The Vulgarity of Legislative Gratuities
An editorial critique argues that tipping public officials during legislative sessions undermines the dignity of the state.
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The custom of making 'presents' to the presiding officers of a legislature at the close of a session ought to be abandoned. A resolution of thanks is a legitimate official compliment, but presents procured by 'passing the hat' among members are not legitimate expressions of respect. Such actions belong to hotel parlors, not the halls of legislation. When a state awards a sword to one of its sons, it is a public proceeding, but private gifts funded by individual contributions are inappropriate on the floor. It is always of consequence to preserve the dignity of a legislative body and exclude all matters that have no right to be made part of those proceedings. This public giving of gifts for official duty decently performed is vulgar in its essential spirit, appearing too often like tipping a waiter at every turn.
“A resolution of thanks any gentleman can accept, but the giving of valuable presents not seldom seems like tipping a waiter at every turn.”
This piece critiques the blurring of lines between personal friendship and public ethics in the legislature. It serves as a reminder that debates over the appearance of impropriety and the culture of influence-peddling in Olympia are older than the state itself.
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