The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1899-11-25
CORRUPT PRACTICES.
Reform Leagues Bill Ready For the
Legislature.

The Reform Leagues corrupt practices bill
is practically ready to be presented to the
Legislature.
The bill is intended TO prevent such large
expenditures of money as have characterized
elections of recent years. Certain limits are
established and full publicity must be given
every item of expenditure. 1t is believed
that this measure, in connection with the anti
bribery statutes, will effectaally limit the use
of money for political purposes.
EXPENDITURES UF CANDIDATES.
The bill provides that no candidate for
Office shall, either by himself or through
agents or political committees, pay, promise
or offer any money or other valuable thing
exceeding in the aggregate a sum determined
upon the following basis: For 5000 voters
or less, 500; for each 100 voters over 5000
and under %, 900, 81; for each 100 voters over
$4,000, so cents. The number of voters is to
be ascertained by the total number of votes
cast for all the candidates for such offices at
the last preceding regular election to fill 1t.
This sum, however, shall not include the
actual travelling expenses and board bills OF
the candidate, nor money paid for printed
matter in newspapers, pamphlets, letters or
circulars.
STATEMENTS TO BIZ FILED.
The law extends its provisions not only TO
nominated or independent candidates who
may contest in the regular election, but TO
candidates for nomination whose names may
be used in primary elections or brought be-
fore any caucus or convention. Every candl-
date, within 80 DAYS after the election. must
make out aad file with the clerk Of the Cir
cult Court in his county, or the clerk of the
Superior Court in Baltimore city, and with
the officer empowered by law to issue the
certificate of election to the place sought, =
complete written statement of all money con
tributed, expended or promised by him, and,
to the best of his knowledge. by any other
persons in his behalf. or la connection
with the election OF any other person or per
sons, The dates of aIl payments or promises.
the names of the recipients and the purpose
ofthe payment or promises must be plainly
stated. This statement must be sworn to, and
the successful candidate cannot receive his
commission until he files the same.
POLITICAL COMMITTEES.
The law also sets its draguet for political
committees. Every committee or organiza.
ton which has anything 10 do with raising or
discussing money for election purposes Is
deemed political committee Il mus, ap-
point a treasurer, who shall keep careful
record of all mouey received and spent, al
money must pass through bis hands Any at
tempt By y committee to collect or expend
money except in accordance with the act Is
unlawful The treasurers record must show
the amounts, dates and purpose Of every re
ceipi and expenditure. Within 80 DAYS after
an election the treasurer must file complete
sworn statement Of receipts and expenditures,
This statement must cover u period beginning
go days before election aud terminating when
the statement is filed. Full particulars re-
gArding unpaid debts aud obligations must be
included.
All these statements Of candidates aud CON
mitiees are 10 be kept on 6le for fogr years
aud be open TO public inspection.
PENALTIES PROVIDED.
The law then goes on to provide penalties
for violation. The candidate who fails 20
comply MAY be fined not les, thau 500 aer
more than 81 Goo or imprisoned Tor Ne, more
than two years; or both taed aud imprisoned
The committee treasurer who falls TO tile the
required statement NAV BE- fined any sam be-
tween 500 and 81 90 Failure 70 keep eor-
rect book accounts, or the alteration. mulillA.
ioH OF destruction % books. with intent En
conceal anything. or failure io Gle statement
after Hoticc given him sitter the expirAtoa Of
The time limlt, is punishable by imprisonment
Of not mnre than two years not les, than SIX
months. Wiiiiul false statements are 10 be
deal, ~i;h By The las covering perjury