LUXURIES OF LIFE.

Bruce Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 41, 26 May 1910, Page 3

LUXURIES OF LIFE.

POLITICIANS' PERQUJSITES. SOME CU 1(10US PRIVILEGES. The House of Commons Ims been described as one of the most comfortable and convenient clubs in the world, and tlie legislators certainly have lit Lie to grumble at in regard to its smokingroom, dining-room, library, and attendance. America, however, provides its Congressmen with luxuries which would make the British M.i\ who visited ashington opens his eyes in wonder, in audition to a salary of a year which a member of the Congress of the United States receives, lie has the privilege of access to an apart ment in the marble palace which cost over £OOO,OOO to build, and is furnishtd witii all the comforts and. conveniences of the linest .modern holei. This building is an annexe to the Capitol, and the two are linked by a subway as well as by every known form of electric communication.

In tins building each member may have an office fitted with a companion wardrobe, bookcase and line cabinet, and a library of several hundred volumes; while for the Congressman's correspondence and documents many drawers, files and index compartments are provided. ' In addition there are a roll-top desk, a typewriter desk, a mahogany table and easy chairs; while in a corner is a porcelain wash-basai, with mirror and radiator, so that the legislator may regulate the temperature to suit his own requirements, in each office there is also a telephone ami an electrically-regulated clock, as well as the inevitable ice-water, which is on tap. in addition the building contains special private baths, and for those win, care for their sumptuous Turkish baths are provided for nothing. Hot rooms and steam parboil the victim to the proper degree. Then he is taken in charge by expert rubbers and massours. A corps of dusky negro bath attendants is on hand to take the Congressman in charge. A dozen or more resting-rooms, lilted up with cots aim pneumatic mattresses, provide restful retreats for tired lawmakers who want to forget the cares of State in peaceful slumber. "And it's all free, sab,'' says the colored bath-superintendent. M's.P. and their Salaries.

Next to the American legislator tins i'reueli M.P. is, perhaps, tno best oil. lie is paid £ISOO per annum, and a grateful country provides Jiim with salons, library, etc. He gets his stationery gratis; excellent cigars, specially manufactured for him, at reduced prices; and during the session may eat and drink freely and almost gratuitously. Should he fall ill the State doctor attends him, while on payment of an annual fee of £2 the members of both (Jhambjis are allowed to travel free of charge on the .trench railways. His umbrella is mended free, and he can always depend on being promptly served, for there is an attendant for every two members. Altogether each deputy costs Franco over £OOO per annum. In Belgium, too, members of Parliament have the right of travelling free on all the State railways; whik' adequate travelling expenses are also allowed by the Swedish and Norwegian Parliaments. Members of Parliament in Italy, too, though receiving no payment for their services, are allowed to travel free throughout the country, either by rail or steamer.

Apropos of the continued agilation for tho payment of M'tf.P. in .bnglanu, it might be mentioned that the scale or payment for members in the British colonies is as follows : —Canada, £oOU for the session; Australia, £SOO a year; New Zealand, £3OO a year; Tasmania, £IOO a year; West Australia, £2OO a year; Queensland, £3OO a year; New South Wales, £3OO a year; Victoria, £3OO a year. With regard to other foreign countries, members of the Austrian Lower House receive 16s 8d per da}'; members of both Houses in Denmark, Gs 8d per day; Prussia, inclusive of travelling expenses, los a day; Greece, £72 per session; Norway, 13s 4d per day; and Sweden, lis per day.