The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-04-06

perjury. and only escaped the ignominy at
taching TO their Infamous conduct by reason
of the fact that the evidence though salts
flying our minds, would not be admissible
In the trial courts.
While legal evidence may be lacking to
bring upon them the penalty for their acts.
yet they are morally convicted and damned
by their connection with such debauchery.
Some of these are as guilty as those against
whom Indictments have been returned the
only difference being that they have been
more successful in covering their tracks.
There can be no such thing as the bribe-
taker unless there be the bribe-giver Both
are guilty under the law. The bribe-take
however. not only violates the Law regard
ing bribery. but his oath of office also and
proves recreant to the sacred trust reposed
PRESENT Law
PRONOUNCED GOOD.
Much has been said about a revision of
the law touching bribery, by making either
the bribe-giver or the bribe-taker alone
guilty. We believe the Law as it now stands
wnen properly administered. more effective
JuJolcious exercise of discretion on the part
of prosecuting officers in permitting one or
the other to testify for the state
With the fear of punishment hanging over
poth, evidence can be more readily secured
than II only one side was punishable under
the law. In bribery there are always two
parties. one being an official.
For the prosecution of cases witnesses are
required, and necessarily, one, either the
bribe-giver or the brfbe-taker, must be al
lowed to testify, and the State is permitted
both by law end custom in there as in all
other criminal cases. to use some as wit
neSseS against the others
1t would be desirable, of course. IL all of
the parties to bribe could be punished,
but that, under our system of law, Is i'm
possible. for an attempt to punish all would
leave the State without evidence as to any.
The issue is now up between public de-
cency, law and order. and public de
bauchery and lawlessness. The fight is no
easy one. and the officials engaged in it re-
Quire the support and encouragement of all
law-abtding citizens
MILLIONS AND INFLUENCE
BEHIND CORRUPTTONISTS.
The corruptionists are strongly IN
trenched behind millions of money and up-
told influence II is a herculean task to
every aid should be given those engaged in
the work.
The press of the city has been, for the
most part, of valuable assistance in this
crusade. Through them healthy public
sentiment has been aroused
1t is the subject Of much regret. how
ever. that any reputable newspaper should
lend itself in aid of the lawless element by
impugning the motives Of Grand Jurors and
officials in their endeavors to enforce the
in our municipal affairs.
We cannot but believe, however, that
these attacks were made thoughtlessly and
We are glad to know that at present the
city is very creditable in this regard
The efforts of Grand Jurors and officials
to clean up the municipal atmosphere
should have the approval of all the decent
element.
While the startling conditions detailed
above exist as rule In the Municipal As
sembly. yet there are members Of both
houses deserving Of the highest praise for
the fearlessness with which they have stood
by the interests OF the people. We do not
mention them: indeed, it is not necessary.
but the intelligent observer of passing
events can readily do so.
CHANGE IN METHOD
OF CHOOSING DELEGATES.
This era of corruption has been brought
about primarily through lack of interest in
public affairs on the part of intelligent cit
zens. The great mass of the people are
honest, 1t is only small percentage of the
whole that ,n are dishonest: dishonest: yet. Unfortunate
greatest interest In political affairs
The method of selecting members of the
amending the Charter of the city to per-
nit the nomination merely of the Dele
gates by wards and districts composed of
two or more wards and chosen at the cleo
lion by a majority of the qualified voters
Of the city. Liberal compensation should
be paid by the city to such officers TO the
md that honest men would and Could afford
to serve the city in that capacity
STRAW BONDsMEN
DEBAUCH JUSTICE.
Second only to bribe-givers and bribe
takers in the debauchery of justice are
straw bondsmen. These have FOR years in
tested the criminal courts Without prop
.rty, they go before the Judges and qualify,
then go on the bail of criminals who after
ward abscond.
Through the vigorous action on the part
1f the Circuit Attorneys Office the straw
oondsmen, We are glad to note have about
oeen weeded out. One was recently In
iicted tried, convicted and sentenced to
i've years in the Penitentiary. This should
serve as a warning to all others Of like
Kind.
CONTRACT FOR REDUCTION
Of CITY GARBAGE.
We have accumulated a large mass of
evidence in the endeavor to bring to trial
INV officials or members Of the assembly
for postponing or delaying the
proper action in securing competition for
he garbage reduction contract
BY reason Of the delay it was found neces-
;ary to renew the contract for three wears
whereby the amount per annum was in
creased from $50. 700 to $l31 400 to the same
for like service rendered by 1t
lnder the old contract.
In two and half years a new contract
must be made. To accomplish the most
satisfactory results. carefully considered
,lan should be presented which viii specify