The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1891-10-15
The Bane Of Corrupt Politicians,

The Bane of Corrupt Politicians,
Judge Walter Q. Gresham, the ora
tor at the unwilling of the Grant
monument in Chicago, had this to
say in the course of his eloquent and
impressive address:
"Men who contribute money to buy
votes and to bribe the peoples repre-
sentatives, as we'll as those who dis
burse it, are deadly enemies of the
Republic. Their greed and love Of
power are greater than their love OF
country. They impair proper respect
for law, which is the only safeguard
for life and property; and it will be an
evil day for the nation when its pres
ervation depends upon their patriot
ism and courage, They may masque-
rade in the garb of righteousness and
address the people in the language of
patriotism, but their virtues are as
sumed; they are hypocrites and as
sassins of liberty, and would welcome
a dynasty rather than shed their blood
in defense of popular government.
Their shameless and insidious attacks
on free institutions are infinitely more
dangerous than the revolutionary
teachings and practices OF compare
lively few visionary and misguided
men and women in our large cities.
There can be no prosperity without
public tranquility, and the people will
not remain tranquil under we'll
founded belief that the corrupt use OF
money prevents free and honest ex-
preston of their choice of men and
measures. If public opinion cannot
be honestly expressed in authorized
ways our elections will become eXpen-
sive and useless mockeries and free
government will exist only in name
Judge Gresham is a consistent reli
zionist, a sterling patriot, clean Re-
publican statesman, and, withal, q
clear-sighted reader of current history
The unsullied integrity and patriot
ism Of his public and private life
challenge universal confidence and
respect. He is the many-sided
philosopher in the council, n Her
cules of power in popular move
ments for the right, a Cicero in the
forum and the very incarnation O
Justice on the bench. The language
we have quoted, clear as a prism anc
sharp as d serpents tooth, was deliber
ately studied and calmly delivered il
the presence OF two hundred thousand
people and read by millions more. i
is fearful Indictment against tht
boodle-givers and campaign managers
of both parties in general and his OWL
in particular, Being presidential as
pirant himself, Judge Gresham evince'
in this ringing deliverence patriot
ism, integrity and courage of the sub
FINEST type.
In this day of prevailing corruption
it is refreshing to see a man stand W
in the presence Of assembled thous
ands, and wander so far away from thu
old-fashioned tenor OF Unforeseen
eulogy when his theme is the career o
the only greatest, as to put the proper
brand upon the iniquitous practices
and methods of his own party; to cry
aloud and spare not, even though hi
honesty and intrepidity be an indiscre
ton fatal to his ambition. Judge
Gresham voiced the sentiments anC
convictions OF the observing and intel
ligent men of all parties.
We have had a recent and forciblt
illustration of the corrupting influenc,
of campaign contributions. The mos
exalted trusts and honors of the nation
are begrimmed with its pollutions. TIL
moral and legal guilt of aiding anC
abetting the debauchery OF the vote
lengthens down from the Chief Magis
tracy to the merest mental in the Gov