Year: 1860

FRIDAY MORNING, MARCH o, 1860.


CONGRESSIONAL MILEAGE.


Mr. John Sherman Blacky Representative from
Ohio the great un-eected Speaker and Chairman
Of the Committee on Ways and Means, having
distinguished himself by reporting bill for the
reduction of Congressional Mileage allowance to
one-ffth Of what it Is at present, almost the whole
body Of the Blacky press instantaneously became
jubilant endorsers of the proposed measure. This
course follows not alone because those who advo-
cate the new arrangement belong to that uncom-
Portable and jaundiced class of humanity whose
fancy is ever captivated by the pleasing claptrap
Of the much misused word REFORM, and in their
discsntent and spleen are ready to hail, and
half the time to consider, any mere change Of
stptu gao as bonafide "reform" though said
change may be much the worse but it is also be-
cause Black Republican members have far less at
stake than their opponents. Most of the Black
Republican States are closely clustered about the
Federal Capital and the mileage allowance of their
delegations thereto is very small matter, while
the convenient proximity to their homes enables
members at any time to leave their seats in Con-
gress for few days. make flying visit to their
families and attend to their private affairs. Most
of the Southern members, on the contrary, and the
anti-Blsck Republican delegations from the Pacific
coast, having to come from remote sections leave
home with little hope Of seeing it till the close or
the session. having entirely to neglect their private
business and take their families with them or en-
dure long separation, and their families increase
their travelling and Washington expenses


In such correct view of the case the present al
lowance Of mileage is not the least too large and
its being proportionate to distance is most just
and equitable arrangement. Is $500 for whole
sessions mileage, to and fro, too much for a
member from Texas, who is obliged to neglect
his interests for threequarters of year, more or
less, to be separated from his family, or take it
with him at large expense, and to make long jour
neys, to receive in consideration therefor? We
think not. We can readily imagine with what
envy a jealous, money -clutching Blacky from
Ohio, within from four or five hours ride from
home, or one from Yankee land almost as near,
looks upon the receipt of such sum by a Southern
member, and none can doubt what are the main
springs of the advocacy Of reduction by Northern
members and the Northern press, a leading paper
Of which now before US terms the mileage arrange
ment q most scandalous abuse,' "a transparent
swindle,' !" this rascality," etc., and styles the
measure for its abatement " this most righteous
reform"


We have noticed too, and with regret, that GER
tain Southern prints have expressed themselves
favoraby toward the proposed reduction of the re-
ceipts of members, using the trite argument that
the remuneration Is large as to overbalance the
honor of the office, inducing unprincipled men to
seek its high position from the mere inducement
Of gain. Though this may not be an entirely base
less, yet it seems to us most sided argument
for there are men whose conscientious integrity
and patriotism are high above the suspicion even
Of their enemies, who cannot feel justified in the
sacrifice of private interests by the acceptance of
the comparatively small remuneration of Con-
gresham. Again, if the pay Of q Congressman
were reduced to pittance, needy circumstances
would almost necessitate his trading with lobby


interests for the increase of his means and the le-
gslation of Congress would become as corrupt as
vote selling and the continual advocacy Of me as
nres for private benefit could make it, Men would
seek the office of going to Washington as specu-
lation, there to trade their influence and votes in
the manner made venial by such custom which
would soon become too general.


We believe that the laborer is worthy Of his hire
whether he labor for man or government, and we
believe that honor and emolument should go to-
gether to such equitable degree as makes their
joint pursuit not incompatible with the purity o +
the one and q reasonable desire for the other. We
believe that the present remuneration OF Congress-
men is none too large, and is as near the proper
medium in salary and proportionate allowances as
can be attained. We do not wish to see it SO re.
duced that the high legislators of the land will have
their thoughts distracted from grave questions Of
State by annoying visions of recurring board bills
at the meanly served and highpriced hotels of the
Federal city. We do not wish to see that only
men of other resources for means can afford to
take the office and support its dignity, and poor
but able men be virtually excluded unless they go
to Washington speculation, ready for sale to the
highest bidder We think the argument, on which
so much stress is laid that the United States will
be saved from hundred to hundred and fffty
thousand dollars, as paltry as the sum Of tie
saving.


Members are placed in delicate position when
this matter comes up for action as is direct legis
iatlonupon their own interests but the rght-inde
constituents Of Southern and other gentlemen will
think well of them if they serve their countrys and
snbserve their own interests by damning with over
whelming dsapprova the enyious and malicious
measure of Mr. Black Republican Sherman, of
Ohio. No man need be ashamed to have his vote
recorded before the whole country, even though it
may be said by some that it was cast to pnt money