Evening journal., 1901-02-22
uNMASK THE BRIBe-eNsR

Representative Hearn, one OF the
twenty-five Democratic members Of
the delaware Legislature, says that a
prominent Addicks man offered him
$1,000 to absent himself from the joint
session yesterday, and to induce an
other member to keep away at the
same time. Having reported the fact
TO his Democratic colleagues, he has
done all that an honorable man can
do. except to give to tho public the
name of the Addicks man who at
tempted to bribe him. We understand
that il is a Sussex county man who has
known him all his life, and who pro-
fessed to be his warm friend and most
genial companion, and that he has
begged so piteously to Mr.. Hearn to
spare him and his relatives the dis
grace Of the exposure that he is dis.
posed TO refrain from summary action.
This is wrong and prejudicial to the
public interest. If there is an Addicks-
ite briber in or around this State
House, It is the bounden duty OF Mr.
Hearn to disclose his identity in a
formal and conclusive manner on the
floor of the House to the end that that
body may deal with him as he deserves
to be dealt with. The fact that no is
a young man Of respectable family
connection should not excuse him. He
is old enough TO know better than to
BIZ Offering bribes Of $4,000 to members
of the Legislature to vote for Addicks
or to absent themselves from the ses-
sion to reduce the number of votes nee
essary for Addicks 10 have to obtain
an election.
Many know from hearsay who this
young man is But hearsay evidence
will not go in legislative investiga-
tion, especially when the senatorial
voting is involved in the transaction.
What the people want, and what they
demand to know from Mr.. Hearn Is the
full name, official position and politi-
cal affillation of the would-be-briber,
together with the exact time, place and
circumstances connected with the out
rageous tender OF money as an induce
ment to betray a high public trust
and foist upon the people an unworthy
man for United States senator.
Former personal friendship and ac-
quaintance with members OF the
bribcr's family should weigh as moth
ing The young man who offered the
money did not scruple TO insult the in
tegrity OF Mr. Hearn. Had Mr. Hearn
been a man Of WEAK morals he would
not have scrupled to have given him
$4,000 TO disgrace himself for life. He
even sought to use Mr.. Hearns sick
father as an excuse and cover for the
damnable act of public treachery.
We advance these alternative propo.
sitions:
First-That Representative Hear
make public statement on the fool
of the House, pointing out to the mem
bers the man who offered the bribe an,
asking for the appointment Of a com
mittoa OF take evidence.
Second-That some member O
the House having the integrit!
and inviolability OF the bod!
at heart, offer a resolution nam
ing a COMMITTEES OF five good men Il
investigate the charges made.
Third-That Representative Hear
be summoned before that committe,
put under oath and asked these foa
questions:
Wene you offered a bribe Of 81 900 {
absent yourself from the joint sessio
on Thursday and to induce anothC
Democratic member to absent himse
with you?
Who offered the bribe?
Where and when was IL offered?
How was it offered, and what wei
the words used in making the hande
After he has answered these que
tons let the sergsant-at-arms go
the man who offered the bribe, briI
him before tha committee and lat hi
be asked what he has to say for hiI
self
Every member Of the Housh has
interest in this matter, and not o
would dare vote against a propo
tion advanced to rid the State Hor
and its neighborhood Of Union Repu
Ifoor, hriho- crfttr,-s