NOfObON AVoSAl w
the discussion and amendment of
the bill making appropriations for
the legislative, executive and ju-
dicial expenses of the government.
The discussion was directed main
" to the increase of salaries and
perquisites Of the President, Vice
President and Speaker of the House,
and of the salaries of federal judges,
as proposed by the committee on
Appropriations.
While the subject is one that re-
ours almost annually, the debate
in the Senate the past week was un
usual. 1t brought to light some
interesting conditions in public life
Mt Washington. 1t emphasized the
disregard for the depleated condi-
ton of the treasury with which
Congress sometimes passes extrava-
CANT appropriations. Most signif-
cant of all, it signalized the latest
invasion of plutocracy into the
standards of American public life.
To raise the salary Of the Presi-
dent to 100000 year, or of the
Vice President and Speaker to $780,
600, and to furnish them carriages
and automobiles, as recommended
by the committee, raises grave
question not merely because it is an
unwarranted expenditure of public
money. The profound question in
volved is one Of national public
policy. The proposal of this COM
mittee amounts to a declaration
that, in the opinion of men in con-
trolling position in the Senate, the
time has come when high public
officials inthis country should have
badge of Office, should be sur
rounded by pageantry and pomp,
should emulate in social life and
entertainment (and at public ex-
penst) the extravagance and folly
Of the ruling classes in Europe and
the rich men in America.
70 increase the salaries of circuit
judges from 1900 to $4,000 or Of
district judges from $6,000to 1000,
with expenses when travelling out
side their districts and life pay after
retirement, is to change the induce
ment Of the Office from one of hon
or to one of money. 1t is in dero-
CATION of our best standards and
ideals respecting this most honored
branch of our government.
A few brief excerpts from Sena,
tors remarks in the debate will
prove interesting and should be fruit
full of some wholesome reflection.
ain material advance we have out
stripped every other nation, but we are
behind them all in making the compen-
sation of public officials accord with the
,,o,.,,;,,o, ,,,,,,5;t;,,,s &c flo t;aoa o.,h
met officer in Europe receives, think,
about $4,000 year and a hoIse, with
all it's appointments, furnished by the
State. The Senate of the House of Com
mons is grandly located in the parlia-
ment palace, and if am not mistaken,
receives about $4,000 year aud re
firing pension. "-Depew.
at is not question Of compensation.
The wealth of this nation could not
compensate Washington, nor could it,
in my humble judgement, compensate
the present occupant of the Office of
Chief Executive for the services he has
rendered his country. "-Clapp.
1--WE know that our cabinet officials
give dinners. We know that they are
expected to give them, right or wrong
-Hemenway.
eve have progressed with the Four
Hundred and we have got into posi-
ton, socially speaking, whore large
expenditures are required of rich