The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1909-01-08

they be remed!ed. The question will
doubtless be considered by Congress
and such action taken as may seem to
be in the public interest,
But your committee has TO consider
the criticisms made by the President
upon the motives OF Congress in its
action last session 10 consider his sug.
gestions as to future legis lation, and
TO report whether Congress with proper
sclfrespe.t can receive them
1T is stated in the message that the
vision was that the Congressman did
not Themselves wish 70 he investigated
ny secret service men and this Ia re-
pea'ei N The additional message. II
this was the chief argument, It must
haze becu hy this rgJmert that the
majority of members were ed TO vote
IN favor ~ the offending provision.
Your committee IS unable 10 share in
this belief.
we d. not think that even the most
timorous OF Congressman could have
been induced by this argument TO vote
In favor OF the amendment from fear
that II he voted no the secret service
might ferret out his secret sins.
Nor does II seem that statements
made In 1904 even by a newspaper re-
porter are convincing evidence Of the
motive which sctuated ConSrsssmsn
In their votes in 1908. The statements
made in newspapers are sometimes
questioned even at the White Rouse.
Has But One Meaning.
The statement contained in the mes
sage that the chief argument In favor
Of the provision was that the Congress-
men did not themselves wish to be in
vestigated' can have but one meaning. 1t
means that Congress voted for the
measure from an improper motive. Any
Congressman whose vote can be deter
mined by unwillingness TO have his own
conduct investigated By Secret Service
men, or by any other men, must surely
be In fear of the law.
III II was believed that a majority OF
this body were in fear that their acts
might be Investigated and their crimes
uIsCuNeIeu, tne respect VI tIe ptOple,
which 1t Is important for the republic
that Congress should possess, would be
impaired, II not destroyed.
ut ts dangerous to the republic that
. largo portion Of our people should
have their confidence shaken In the
judges who interpret the law; It II
equally dangerous that their confidence
should be impaired In those who en-.
act the laws, and IL II for this reason
ha ~ v he Ia
makers not TO allow the integrity Of
their motives to be lightly questioned.
We may be sure that no Legislative
body Will be respected by the people
unless IL respects itself. We are jeal.
Gus Of the honor Of the nation; we
should be equally jealous Of the honor
Of our institutions.
Doubtless in the Congress are Some
times found unfit and dishonest men,
but believe that, with few exceptions,
the body is composed Of men VI integ-
rity, whose vote liz determined not b.
fear OF the police, but by an honest re-
gard for the public service II the time
should ever come when majority OF
the chosen representatives Of the Ameri
can people were so unfit for their trus,
that their votes were controlled by q
craven fear Ut the detection OF their
crimes, then surely the Republic will
have come upon evil days and the fail
ure Of popular government viii be
demonstrated.
Talk Of Criminals.
THE President SAYS that no one holds
the dignity Of the Congress OF the
United States In higher regard than ne
does. II would, therefore, be thing to
be deplored IL. as a result ut any I'm
fortunate inadvertence Of language, am
untOward combination II words, express.
SONS should remain In his message
which might be interpreted by the pe0.
pie as lessenlng the dignity and thereby
Weakening the authority OF the Con-
gress.
1T is said In the message that Grim.
inals should be prose utei II found In
the legislative branch OF the Govern
ment, and with this We wholly agree
But the President adds. II this is, not
considered desirable, sperla exception
should he made In the law prohibiting
investigating members Of Congress In
other words, II Is suggested that we
pass law which will facilitate the ex-
rosure ~ other criminals, but Will pro-
tect ourselves
III majority NJ the Congress stand
In fear Of the exposure 81 their own
m'sdeeds they would he ready 70 vote
for such a law but such IL not the
case, and against It We mus, protest.
III Congress listens ,amely and tim.
idly 70 reflections upon no character Of
rs members and rs honesty II purpose,
II will deserve and II Will certainly re-.
ccive the contempt Of the public We
feel that the suggestions In ne Presi-
dents message the Congress should re.
fuse 70 meeky receive and mildly 10
consider
During long centuries our English.
Only One "BROMO aUININE"