St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-10-13
THE MONEY ELEMEET.

/ IhE MOAEI ELEM mn
The elective campaign this year is deveI-
oping an unwonted amount of energy aud
effort. and an unusual expenditure Of mon
ey, as large as such expenditures have been
in former campaigns. The greatest activity
and the severest struggle is in Ohio. Both
parties are engaged in hand to hand con-
fiet, both protesting confidence, and yet,
both afflicted with the keeaest anxiety. The
alarm OF the Republicans is indicated by
them summoning their Presidential candi-
date to the field of conflict in the October
election, so important is deemed the result in
that state this month. The Republicans make
no secret OF the fact that they arc prepared,
and willing to spend over onG million OF dol
lars to carry Ohio next Tuesd ", and the 9TH
er party deemine II legitimate to Eight the
devil with fire." are prepared to spend a
large sum also. According to the New York
TINES, the organ of the anti-Bl; Gne Indepen-
dent Republicans, (Which would n OF be likely
to misrepresent for political efTec,t,) the Dem
ocrats have secured large sums Ia be expen-
ded in Ohio this month, Mr.. Tilden as is al
legged giving SIS, OG0, Mr.. Flower $50, 900,
Mr.. Commack $500 and August Belmont
S25, 900 and others contributin z large
amounts. But the Republicans, evidently
have secured the largest volume of money
in hand ready to be used. What d,ps this
use OF money indicated How is it to teused:
Clearly for corrupt purposes, to in 9uence
the result, to buy up voters like cattle IN the
SHAMELESS. What travestry on the boosted
free elective franchise is this If m 3ner
is 10 carry our elections, then farewell to- the
purity of the ballot box and the unbiae.d
action of individual voters. Popular el9c-
tons will be worse than farclcai, when mon
ey decides their results. 1t is clearly man
fest that the Republicans have inauguratea
the corrupt use of money in elections to re-
tain their power, and it is more a matter OF
regret than surprise, If their antagonists
should be Influenced to resort to like means
to over throw them.
But the Republicans have the advantage
in this, they carry the heaviest money bags,
and if in battle, Providence favors the side
that has tile heaviest battaIlions, the prepon-
drance in elections may be with the heaviest
money bags. But the confidence Of the
Democracy is in the soiidity of their princi-
piSoI GEu III tiiC VI lnC
masses of their electors. That there may be
purchasable individuals, may be admitted,
but that very considerable, or controlling
number are susceptible to the corrupt acts
OF Mr.. Blaine's followers, may well be
doubted andldenied Money to legitimate
extent may be properly used in conducting
a great political canvass, and the use of the
comparatively small amount contributed by
Democrats may be invested for the proper
exigencies of the campaign, but million
dollars or several millions cannot be needed
except for intended purposes of corruption.
A party resorting to such a use of money to
carry an election, is an enemy to pubic
morals, and foe to the best interests and
happiness of the country. 1t has outllved its
usefulness, If it ever had any, and it is high
time it was snuffed out. The confidence of
the Democracy in carrying the Presidential
election is not grounded, like the confidence
of the Republicans on the corrupt use of
money, but upon the strength of their prin-
ciples, the vital influence OF patriotic pur-
poses, and the general integrity and righteous
ness of their cause, and on a widespread, felt
need of governmental reform, publication
of official life. a RELOCATION of pabhc plum
derers to private life, and an inhexible, hon
est administra ton Of the national govern
ment