Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-12-20

since tho last election has stirred mems
minds so deeply or been so much dis
cusscd, as the open corruption practiced
by both the old parties during the last
campaign, For many years it has been
well known to those familiar with
modern political methods that money
has been curruptly used to influence
mems votes; but never before was so
much spent for this purpose, and never
before was there so little effort at con-
cealmout.
That ii is an unmitigated evil, a
blightIng political curse; and, If per-
sisted in, must eventually end in the
complete subvcrsion of republican gov
eminent and the destruction of liberty,
no intelligent and right minded man
will pretend to deny. 1t is immoral,
unpatriotic and shameful. Yet, men
claiming TO be upright, patriotic and
even religious, practice it to promote the
interest and success of tue party to
which they belong. They admit IL is
wrong; but they attempt to justify or
excuse themselves by saying that the
other party does it and 1t is necessary
for their party to do the same in self
defence, apparently forgetting that one
crime can never cancel another; and
that instead Of doing the same thing
themselves they should endeavor to con-
vict and punish tho perpetrators. Yet,
such an excuse seems to satisfy, or,
rather, to scar the conscience of many.
The practice is of SO long standing,
and has become SO general, and is now
so inveteratc that many think it useless
10 ever attempt to overthrow it. But
this is base and cowardly and utterly
unworthy Of Il moments consideration.
Il is Il confession that patriotism is dead,
and that virtue itself has died with it.
Surely there are yet some men left that
have the courage to undertake and labor
for the destruction Uf this banc of our
political life. If not, then we are ut the
end Of our course as republic, and we
may as well write fms on the last page
of our history, as Free America, and be
| hereafter held up rs another Illustration
and proof that the people are incapable
| of self-governmsnt. While the disease
is deep-rooted and deadly in its char.
acter, still have hope that it is not in
durable. That it is thoroughly under
stood and has awakened the gravest
apprehension in so many minds is an
encouraging sign; for while men are
|
existence, there is hope that they viii
at least try to remove it.
How to deal with it effectively is the
living question now before us. Before
taking up the work of its complete
destruction, some well considered plan of
attack should be adopted, and when
adopted should be followed up with
determination, courage, patience and
perseverance,. We have said "of COM
pete destruction" for it should be
understood from the beginning that no
temporary eXpedents or halfway
measures should be for one moment
thought of. death to the hydra, >
should be the mental decree In council
and death to the hydra" the watch
word in the mouth of every one who
enters the lists to do battle. Neither
interest, nor friendship, nor kin, nor
relation, nor association, nor personal
convenience should bend the purpose or
weaken the hand in war OF eXtGrmi-
nation. 1t is n chronic cancer gnawing
at our vltals and must be cut out in
order to save our political life. To all
appeals for lencncy or delay the clear
ringing answer should be 1.-THE good OF
the people is the supreme law; death TO
the hydra"
But just here a word. While the prac.
W.. ~ 80 'e.s"i "lu !ilcle uIg
, have never touched the unclean thing,
: yet il has involved SO many IN the crime
either az giyers, receivers or contribu.
tors, that it would be wise polite tC
! grant general amnesty and free pa"
don To all previous offenders, provided
lii"V nei'IS'|i'l my VIII coraially ano
sinctItiy oniisT ." 'ile s'ue ol virtue aht
$ p u.li'l'silt, "nN w o"ttlo IN war o
eAtcl IIiih"iiin "g"inat the common
. ehe'hy; hHt t"r ~ future GHehd
: uis' n'uIl'' "oGt'o'S OF "Pol'Slats llef'
= snou'u uc Ht't''Gr mercy nor pity, on
supreme con'cHlp' ana prompt ana con
/, ulsh punishment
|; :. so much ny way OF Introduction
/, N"W' ior tlG practical plan u accom-
y push inc eh3 IN view, and so earnestly
. IesltGd ny "i A"Vu men Oh atl classes
y III tn!3 paper We nave NOT space TO iull.
!. utyGloP ou, pan IN az It's details, bu
= WI G2llllh ~ ou! Suggestions 10 what W.
/. regard US lhc lhlIia. Ah1 central thought
5 IRE actlEe ana elllcleit method afoun'
y WNlch t.le otHerS VIII gather Us a!usan'
r supports
IS THE PLAN.
= There should be u central oreaniza
: ton Or society, by whatever nam
S called, with headquarters NJ Dover, til
Y capital of the State, The members o
o this society may be few or many, bu
II must be composed of sincere, arden
'e and resolutC refDrmers, who thorough
~ believe in the necessity and yauc of IN
n work to be done, and who are within