The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1883-08-29

We beg that our prediction be noted
down, that the impending fight be
tween corporate power Of every
kind, and the privileged classes Who
have accumulated wealth BY rObberl
le-islation, on the one side, and the
great body Of the people representing
the causeof equal rights and just gov
eminent on the other-win be the
Hercest and most sfOutiy contested polit-
zeal warfare that has ever been known
in the country. The people through
their representatives. should begin to
equip themselves at once for the struggle,
and to this end their citadel should be
fortified at all points against the sp-
proaches Of the vigilant and powerful
foe. One of the chief weapons of the
latter, is the corruption Of the agents
whom the people elect to make and ex-
pound the laws of the country and to
shape the policy Of the government.
/ This is done in many ways. We have
seen the charge made by the late Seere-
tary Of the National Republican Execn-
tive COMMITTEES, and the General Man a
ger Of the Republican organization in
the last Presidential election that in con-
siderstion of 100000 in hand paid by
corporation magnates to be used as a cor
ruption fund, Stanley Matthews was ap-
pointed Judge of the Supreme Court of
the United States, the tribunal of last
resort in the country. This Is simply
one of the many examples of the man
ner in which their gains have been ex
pended for the accomplishment Of theil
aims. There are other abuses diferen
somewhat in kind and in degree, bu
conceived with like corrupting intentions
They are described by contemporar.
in the article which We herewith append
and which we fully endorse:
Many Of the great corporations are yer
generans u Government officers wheneve
I real or.supposed influence is 70 be gaines
! for the protection Of special interests
: they employ vigilant agents az the nstions
e and at the State capitals, not only to ever
/ see legis alton, but to conquer the preiadi
4 ces of legislators Members Of Congress
r and Of the State Legislatures are sometime
= retained as attorneys for these corporation:
and draw regular annual salaries.
The railroad companies give free passe
to members and officers of Congress, t
II Judges of the Supreme and of inferiO
Is Courts, to members of the Cabinet, and I
1t all officials who may be useful to them.
e The telegraph companies send book
10 containing deadhead stamps to the sam
10 parties.
\ The principal express companies Civ
free privileges to the same parties
'e The members OF Congress and the judge
'e aud the other Government officers who a
Of cept these favors are, of course, exPeete
$ to reeiprOcate them, if possible. The pra
lie tice has become so common as to diminis
the gravity % the crime in the view OF SON
- of the bene6ciaries Yet it is nothing lie
than indirect bribery
=, It is the duty of Congress TO put an end
y these practices. which have brought seal
ID dial upon its own body, upon the Judieisr
n and upon some OF the most responsible e.
", ecutive officers of The Executive Depar
in ments. The reform of this evil will he
~ gain for honest government and publ
6 benefit
.. That's right. Let Congress attend
the deadheads.