The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-01-10
MoNHY IN


The governors of nearly all the states,
in their messages to the several legisla-
lures that met last week, take very
strong ground in favor OF stronger leg
islation to prevent the corruption OF the
ballot and the undue use Of money at
elections. The corrupt practices act
adopted q year ago by Massachusetts, is
favorably commented upon by several
executives. This is a modification OF
the English law OF the same purport,
and we look to see it enacted in time sill
over the country as the natural sequence
of the Australian ballot. Every think
ing man knows that too much money is
used in our elections. The expendi-
lures by national and state committees
have grown to such proportions, that,
however we may disguise it, the fact
remains that u elections are virtually
bought. 1t is time to put an end to
government by q plutocracy, and the
opportunity is now ripe to bring about
this desired end.
Ono of the most foroible recommends
tions in this direction is that OF Gov.
Flower, in his message to the New York
Legislature. His remarks apply SO we'll
to this state that we quote what he has
to say on this subject entire:
Tho Part Of our electoral machinery
which now most needs strengthening by leg
islation ID that relating to the uss OF money
in elections. The legislature has made II i'm
possible TO bride voters with any degree OF
assurance that they will vote az they have
been bribed, but Notwithstanding the
statutory safeguards. it II notorious that
money is still spent in elections for cor
rupt purposes. = The active agents in the
corruption are apparently either willing to
trust the corrupted voter to vote as he has
been bribed, or the corruption takes the
form Of souniary induoement to tho cleo
tor to remain away from the polls.
am not confident that this state of at
fairs can be thoroughly remedied by law.
The most potent instrument of reform is
wholesome public opinion. No law. how
ever stringent. can be effective without the
earnest support of popular sentiment. But
every law aimed at this evil and every agi-
tation of ii are influential in properly
shaping public opinion. An end must come
soon to Wholesale bribery. Persons famil-
iar with campaign management stand
aahast at the rapid increase of purchasable
voters from year to year. A reaction to-
wards honester methods of conducting
elections will be welcomed by political
managers no less than by the general pub
lie. Agitation and legislation are at least
aids to this end.
A defect In what Is known as cur corrupt
practices act is that political committees
are not required to file certified statements
of their receipts and expenditures. While
the statute compels this duty On the part
Of candidates. it leaves political committees
and agents free to conceal both the source
Of their revenues and the purposes of thsil
expenditures. The extension Of the provi.
sions Of the law to political agents sne
committees would make the financial trans
actions of such committees a matter o
public record. as they should be, and woult
tend to discourage tho contribution o.
large amounts of money by individuals
Such q law is o in force in Massaohu-
sets, having been enacted recently. /
should be drawn with rigid provision!
which would permit no evasion.
Another proposed remedy for the evil O
corruption IL such legislation as will max
proof of bribery on the part of candidate
or their political agents or committees suf
fcient cause for forfeiture of Office. Grea
Britain has such a law. Our laws alread
disfranchise those who are convicted G
bribinR voters, but they practically protee
the beneficiary of this crime by leavin
him iu possession of the Office unless it ca
be proved that the bribed votes which h
received more than equalled the amour
of his plurality. Candidates and comm,
tees would hesitate to expend money Co
ruptly if proof of the act would be a di
qualification for office. Properly admins
tered, such a law might be a compile
check on corruption.
l recommend these proposed changes
our election laws to your attention. ar
trust that some practical good. in the d
rection of diminishing bribery, may be a.
complished at the present legislative ssssio
We should have legislation alon
these lines in this state. We are ava,
that political corruptionista and booc
lers sheer at the attempt to thwa
them by legislation, but they will sing
different song when such laws a
enacted. When a man who accepts
bribe may be used as a witness. witho'
fear Of punishment, to convict Il
briber, and the latter suffers amol
other penalties that OF being forev
DISTINGUISHED, the improper use
money will become a very hazardo
business in which few mon will have {
nerve to engage. Rival parties and ca
didates will watch one another narrow
and each will fear that the man W
solicits money for his vote is an EN-
snry in disguise from the enemy's can
But even should such a law only par
accomplish its object, it would be wo1
trying. 1t is a step III the right dir
tion.
The speech of the Hon. William
Villas ~ W,epopeip puaipst thu an