The Albany Register

Washington Letter.

Washington, Oct. 6th, 1871.

CONGRESS VS. LOBBYISTS.

But two months remain before this body meets. The Capitol building has been put in order. Both Chambers present a neat and tasty appearance. Some changes have been made throughout the building, such as widening the passages, etc. As the time draws near for the opening of this body, the bustle and hum of business throughout the Departments is quite apparent. Already a number of familiar faces are to be seen on our streets, and around the different offices. The Capitol mover, the inevitable office-seeker, and the lobbyist, are putting in their appearance. The first named is the most unwelcome to our citizens; the second is a pest and a source of great annoyance to the government officials; the last is worse than all the rest combined. They are not only a nuisance, but a running sore upon the body politic. He or she, as the case may be, is despised by the honest portion of our country men, more than any living thing that creeps on "God's green earth." They are generally of that class of creatures who make their living by their wits, and despise honest labor. No trickery is too low for them to resort to, to accomplish their purpose. Women of bad repute are very often brought into requisition by them to carry out their selfish schemes. The Capitol building during the session of Congress is crowded with these gentry and their tools who at times hinder legislation to a great extent. Women with princely attires, and costly jewels, are mostly used by these miscreants to pave their way to success. It is an undeniable fact, that there exists to-day in our midst, a well organized band of these unprincipled men, who make it their business to barter and sell Government positions, from a messenger ship to a consulate; they are so bold as to even offer them for sale on our streets. The administration has been, and is doing all in its power to check this evil, but thus far has not succeeded to any great extent. The Civil Service Commission was instituted for this purpose, but the lobbyists appear to be equal to the emergency. Under these circumstances the Commission concluded to take a recess. Before the adjournment, these gentlemen comprising the same, failing to comprehend the nature of their duties, addressed through their president to the Attorney General, asking him to define their position. This official seems to be as much perplexed as the Commission, and makes an evasive answer, and the lobbyist has a clear field to operate in. I am afraid they alone should not be censured; others more powerful probably wink at the evil. General Jackson is said to have remarked once upon a time, "every man has his price: some ask more than others, but they are all for sale." The words will suit the present times without damaging the remark. It is no uncommon thing to see in Washington papers, under the heads of "Personals" or "Wants" such little feelers as the following:

"I will give to any person $100, who will procure me a position as clerk or messenger in one of the Government Departments. Address, in confidence, etc."

It leaked out a few days ago, that the position of Consul to Paramaribo was sold for $500. It is to be hoped when Congress meets, that it will put a stop to this evil, and rid our community of the presence of the lobbyists; but if such positions are to be peddled about for "filthy lucre," "why not put up at auction all positions under the government, not only clerkships and consulates, but seats in the Senate and House of Representatives? The revenue derived from such a source, would be a benefit to the government, instead of going to defray the expenses of debauchery and vice."