The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-09-17
ALL FOR PURITY.
Candidates for Office Are
Satisfied.
THEY LIKE THE NEW LAW
Because 1t Is a Persuasive
Argument.
BUT SAY 1T WILL BE BEATEN.
Various Schemes for Defeating the
Election Law Are Discussed
by Politicians.
BUT SAY 1T WILL BE BEATEN.

The new ''purity of election law" which
goes into effect in this campaign for the
first time is giving tue politicians an un-
limited field for speculation. They de-
clare it can be beaten in a thousand and
one ways, which, as a rule, they are only
too willing to put 10 a test.
Candidates and men who have aspira-
lions in that direction smile as they pic
ture the protection the law provides for
them, and say with one accord and i'm
pressive JUNCTION:
at is the best thing on earth for candi-
dates. You can hold it up between you
and the strikers, and, like motion 10 ad-
journ, the argument is not debatabe.
Great, isn't it?"
At least those were the words Of can
didate for municipal Office on the Demo-
cratic ticket when asked yesterday for his
opinion. Those around him assent ID with
hearty laugh which corrobOraIed al he
had said.
Oae serious trouble which heretofore
confronted political nominees has been re-
moved. These gentlemen might be ShrewG
and have known enough 10 come ia out of
the wet, bnt when ''plece clubs" and
strikers" literally rained on candl-
dates there was no place to go. Now,
however, there is shelter and the candi-
date Can keep his hide dry. Incidents lily,
IL appears that the strikers will suffer
from dryness of another sort.
None of the candidates want to evade
the putty law" continued the speaker.
Its snap for them"
What would you do, Billy?" asked
Chris Newman, who was Standing by.
"Wnat would you do if man offered to
SUPPORT YOU for so much?"
81? I'd say, can't do it. The purity
law bars me out" was Ackerson's r-ply
Judge Levy added that every candidst.
would give the same answer. The law is
a good thing for candidates, but bad for
the strikers"
And yet there are many candidates who
may advance the same argument While
friend is employing the very persuasive
logic that Is accompanied by the clink of
gold.
Already it is conceded on all sides that
tie law can be defeated by candidate
lOaDing his friend whatever money is
needed for campaign expenses and taking
his note. The friend, of course, would
disburse the coin, and If any dispute arose
subsequently the personal not would be
prnhCced as evidence that the money was
really loaned on a DrOmissoTF note. for
what purpose neither Judge nor jury could
definitely determine.
Another point on which opinion is
fairly we'll settled is that a man may use
money in his campaign until he Fl es his
certificate of nomination with the Score
tary of State or County Clerk, as he can
not be legally considered a candidate be-
fore that time, which is not less than
fifteen days before election. After filing
lis certificate he cannot, without violating
the law, dlsburse money for the purpose
OF securing his election.
Even then many ways are suggested for
beating the law. These schemes are sim
ghlar ike the method of selling crack
ers and giving away liquor" where no
license exists or in temperance towns to
defeat the liquor law. Cases of liquors
have been sold already in this city for
fancy prices 10 candidates, who receive
considerable support from the sellers
thereof, purely as matter of friendship,
etc. In a saloon where politicians con-
gregate may soon be heard dialogue Ike
this:
How much is your hest?"
1.-TWO bits, and it is genuine old Ken
lucky"
"Ob, then give me something else. |
don't like Kentucky. What have you got
for $20?"
A double eagle for a nip certainly looks
ex ravagant, but 10 questions being asked
the D lee might be Onsidered reasonable,
all Things considered.
Candidates are allowed by the new law
TO spend per cent of one years salary if
the Office i for term OF one year: if for
two years, 10 per cent; If for three years,
10 per cent; if for four years. 20 per cent );
If for more than four years, 10 per cent, ali
of one years salary.