The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1894-08-22
HORRIBLE CORRUPTION.
How United States Senators Are
Elected.

Here is an extract from the speech
of Mayor Pingree, Republican, of De-
troit.
II am no calamity bowler. 1 would
not tear down one stone until a good,
sound one is at hand to put in it's
place, but, gentlemen, the times call
for a. new set of mechanics.
What are our workmen doing in the
capitol at Washington today? Is each
man there like a sentry at his post on
guard, watchful and careful of the
peoples interests? Is each man there
raising and strengthening the temple
Of our liberty and prosperity? Ask a
shamed and sorrowing people and
record their answer.
A United States senate, that body
that has been termed the most august
in the world. turned into millionaire
club, mutual benefit association, a
Sepulcher for the prosperity Of the
people: a club whose gigantic gamb-
ling operations make the stock ex-
changes pale into inSignificance.
Where the stakes are millions and the
hearts of nation What would do?
| would have the people call on
every senator who is even tainted
with suspicion to either resign his
seat, or purge himself before the peo-
pie.
No hired girls story, or mothers
brothers cousins aunt would satisfy
me. But more than that, | would
break up this dollar-scarred, close
communion coterie. l would have
them before the people for election
and try them in the crucible of public
opinion, the ballot box.
Let this be done, and we will be
spared the shame of dollar buck legis-
latures. We will be spared the sight
of men lined up like cattle in the leg
islative halls at Lansing delivering
their vote for man at fixed price.
We shall be spared the humiliation of
state hdring but one man ,chO ,cM enter
the lists and try for the senatorial prize.
When man like Gen. Alger,
brave soldier, good citizen, says that
he dare not enter the senatorial fight
because it means the expenditure of a
quarter of million of dollars, it is
and see who it is that has made this
condition possible. This is no fairy
story, for [ am the man to whom Gen.
Alger made that statement.
Think of that, the highest honor
the people can bestow, is made a mat
ter of barter and sale.
Where is our boosted equality?
Where are our equal rights?
He that runs may read blaZOned on
The doors of Michigan's legislative
halls: "FOr sale, seat in the United
States senate"
''No bid under hunred thousand
dollars need apply"
That, gentlemen, is the condition
that confronts you in this state to-
day. Many of you remember the great
"beef on the hoof scandal" which
made Lansing ring few years ago.
Money was as free as water and the
man who paid it out has occupied
prominent federal position in Detroit,
ana IS To-Day the shining light and adj
wiser of a United States senator.
Don t worry about the little fellows.
They die with their creators. Strike
at the prime mover whether it be a
millionaire man, a millionaire mon
opoly, ora millionaire trust. Tearaway
the glamour Of the gold, and let the
corrupt monster stand before you in
all its corruption.
Inc power lies in your own hands.
Look to it that you use it wisely and
promptly.
This is government of the people
and to survive it must be nation Of
freemen, not nation of slaves. Law
and order must prevail at any cost.
but if the republic is to stand, it must
be the law and order of a united peo-
pie"
Is not this an exact picture of the
condition of things in Minnesota? Is
is not an exact picture of the condi-
ton of things all over the United
States?
Is there any remedy for it but the
success of the Peoples party? Id.