Scared Cats

The U. S. was 104 years old before its Representatives dared to vote themselves money for clerk hire. Not until 1898 did they allow their office helpers a full year's pay ($1,200). Now each may have two secretaries on the Government payroll at no more than $3,900 for one, $5,000 for the pair. Each Senator is entitled to five (for $12,120).

Last week the House voted to up each member's annual secretarial allowance to $6,500 for three, increase the yearly appropriation for such help from $2,190,000 to $2,847,000. Before thus braving taxpayers, who generally (and unjustly) believe that all Congressional secretaries are loafing relatives, the gentlemen of all parties devoted more prayerful debate to the proposal than they had accorded a $773,420,000 Navy bill.

Facts adduced: 1) many a Congressman digs into his own pocket to pay an extra clerk: 2) Congressional mail has increased 30% to 40% in the last eight years; 3) the demands of constituents for personal services, information, political nose-wiping of every sort burden the laziest members of the House, multiply the burdens of Congressmen who try to do more than run errands. Facts not denied: 1) many a Congressional relative does roost on the House payroll, even though he or she may have to work for the privilege while Congress is in session; 2) short-handed though many are, a Congressman often keeps one of his secretaries at home to watch his local fences.

Democrats and Republicans in mutual self-protection had agreed to have a non-partisan debate. Excerpts:

Democrat Martin Leo Sweeney of Cleveland, Ohio: "When this Administration can spend . . . almost $300,000 or more to entertain a British King and Queen next month, I think I can afford to vote this extra help for my office."*

Democrat Sam Hobbs of Selma, Ala.: "We may not be statesmen, but we have not a chance to be as good statesmen as we might be because of the incubus of work. . . ."

For statesmen so sure that their cause was just, they were noticeably reluctant to record their votes. Said New Jersey's Eaton: "We ought to stand up and be counted as dignified members of this great body, and not act like a lot of scared cats. . . ." But only 35 wanted a roll-call. In secure anonymity, 237 voted Aye and 95 (who in anonymity could hope to profit nothing) voted No. Then the bill went to the Senate, which can hardly object since the House voted for more Senate clerks in 1935.

*Last week a State Department official estimated that the royal visit would cost the U. S. Treasury about $15,000 in direct expenses (train fares, state dinner, etc.).

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