Therefore, sixty-odd Republicans and forty-odd Democrats, _and two Union Labor men_, voted to give themselves $190,000 of the people’s money to pay for _imaginary journeys made during an imaginary recess_. It is doubtful if a more shameless attempt to steal from the public treasury has ever been attempted. The Senate killed the measure, not because the Senate itself is so pure and honest—for it isn’t—but because it could safely rebuke the House—which it despises—and pose as Watch-dog of the Treasury, without loss to itself. * * * * * The people are entitled to know the names of the rascals who tried to steal $190,000 of their money. Tennessee will not be shocked to know that “Slippery Jim” Richardson voted for the grab. She may be shocked to know that Brownlow did the same thing—Brownlow, the son of the famous Parson. South Carolina may be astonished to learn that on the roll of dishonor are the names of Aiken and Legare. Virginia will see that she has been misrepresented by the vote of Maynard. Louisiana will find three of her votes on the shameful list—Pujo and Broussard and Davey. The Democracy of Missouri may feel indignant at the vote of Hunt, and Mississippi at that of Hill. As the list of names is printed elsewhere, it is not necessary to particularize further; but I note one thing with special interest. The Massachusetts Congressman who was selected by the enemies of W. R. Hearst to attack him on the floor of the House gave the country a chance to learn who was the cleaner, better man. _Hearst did not vote for the steal; Sullivan, of Massachusetts, did!_ The people of Georgia may wish to know where Congressman Bartlett was when the vote was being taken. His name is not recorded against the steal. Nor is that of Brantley or that of Adamson. _Where were they?_ These three gentlemen are paid $15,000 per year to stay in their places and safeguard the rights of the people who elected them. Where were these three Georgians when this piece of rascality was being put through the House? If they were necessarily absent why did they not arrange “pairs,” and thus give their votes to defeat the robbers? _Did they_ DODGE? If so, _Why?_ Alabama will want to know where Bankhead and Wiley were; Texas will ask explanations of Stephens; Tennessee of Sims; Kentucky of Hopkins and Stanley. * * * * * Every man who voted for the mileage grab, or who dodged the vote, _should be marked for political punishment by the constituency which he betrayed_. _Introductory to a Letter from a Boy_ As a rule, I do not help schoolboys in writing their speeches or in preparing for debates. In fact, I make it a rule _not_ to do so. It is best for the boy to dig his own bait. The sooner he learns to rely upon himself, the better. In that way only will he become _strong_.