The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-04-25
Mr.. BRYAN ON MUNICIPAL BRl-
Berry.

Berry.
In the Comn1oner of April the 18th, Mr..
Bryan discusses tie recent disgracetul
disclosures in the city Of st. Louis. He
recalls the leading facts as set forth
In the report OF the grand jury. The.
Central Traction Company started out
to purchase a franchise. In the further
ance Of this purpose the company dis
tributcd a corruption fund of two hun
dred and fifty thousand dollars and thus
succeeded in securing a franchise which
was aftcrward sold for million and q,
quarter. Referring. finally, to the state
ment of the grand jury that there are.
men OF seeming great responsibility. di-
rectors in large corporations and promi-
ncnt in business and social circles who
would not hesitate to put up money for
the purpose OF brjbing through tho as
sembly measures in which they were
interested" Mr.. Bryan says:
The investigation resulted in bringing
out more facts than are generally made
public in such cases. but most of the
large cities have had experiences quite
similar to those through which ST. Louis
is now passing, and attention is called
to this instance for the purpose OF en-
lphasizing the necessity Of cultivatlng
public sentiment which will punish great
criminals as severely as petty CRIMINALS
are punished.
Seemingly respectable men" who de-
bauch legislatures and perjure themselves
to conceal their criminality ought to pay
tho full penalty and also be made to feel
the force of public opinion. How can
respect for the law be cultivated among
poor people if law is not enforced against
the rich? And how can the small GRIM
inal be taught the disgracefulness OF
wrong IL no disgrace attaches 10 the
prominent wrong-doer? The church ana
press must play a conspicuous part IN
the cultivation Of this public sentiment,
and it would seem an opportulie .lille ,, iUa
an zeSression from those ministers VINO
in 1896 were so jealous of what they cal1-
ed the nations honor.
The nations homer is involved IN all
snch disgracef,n disclosures. In war
the man who betrays his trust IS con-
demned as a traitor and summary eA-
ecuted. In an official position the mar
who betrays his trust is no less tral-
tor a civic traitor. The man IN once
who sells out has fallen to the very depths
Of degradation lie is not not unit 10 occu-
ny a. position of trust, but he Is unit
to live in decent community. Inc
place for such a traitor is In the penn
tentiarv. But none the less culpable is
the man who brides an Official IL is
the height of insolence and audaclty LOT
, man or q, corporation to purchase the
vote of a representative of the people.
Carry that sort OF criminal practice to Its
logical conclusion, letsthat sort OF GRIM
inal practice become general III this coun-
try, and we should have plutocracy sure
enough. If the servants whom the PEG
ple choose to look after their interests
allow themselves to be purchased by
money, then money is the dominating
power in this country and the people are
its servants.
This is the point to be watched by the
people Corporations are necessary.
They have done a great deal toward the
development of this country and are des-
tined to do Still more. There IS no
danger in them so long as the people
are the controiilns Aoie
as The representatives Of the peo-
nile are true to themselves anu
n their constituents. But IL INC
congregations can buy up our lesisia. ~.
bodies and thus secure legisatioh 'n''
is inimical to the interests OF the peopie'
we shall be surely enough trust-riuuen
nation. Safely lies in the aosoiute iion-
esty and purity Of our represehtaove -
Congress and in the legislative oooles -
the several States, and all puoic oiiic'a's
generally who have to DO Win 'ne eo
porations. 1t is most important. 'fia' sAe
people select only true and urea ii'en
for these positions of trust anu ..ot0
them to strict accountao'llty' A''.s
cannot afford in any degree 10 'oieia'e
treachcry and treason on the psie -
their officials.