Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 October 1885 — “Honeycombed with Corruption.” [ARTICLE]

“Honeycombed with Corruption.”

During these trying times of conventions and elections it should not be forgotten that thb work of “cleaning the Augean stables” goes merrily on unchecked. There appears to have been as much need for the shovel and broom in the outlying bureas as in the main departments of the Government, as the corrupt and wasteful methods which prevailed under Republican misrule seem to have penetrated every branch of the public service. It was scarcely thought in the beginning of the eiA of reform that the purely scientific bureaus were corrupt. The revelations regarding the geodetic and geological surveys demonstrate that even science was blended with politics to the profit of the ringsters. It appears that the largest percentage of tangible results of the bureau of geological survey is found in the publication of scientific works at Government expense, which have no connection with the objects for which the survey was established. On such books nearly all the appropriation made by Congress has been wasted. *The notorious flay den was the originator, of this precious bureau, and lie found it very handy for junketing trips at public expense. It is stated that the survey, depending for its existence upon the goodwill of Congress, year by year, and not having a definite, recognized status under the Government, in-

in ordinary lobbying to procure funds, and that money is thus wasted every year to get and keep the good-will of Congress. The method adopted for consulting and flattering the average Congressman consists of distributing books and photographs and taking Congressmen’s sons aud relatives on expeditions in the name of science. So far as the actual survey of the Territories is concerned, the results are extremely meager in comparison to the money expended. The overhauling of this cumbersome and expensive bureau clearly demonstrates that the administration can scarcely be too vigilant and determined in making a thorough investigation of every department and bureau, if all the leaks are to bo stopped and the swindling and extravagant practices fostered by Republican administrations are to be entirely eliminated. The allusion in the platform of the last convention to the Government being “honeycombed with corruption” meant more than mei-e words, and the party’s pledge to purify it must be faithfully redeemed.— Omaha Herald.