Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-05-04
m. cOrrupsion Tnvs.tirasinr csmmistoss

During the late session of the British Parliament
measure introduced by committee, ntenaeu 70 P"'
an end TO bribery and other corrupt practices IN else
TONS The measure was the result OF an inyesuSsuon
into the Of and the means used to secure the re-
turn Of several members Of Parliament. The develop
ments Of the investigation were really startling though
the British public were fully aware that corrupt aPpan
ces were sometimes use by candidates and their friends
Vast ofmOney used to purchase or intlmidae
votes and such influences we're brought to bear, that
impossible TO obtain free expression OF the voters
and the whole proceeding was burlesque upon the cleo
tive franchise The investigating committee, deplorng
the rottenness which they exposed proposed an eecu
al remedy Instead Of aiming at the punishment oil the
brbed purchased voter the law was directed against
those who encouraged the corrupt practice The eading
feature Of the bill rendered those ineligible to seats VINO
secured their election, directly indirectly, by the pur
chase Of the intimidation Of voters. The committee
very properly held that the corrupt practice could not
be stayed long it sanctioned by Parliament IN
the admission of gentlemen who had secured their cleo
ton by such means.
The fate OF this measure we have not been able 10
learn but it must be apparent that an extension Oh 'e
elective franchise viii be Of little benefit TO the BRUSH
nation unless there is reform in the practices oil the
hastings. So long voters be openly purchased oy
the wealty candidates the people viii not be honestly
represented.
We know not the motive which induced Mr. Covode
to institute the committee of inquiry, which is now at
tracing the attention OF this country and which has
boldly summoned the President to appear and testify
The Democratic journals declare Mr.. COyodes object to
be entirely partisan aud that he seeks merely to make
capital for the approaching Presidential canvass, This
declaration is partially sustained the fact that so far
the committee has undertaken TO examine only into the
corrupt practices Of the Democratic party IN the election
Of congressman There are rumors that Mr. Coyode de-
signs penetrating the acts Of the Republican party per-
tanning to the same matter, but they are rumors yet
uusustained by the action Of the committee We have
this TO say: If Mr.. COyoje can rise above the
mere partizan, and is disposed to do the couu-
try a service, be- will enter into a full inves-
tigation Of the corrupt and improper influences
used in the election OF members Of Congress 1t he will
relieve his work Of tie orior OF ptrsaushp, and proceed
candiily and mp1raly with the investigation until the
development is complete, he may succeed in staying per
ncious practices becoming every year more prevalent
and f,arluy bold and which certainly deerioratug
the Federal Legislature No fact is more patent than
/ Us
coming an accepted dogma with party managers; and
that they DO hesitate employ unfair dishonest and
corrupt means TO secure victory Ii voters can be
bought they are purchased; and money is used, som
times in great quantities. overthrow the statutory pro
elton of the baIotLoy and to defeat fair expression
OF the people These political denominations were for
mlly confined to large cities but they preya-
len, IN the rural districts of the Free States Tue cleo
tive franchise is annually becoming more and more de
grading and in fact almost yaueless to the intelligent
and patriotic voter.
The result is apparent in the composition Of Con-
sress More wealth and less brains represent the peo-
pie Trckserug politicians usurp the seats once occu.
pied by great and lofty statesmen and constantly
are being enacted by these Representatives of the peo-
pie" that are a shame to American civilization and a
scandal to the country. If Mr. Covode SO choose, he
can draw forth through the present investigation such
developments viii justify measure similar to the
one presented to the British Parliament alluded to
above The well known practices at all impogan; cleo
tons demand such law. Corrupt politicians are be.
coming more bold with the i'll use of their money, and
the practice is common of buying up influence ac-
tive and sensible merchant does his stock by laying
down the cash At the late election in Rhode Island
bribery was enormous A correspondent OF the New
York Tunes wrote
"The open purchase Of votes has been a remarkable
feature OF the day. The voter when led the ballot
box would with one hand drop the ticket and with the
other receive the bride. The negro vote rated high
some coored brethren receiving $50 each Individuals
OF comparative wealth declined 10 vote unless paid to do
So Voters publicly put themselves up for purchase
Bids would commence at $40 and run up to S5O.'
It was also in evidence that a candidate for Governor
had actually bought upa county Clerk Of the opposite
party for several hundred dollars cash These are but
sycmeus OF the degrading influences brought to bear
upon every important election and is of the fruitful
sources Of the deterioration Of Congress aud its growing
want Of patriotism If Mr. Covode will present Impair
TALLY the facts 10 Congress- so far they relate to me
bsrs Of the House, law may be enacted to remedy he
alarming evil
Il cannot be denied either that the Executive patron
age is welded in many cases with the drcc, purpose Of
controlling the popular franchise and securing the
Of this parzau friend aud the defeat OF that dangerous
opponent Under the present Administration the attempt
his scarcely been made to cloak the shameless practice
and vet in all moral aspects it is corrupt aud in all
practical tendencies peruiciOus the marketing Of
votes a the Polls Aud as neither individuals nor party
combinations can command means approximatiug the
scores of millions at the dispensaon Of the Executive
il follows that corruption in that Department is to be re-
garigd as the monster evil that poues the stream of
politics and belouls the escucheOn Of the country The
investigating committee may render an inestmabe SER
vice If /, shall make such exposures and present ch
remedies as will hereafter deter legislators and pub
lie men from the preparation of these iuiquities
Tho Cb,rIcstou AbortTon