The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1895-01-18
F FRIDAY MORNING, JAN. 10, 1895.
MONEY INPOLITICS.

the State at the November election
and paid for it, it is said, in good hard
cash, but the astute Anthony Higgins,
SO manipulated the Republican caucus
that he was selected as the nominee
and Addicks was robbed of the fruits
of his victory. Six Addicks men
would not enter into the caucus. how
ever. and persist in voting for him in
joint session. Mr.. Higgins has only
succeeded in getting ten votes so far,
and the coveted sixteen which is neces-
sary to choice appears to be beyond
his reach. The Delaware soions may
yet find it necessary to turn to Addicks
or third man may be chosen.
This behavior of Mr.. Higgins in en-
deavoring to steal from Mr. Addicks
his dearly bought place in the Senate
is most reprehensible. AS our cores
pondent "Osceola" pertinently re-
marks in another column, it was con-
sidered a great sin for Addick's money
to buy a seat in the Senate for him
self but it was no harm for it to buy
one for Mr.. Higgins. If Mr.. Higgins
really possessed the virtue he claimed
for himself he would have scorned to
accept the place under such circum-
stances.
But, seriously speaking, such pro-
ceedings in a State that has heretofore
stood high among the sisterhood of our
union and has been noted for the hon
or and integrity of her statesmen, are
scandalous.
Our Claymont correspondent sug-
gests that the only reason the Demo
Gratis did not win in Delaware was be-
cause they did not have money
enough. This is very probably true,
but what commentary is it on Amer
lean institutions, when a candidates
chance of success is measured, not by
his ability or his honesty, but by the
size of his bank account. Unfortuna-
tely, this is true of other places be-
sides Delaware. There are probably
few districts in the United States
where it does not cost a Congressional
candidate more to be elected than his
salary amounts to for the first year.
In such cases the temptation is almost
irresistible for the legislator to recoup
his expenses from the lobby. Inmany
sections the same rule holds good in
regard to State and county officers
In some cases, as in the governorship
of our own State which is said to cost
from sea, 900 to $50, 900, the honor may
be considered sufficient reward
but these cases are few.
This thing must be entirely changed
and that quickly. The plain people
of our country are not lacking in in
telligence and they see and understand
it. While times were good and bust
ness brisk people were content to over
look it, being engrossed in their own
affairs and not caring to take the time
and trouble to bother with it. Now
when competition is sharp and bust
ness dull, men are endeavoring to
stop all the leaks and reduce all un-
necessary expenses, governmental
and private, and prodigality in any
thing pertaining to legislation makes
them at once suspicious. 1t is true,
too true, that we have large class,
denominated the floating vote. which
halls with delight the growth of cor
rupt practices, as enuring to its own
benefit, but, thank God, the plain,
honest people are greatly in the ma
Jorlty in this country and whenever
they are aroused no fear need be had
for the cause of right and justice. The
thing to be feared is the fact that
when the masses are moved to indig-
nation they necessarily become a
crushing force and sometimes go too
far. Let millionaire politicians there
fore take warning.
Itmay be said Eyes, but how can this
corruption be stopped except by rev.
olution?' Nothing is easier Let
every candidate for public office start
out with the firm intention to be hon
est and stick to it. The masses will ap-
preciate it and support him all the
more heartily, for while he may lose
one venial vote now and then he will
gain the support of a dozen honest men
for every vote so lost Other men will
be stimulated to follow his example. If
he loses, his defeat will not be so cost
ly and if he wins his victory will be
all the more honorable as we'll as pro-
fitable. In either case he will retain
the choicest possession of any man, be
he vassal or king-a clear conscience.
SENATOR GORMANS SPEECH.
The financial problem remains un-
solved and the situation is practical
ly unchanged. Neither Democrats nor
Republicans seem to be able to sug-
geest any practical measure of relief
1t was expected that Senator Cor
man would throw some light on the
subject in his speech on Monday but
he only succeeded in making plain
what every one knew already-that
it is imperatively necessary that some
thing be done. Commenting on his
speech, the Baltimore Herald of Tues
day says editorially:
Interesting as the speech which Senator
German delivered yesterday was it proved
somewhat disappointing for the reason that,
instead offering any solution of the currency
problem, it took mainly the form of defense
of the Senate against the aspersions cast upon
that body. What he did make clear with re-
gard to the financial question, however, was
the urgency of some action because the reven-
ues under the amended Wilson bill will not
be sufficient to cover government expendi-
lures. This statement Senator Vest sought
to challenge, but he was met with reference
to a statement submitted by Secretary Carlisle
who holds the same opinion.
The speech was a temperate, unimpassion-
ed presentation Of the issue, with special
comment upon Mr.. Hills clamorous argument
for repeal Of the income tax provision. Mr.
German reasserted that the bill, as it passed
the Senate, was compromise measure, and
that no other one could have been put through.
In order to take any one item off the dutiable
list it would first be necessary to provide a re-
venue equivalent to the loss upon something
else.
This being the situation, the duty of Con-
gress is plain. Whatever is calculated to un-
settle the tariff and bring about renewal of
agitation must be, for the present, avoided,
since such agitation will reduce the govern