The Washington herald., 1914-06-30
A Statesman's Confession.

The people Of the Forty-frst Congressional dis.
trct of the State Of New York viii do well to care,
fully watch every vote in the House of Representa-
tyes of Charles Bennett Smith, Democrat whom they
voted into Office for the first time in Ioi2 by nearly
6ooo votes more than those received by Hon. George
Davis, Republican as he tells it in the Congressional
Directory. By his own confession he has already in
his brief career in the House. voted once in way
which he is convinced will incur the dspleasure OF
his constituents when they learn of it. He admits
he knew he was doing wrong all the time though he
fails to tell why he fell from grace He does, how
ever, solemny proclaim that he will never do wrong
agaln-never, that is, unless he is properly compen-
sated
But let us be exact as to facts. Yesterday Repre-
sentative Smith-Charles Bennett Smith-escorted to
the White House James A. Ross colored, of New
York, whom he is desrous should be appointed by
President Wilson recorder of deeds of the District
of Columbia purely local Office in spite of the fact
that by precedent it has become recognized pot
cal reward Departing from the White House, Rep
resentative Charles Bennett Smith, it appears was
wholly satisfied that the President had been convinced
of the priority OF the claims of the brand-new Repre-
sentative from the Forty-frst district of New York.
whereupon he delivered himself of the following:
II the people of Washington want TO make this an
issue, am prepared to meet them. haTe been friend
y to the District supported the haf-and-haf prin-
clple OF taxation. ] did so my initiative
the people of my district have thus far shown in
terest in the matter But that is because they don't
know anything about it. / am sure, however, that if
| told them that the Federal government paying
half the expenses of running the city of Washington
they would either insist that Buffalo be given like ad
vantages the practice here be abolished The same
applies TO the voters throughout New York and among
the constituents OF other Congressman from other
States sure, in other words, that it would not
take much to upset this haf-and- half principle am
saying this Just to convince the gentlemen in the Dis
trict that if they intend making issue about this
simple matter OF patronage they going to lose
lot of valuable friends.
Read it over. voters of the Forty-frst Congress
sional district of New York Your Representative,
Mr.. Charles Bennett Smith has voted for something
he is you won't approve when he confesses; and
really he is going confess unless the President of
The United States appoints his friend Ross recorder of
deeds of the District of Columbia. He insinuates |
hat the people of Washington are seeking prevent
he appointment OF Ross, manifesting shameful in
gratitude for his vote sustaining the organic act of
he District of Columbia OF 1873, in which he does
lot believe and in which he imagnes his constituents
will not concur.
Mr.. Charles Bennett Smith will probably go before
lis constituents for reelection this autumn Perhaps
hey will be disposed to ask answers to the following
uestions:
Why did you vote to maintain the organic act of
he District of Columbia in successful operation since
87S?
Why did you assume that the people of the District
f Columbia were opposed to the appointment of
loss as recorder of deeds?
Why did the refusal OF the President of the United
tates to appoint Ross make reprehensible your vote
sustain the organic act of the District of Coum-
ia of 1873?
Why do you that your constituents are
pposed to the present law governing the relations Of
lie Federal government and the government of the
district of Columbia?
Why do you expect reelection to Congress?