Democratic Sentinel, Volume 6, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 May 1882 — The Astounding Figures of Extravagance. [ARTICLE]

The Astounding Figures of Extravagance.

The rush for special legislation iu the present Republican Congress, of which Secor Robeson is fitly the leader in the House of Representatives, exceeds all former experience. Nothing approaching in magnitude the proposed spoliation of the treasury has been heretofore known, or even suggested as possible. By a close computation, made by officers of the House, it appears that 5,664 bills and 185 joint resolutions have been introduced, involving an outlay of $643,811,936, without counting qhe allowances that may be made in 1,190 pension bills !

These appalling figures seem to make no impression on the majority. They have initiated a carnival of prodigality and of plunder which throws the revelries of Grantism into the shade, and they mean, if it be possible, to make it end in a wild debauch of appropriations. A surplus of $150,000,000 invites the rings, the jobbers, the corruptionists and the universal lobby to a feast, at which eadft of them struggles for the first place and for the tidbits, and to which all go with keen appetites for whatever can be got. Exclusive of these direct grabs and steals, many of which will be kept back for the the closing days of the session, when, by concerted management and the previous question, they may be driven through with railroad speed, there are other schemes which aggregate enormous sums. The lapsed grants to railroad corporations, allowing them the equities, foot up over $210,000,000, at the minimum price of the land. The Judiciary Committee of the House has these land grants under consideration, and from all the signs, outside and inside, the question is likely to remain in that unsettled state for this session, and perhaps for this Congress. Corporations which claim a territory covering an area as large as New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, with their 6,000,000 population, are unwilling to surrender such an empire without a desperate struggle. They have employed conspicuous counsel and other persuasive influences, which poor settlers and struggling industry cannot do. Corporations have the ear of this Congress, and they intend to be felt in legislation before its career closes in ignominy. But there are sharp eyes watchiug these big jobs, and the votes that will be given upon them, to make up a record for the fall elections. Candidates for re-election will do well not to forget this notice. — Washington telegram.