The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1901-02-01

sweeping charges Of bribery in connec'
ton with the senatorial contest before
the Legislature. The Issue Of Thursday
tells the public about ss nearly as words
can express idea or insinuation that TWO
Of the Marion county members Of the leg
islature who are supporting Mr. Cor
bett have been paid TO doso. The gentle
men can defend themselves If called
upon 10 do 30 before a proper tribunal,
and the mst,er is Oaly referred 70 here
because there is great deal Of this kind
Of talk at present in connection With The
legislature.
Such talk, unless backed up by iae's,
is very cheap. Il is an easy thing said
that a member Of the legislature has
sold bis vote. It is easy 10 say news
paper has been bought of from telling
tbetruih or has been hired 70 pursue
a certain course. Il is easy 70 charge a
state official with corruption. Much
like that was said about Governor Geer
the past two years. No facts material
izidg, the legislature was 10 bring forth
We missing facts between truth and
calumny, but they are still among the
things that have not iuaterialized.
It's no uncommon remark for irai
humanity TO make about the editor Of a
paper that il disagrees with, that iba,
editor has sold out. Neither is II un-
common 70 have a lawyer charged with
taking fees from both sides Of case.
legislators are accused Of taking briber,
right and left. Public officials in all
stations are ject 10 the same random
charges. II is no uncommon thing toI
hear the statement that q rich criminal
cannot BE- convicted, which Is nothing
less than an accusation against the trial
courts. II is even whispered at times
that supreme court can be bought with
cold cash or for political iayoritism
These things are INDUCED In too freely
and too easily. They are blot upon
he men who indulge in them, and 10
credit 10 our sgs.
Bot after all allowance Is made for
human liability 10 error and judge
hastily and jump At the conclusion our
wishes would reach In spite Of the
pauoiiy Of facts In any given case. what
shall We say Of the disposition TO look
upon human nature a. always capable
Of the worst7 Does II not belle the
experiences Of the common run Of man
Kind, aud the teachings Of history Il
not the average lawyer honest with his
clientH Does not the average physician
Of any school really wish his patient TO
get we'll aud cut of his own fees for
aitendanoe7 Does not tho average
legislator seek TO benefit his constituent,
rather than hlmselfY Can there not b.
honesty Of purpose on tho part Of
members Of this legislature in support.
iug Mr. Corbot, or Mr.. McBrideH
Marion county never had a set Of men
In tho legislature who stand better
among their neighbors, who arc morc
highly esteemed where they live, OF
who better bear their parts In their
several eallings or more faithfully die
charge their special duties to society,
than tho present delegation Of rep
rcsentaliyea aud senators. They have
right 10 differ in their yiows without be
log charged with bribery or any utter or
or degrading motive, that tends TO die.
grace them In tho eyes Of ther families
y tho community. We do not say this
because they require any defence at our
! i,uds Ior they do not, bu, 10 show h,W
Iood men may 10 uniusily aspersed ior
10 sufficient facts or roason whatever.