The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-01-08


the law. II It were believed that a ma
joT1ty OF this body were IN fear that
their acts might be Investigated and
their crime discovered. tho respect Of
the people which ID is important for
the republic that congress should pos
sess, would be impaired, If not de-
stroyed.
'It is dangerous to the republic that
a largo portion of our people should
have their confidence shaken in the
judges VINO interpret the laws; equally
dangerous that their confidence should
be impaired In those who enact the
laws and it is for this reason that the
duty evolves upon the law makers not
to allow the integrity OF their motives
TO be lightly questioned. We may be
sure tnat no legislative body Will be
respected by the people, unless 1t re-
spects itself We are jealous 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 of in
by fear Of the police. but by an honest
regard for the public service. II the
time should ever come when a major
ity of the chosen representatives of
the American people were so unfit for
their trust. that their votes were con-
trolled by a craven fear OF the detec-
ton OF their crimes, then surely the
republic Will have come upon evil days
and the failure of popular government
will be demonstrated.
The people Of this country have
sent their representatives to the con-
gross. Many of them have for years
been reelected at the polls or the leg
islatures. We do not believe that
popular government and universal suf-
frage are such lameptable failures that
dishonest, cowardly or unit men arc
chosen to continue in office. In this
matter we stand not only for ourselves
but for those who sent us here. The
impeachment OF those who are chosen
is the impeachment of those who
choose.
THE President says that no one
holds the dignity of the congress of
the United States In higher regard
than he does. Ii would. therefore, be 4
thing TO be deplored, If as a result OF
any unfortunate inadyertence Of
language. say untoward combination
OF words. expressions should remain
in his message which might be inter
preted by the people as lessening the
dignity and thereby weakening the au-
thorlty Of the congress.
1T is said In the message that GRIM
inals should be prosecuted If found
in the legislative branch OF the gov
ernment and with this We wholly
agree But the President adds, IT
this Is not considered desirable, z
special exception could be made in
the law prohibiting the use of secret
service officers in investigating mem
bers of congress- In other words. it
Is suggested that we pass a law which
VIII facilitate the exposure of other
criminals but VIII protect ourselves.
/; a majority of the congress stand
In favor OF the exposure of their OWN
misdeeds. they would be ready TO vote
for such a law, but such is not the
case, and against It we must protest.
Ii congress listens tamely and timidly
10 reflections upon character OF It's
members and It's honesty OF purpose.
IL VIII deserve and 1t will certainly
receive the contempt of the public We
feel that because OF the suggestions
IN the Presidents message. the con-
gross should refuse TO merely receive
and consider IT.
During long centuries our Eng
lish.speaking ancestors struggled anu
bled that 4 representative govern
ment might be established among Eng
lish people. Our revolutionary Torc-
fathers. more than n century ago.
struggled and bled that our govern.
ment should be a representative gov
ernment that the laws OF tho Amerl-
can people should be passed by the
representatives. chosen by the Ameri-
can people. The congress or the Unit.
cd States today exists as a result OF
centuries of struggle for popular gov
eTnment Let every man who is a
member OF II vote on this question IN
the manner which seems TO him most
worthy OF the traditions OF which we
are the heirs, OF the institutions or
which we are the protectors, and or
the people OF whom We are the rep
resentatIves."
As was the case when be first spoke
on the question before the holidays,
Nr. Perkins was frequently interrupt
ed By applause. Upon the conclus-
lon OF his remarks he submitted the
committees report. which. after quot
ing from the Presidents message,
was az follows:
Understanding this language 10 be
reflection on the integrity oil its
membership and aware OF its own con
stitutonal duty as to its membership.
tiie house. in respectful terms. called
on the President for any information
e2at would justify the language or
mo message or assist il In its consti.
lutonal duty 10 purge the house o.
inc Implied charge OF corruption
The President. in his message os
4 January 4, denied that the paragraph
II The annual message casts reflec-
tons on the iltcvrity OF the house
attributes TO tho house an entire far
are 10 understand my message; de
olares that nc has made no cnarge OF
ccrrupticl against any member OF this