Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-04-25
President Hayes gives His Views
about Raising Funds for POliti-
cal Campaigns-Will Contribute
Himself. ttf

In organizing the Congressional Republican
Committee for work during the fall campaign, one
of the first questions which has naturally presented
Itself has been how to raise the funds to pay the
necessary expenses.
In order to learn Just what the Presidents posi-
ton on thi. question is Representative Campbell OF
Pennsylvania, tlled at the White House recently,
and had a conversation with President HAYES,
who listened to what he SAID about the plans of
the republicans in Congress. an expressed his APP
proval. He said he felt keenly sensible Of the
importance Of the present years elections and
hoped they would result favorably to the republi
can party
Mr.. Campbell then remarked rs nee YOU, Mr..
President, are sincerely Interested in the sue
of the republican party, allow me to ask YOU
whence to draw the sinews of war? Your
orders to the office holders of the country prevent
us from drawing revenues for the prosecution of
political campaigns from one of the principal
sources upon which we have heretofore depended.
We think that those who fill the offices and re.
ceive some Of the pecunialy returns from the as
tendency of tho party, should. at least bear a po-
ton of the burdens, and should contribute pecu
niariy if they do not give personal service during
the contest"
Precisely so,'' said the President, 1--WE agree
there. The only difference between the A1minis-
been one of methods. The executive order alud-
ed to designed to let faithful officers uDder-
stand that their first allegiance is to the Govern
ment ard its interests, and not to parties. That
Is now very generally understood, but as to con-
trhuting reasonable share out of their incomes
to meet the expenses of the campaign, there can
be objection TO that. 1t cannot he demanded I'M
der pain of removal as hitherto; any officer may
give or not as he pleases without affecting his ten
IRE of office. | expect to contribute my proper
a ne WI he
no objection il others holding office do the same.
In fact | should be pleased if they would do So"
The President then alluded to his own expert
during campaigns in Ohio when he
chairman of county and State committees, and
told Mr.. Campbell how funds were raised to meet
the expenses OF State campaigns. lie said that
he could appreciate as well any one the neces 81
ty Of funds for the successful prosecution of po-
litcal canvass. The President added: "And as
to the personal participation of Federal officers in
the campaign, there can and will be objection
to this unless they used to promote the per-
sonsl interests of certain individuals through the
manipulation of the pa ronage and the manage
ment of the party machinery. Office holder 5
ought not to interfere as to override the wishes
of the people and subject republicans to the alter
native of voting for obnoxious candidates or sub
hitting to party defeats. The order forbidding
officers of the Government TO participate in this
sort of thing will be vigorously enforced, but af
ter the candidates are faily in the field without
the aid of conventions packed with office no lders
acting at the back OF the dominant clique of poll
ticians, there will be no objection if Federal of.
flee holders do their share of the work, so long
as it does not interfere with their official duties.
General Campbell has reported this interview
TO many of his republican associates; and there
IS a stronger hope than at any previous time that
the Administration and the republican represen
tatiyes in Congress will act tremendously during
the coming campaign.