Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1883-10-25
SALOON DICTATI0N.

II Is no longer an open question that the
saloons OF this city have raised large cor
ruption fund for the purpose Of securing
the election of two or three candidates
whose election is earnestly desired by the
saloon element. The fact that such a fund
has been raised II now admitted by some Of
the saloon men and is no longer a matter OF
concealment. We do not think that one
year ago any intelligent man could have
been found in the county who believed, cer-
tanly none who would have expressed the
opinion, that the saloons Of the county
would ever have attempted TO dictate the
nominations of either party and arrogantly
demand that only such nominations ms suit
ed their interest and were acceptable TO
them, should be made. And yet it has not
only reached this point, but we now find
this element raising 4 large fund OF money
for the purpose of corrupting the ballot-box
with the object of electiny few officers
under whose administration they believe
their Illegal business would be less liable TO
interruption.
This element, entering 70 vigorously into
the campaign, with its ill-gotten money and
insolent demands, presents feature in this
canvass that thoughtful citizens ought TO
carefully consider.
Ii is not n question Of prohibition or anti
prohibition, not even question of saloons
or no saloons, but the more serious ques-
ton as 10 whether the saloon interests in
Wichita, by the unblushing use OF money,
shall direct tho course to be pursued in our
local affairs, and dictate the election of only
such officers as will give them sufficient as
surances OF their favor. Such insolence in
any other class of men would not be tolera-
ted. The dry goods, implement, hardware
and many other classes Of business are not
only recognized as highly honorable but
highly necessary, and yet If the tradesmen
engaged in any of these enterprises should
perfect an organ ization and openly contrib
ute large sums of money for the purpose OF
clecting judges whose decisions would es-
pecially favor them, and executive officers
who would conniye at any dishonest prac-
tices such tradesmen might engage in, it
would arouse such feeling OF Indignation
upon the part Of all good citizens as would
result in driving such men out of business,
and make repetition Of such an expert
ment impossible.
This saloon organization never troubles
itself about questions of honesty or compe-
tency in a candidate for public position, but
only needs to be satisfied on the single ques
ton rs TO whether such candidate will serve
it, and whether the officers elected 10y its
influence and money will do its bidding.
This organized attempt upon the purity
of ballot-box is not only viewed with grave
feelings of alarm by men opposed to the
existence Of saloons in the city, but patrons
OF the saloons and those who all along have
been opposed to prohibition as well, share
this feeling of distrust and danger with
which all good citizens, irrespective Of their
opinions on questions OF temperance and
prohibition, view the attempt TO corrupt
our officials, by corrupting the means and
methods of their election.
Well may thoughtful men express fears
for the safety OF our institutions when even
the high Judicial offices of the State are
openly purchased by money accumulated in
unlawful pursuits and held subject TO the
disposal of an organized body of law
breakers.
The time has come for action, and since
the saloons have organized against the peo-
pie, let the people organize against the sa-
looms.