The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1910-08-30

arrangement with The Outlook. OF VIII
Editor. Copyright 1910. by The Quito
- HE August number Of the
"A ~ Worlds Work contains an
NJ ~ article which is OF interest
NV w to all who are concerned in
the vital subject to which
we give the somewhat
foggy title of Political Reform The
article. for obvious reasons anony-
nous, Is written by member Of con-
gress who, the editors Of the Worlds
Work say, has served for more than
ten years in the house of representa-
tiyes, has acted on many important
committees, and has been successful
in getting things" for his eonstitu.
.ency. The article is described. as
Showing the reason why the pork
barrel special tariff favors, and pri.
vate pension bills become law" the
reason being, to quote the words of
the. author, that "the dictum Of the
constituency to the congressman I'D
Get all you can for u.s. There are
no restrictions placed upon his meth
cd ofgetting It -.
Until the American people themselves
become more national and less local,
until constituencies cease to regard
their congressman as solicitors at the
national treasury, congress will con.
>tinue to enact iniquitous groups Of To-
cal favors into national legislation"
This serious charge against the
American people-for which there is
Internationally altogether too much
justification-the author proceeds to
substantiate by relating some of his
own experiences with constituents
which, however surprising they may
seem to the general reader, will seem
almost commonplace to all who know
how the average constituency does in
actual practise treat its congressman.
The writer sets forth the fact that,
in the first place, ninety per cent. of
the letters which congressman re-
ceives are requests for special favors
to be obtained In some way or other,
directly or indirectly, from the United
States treasury. For instance, while
the Payne-Aldrich tariff law was I'M
der discussion, this particular con.
gresham received in May, 1909, the
following letter from the secretary Of
powerful commercial association in
his district: e:S
Il have'been instructed by the board
of directors Of this association to ad-
wise you that at special meeting May
20, a resolution, copy Of which is In.
closed. was unanimously adopted. urg+
ing our representatives in congress to
use every endeavor to have The pres.
ent tariff in mentioning three of the
products of the industries referred to-
increased one cent per pound anu the
present tariff on (mentionlng the 9TH
er two products) increased half a cent
per pound. l wish to further advise
you that we have heard from Senator
- and he informs us that he
will take care Of this matter in the
senate"
When the bill was finally passed,
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