The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-03-14
Communicated !

Communicated
MEssRs. EDIroRs
In your last weeks issue you publish
ed an article under the head of Reform
which cannot fail to meet the approval of
every good honest Democratic voter in the
county. 1t is gratifying to see your paper
is with the honest people, trying to bring
about reform and break up the corruption
with which our county is sorely afflicted.
That we greatly need reform no honest
person will attempt to deny, and the hon.
est voters-with the aid of the press-can
bring it about, Notwithstanding corruption
has so long been tolerated that it has root
ed itself deeply iuto every election district
in the county.
There are several methods by which re-
form can be accomplished, for instance,
the candidate who travels through the
county treating and leaving money at
every hotel and saloon to treat others, Civ
ing money to the political bummers to buy
up the scalawags, hiring conveyances to
haul voters to the polls, sending demi-
johns of whiskey and kegs of beer to GER
tain parties to influence voters, giving
presents, loaning money and taking no in
terest, paying bills and furnishing free
dinners which are violation of the
rules governing our Democ ratio County
Conventions as well as the law, can be
stopped by arresting the guilty parties and
sending them to the penitentiary where
they belong. l would recommend that
our worthy county Chairman offer to pay
liberal reward to those who will furnish
information sufficient to convict those en-
gagged in the corruption. The necessary
expenses incurred in breaking it up and
bringing about reform should be placed
with the legitimate campaign expenses and
betrayed by the successful candidates.
Whenever the corrupt class is taught that
our liberty, dearly purchased by the prec.
ious blood of our ancestors in the Revolu-
tionary struggle, must be respected, then,
and not till then, will the ballot box be
kept pure.
For the benefit of candidates | will give
the oath required to be taken before any
one elected can enter upon the perform
ance of his duty, which is as follows: 81
do solemnly swear Cor affirm that | will
support, obey and defend the constitution
OF the United States and the constitution
OF this commonwealth, and that | will dis
charge the duties of my office with fideli.
ty; that have not paid or contributed, OF
promised to pay or contribute, either di.
rectly or indirectly, any money or other
valuable thing, to procure my nomination
or election Cor appointment except fol
necessary and proper expenses expressly
authorized by law; that have not know.
ingly violated any election law of this
commonwealth, or procured it to be done
by Others in my behalf; that | will moi
knowingly receive, directly or indirectly,
any money or other valuable thing for the
performance or performance of any
act of duty pertaining to my office, Other
than the compensation allowed by law.
Any person violating this oath is guilty OF
perjury and subject to fine not exceeding
one thousand dollars and Imprisonment
The lawful expenses are only for printing
travelling, circulating information to tn,
public, holding political meetings and con
yentiOns.
The law is plain and clear and If no
strictly observed so that our county may b,
reformed we might as well throw up tn,
sponge and let down the bars, for it i
high time there is Reform.
Yours Respectfully,