The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-11-02
The Republican Corruption Fund.

The Republican Corruption Fund.
There is every reason to believe that the
corruption fund which has been raised for
the Republican party this year is several
times larger than the corruption fund of
that party for any previous national cleo
ton. 1t is estimated that the amount will
be about 100000. 1t is alleged that the
manufacturers Of Pennsylvania have al
ready contributed more than 81 200, 900. A
great deal of money has been contributed
in western cities for use in Indiana. This
western money is Independent of the 81, OOO.-
900 contributed by eastern manufacturers.
1t is stated that one man, Mr.. George Pull
man, president OF the Pullman Car Works.
has contributed $35 900.
What is to be done with this vast sum of
money which has been given to help the
Republican party! 1t cannot be used in
paying legitimate campaign expenses. The
campaign is nearly over. Undoubtedly
the purpose is to use it to purchase votes
In New York, Connecticut and Indiana
there are thousands of purchasaole voters.
They know their votes will command big
price, and they will not vote unless paid to
do 80.
In 1888, toward the end of the campaign,
about 100000 was raised by Mr.. Wanna
maker. When severely criticised for aiding
In the corruption Of voters be declared he
did not know how the money was
spent. He must have known, however,
that SO large a sum was not needed for
legitimate expenses. If he had been a con-
scientious man he would have found out
whether or not the money was to be used
for legitimate expenses before turning it
over to the campaign committee.
The democrats will have to work all the
harder to overcome the results which the
republican corruption fund will produce.
There is satisfaction in the thought that the
secret ballot system will aid them some what
in beating the doodle" tactics Of the re-
publicans. The buying Of votes in either
New York or Indiana will be checked to a
some extent by the new system of ballot
ing. The vote-buyers will not be permitted
to follow to the polls those whose votes they
have bought; and, hence, they will not
be able to tell whether or not
those they have corrupted have
kept their agreements. They will have to
trust them. Consequently there will BE-
some hesitation In buying votes.
In Indiana a close watch will be kept for
corrupt practices. In that state the recent law
against the bribery of voters is extremely
severe. A man who sells his vote and car
ries out his agreement may sue the pur-
chaser of his vote for $500, aud secure that
amount, without exposing himself TO any
penalty. The kno Wedge that a man who
would sell his vote is, as a general rule, a
| constituencies creature and would inform
against his best friend for $500, will have
the effect or making the vote purchasers
extremely cautious.
1t is greatly to be regretted that money
plays so great part ia national elections.
II it were not for the protection system it
would not be possible for the Republican
party to raise so large a corruption fund.
The benefciaries OF these monopolies are
not 80 much interested in pure ballot as
they are in retaining the immense profits of
their monopolies. The evils that are GER
tain to flow eventually from corrupting the
ballot appear to be of little consequence to
them in comparison with the preservation
of the robber tariff. In 1888 by means of
money they succeeded in paving the way
for making that tariff more burdensome to
the people and more profitable to them
selves. aud they expect this year
to get another lease of life for it. But they
will have to spend a great deal more money
this year than they did in 1888. At every
national election the amount Of money they
are called upon to spend is larger. 1t looks,
however, as II the people had, at least, de-
termtned to get rid Of some of the tariff
burden, however great the sum of money
collected to defeat their will may be.