You are correct. In those days, the pay was a stipend and an occasional reimbursement for expenses. People served as a patriotic duty, but not for too long, they had to go back and earn a living. There was not money or "favors" from special interests. That would've been bribery. Why it isn't today is beyond me.
I always check myself for that comment. I honestly believe the thought of career politicians never entered their noble minds. I check myself because it is difficult to put my head full of mush up against their purity of thought.