Mexico weekly ledger., 1903-08-06
HON. JOSEPH FOLK.
Addressed $4,000 People at the Old
Settlers Reunion at New Flor
enoe-A Magnificent Adj
dress on Good Gov
eminent"

Angus uISt. lue press fepOrUS all III
that Ii was a large and most
Intelligent gathering of people and
that all were well pleased with Mr..
address on Good Govern
ment." Farmers and sturdy yeo-
menry OF the country were present
from ali parts OF Montgomery and adj
counties. At the close of Mr..
Folks address resolutions, which we
print below, were unanimously adopt
ed. The LEDGER hopes later 10 give
the address 10 full, and 1t should find
its way into every home in the State.
We are able at this time only to pub
lish brief extracts.
Mr.. Folk spoke In part as follows:
''The early settlers who developed
the great West were a sturdy and
honest race
"They were the immediate descen-
dants of The founders Of the Republic
and were imbued with the spirit OF
their fore-fathers.
"They realized the value Of the gov
ernmental heritage v~ouchsafed to
them by the heroic efforts of the men
OF the Revolution.
''They were patriotic and believed
In the stability OF their government.
Honorable and great men were
their leaders, whom they loved, almost
reyered.
"As time progressed the faith in
the honesty af their public servants
increased.
"They were obliyious to the sowing
of the seeds and the gradual develop
ment of corruption.
Especially was this true Of the
rural districts, for after all 1t must be
admitted that the germs Of corruption
have begun in the populous centerS.
SAT length the unpleasant truth
dawned and the knowledge spread
that corruption had entered into the
sacred precincts of municipal govern
ment-that places Of honor and trust
were being made the avenues Of
venality and were being diSgracefully
prostituted for criminal purposes.
Investigation revealed the fact
that corruption had spread its can
cerous growth to the country; that
some Of the most trusted and respect
ed representatives had forgotten their
high commission and became involved
in the meshes OF greed.
"This was astounding to the people
of a great State, who had been taught
to believe In the integrity Of those Ia
official positions.
1.-THE title OF a Missouri citizen is a
proud one, but 1t carries with IL re-
sponsibilities as well as privileges.
Each citizen owns a political duty
to his State as well as financial.
"If the people desire good govern.
ment they car get it, for they are
supreme.
"There are many honest public SER
wants Ia Missouri; there are many
who have come through the fiery
ordeal OF investigation uubarmed and
unashamed.
"There are also many officials In
Missouri who have been constituencies
and their cupidity has been such as TO
shock the civilized world.
Doesn't 1t seem strange that a free
people should elect thieves to be the
makers Of their laws?
"If these things had taken place in
medieval ages we would have marvel
ed at it.
1.-THE Lieutenant-Governo Of the
State has confessed to more boodling
than it was thought possible for one
man to commit.
1.-THE honor OF the State has been
peddled around by the seekers Of
brides in return for official influence.
THE Governor himself
distributed bride money amongst GER
tain Senators.
Thousand dollar bills have been
caught sight of here and there, with
Senators in hot pursuit.
Law : makers have confessed e
boodling extending over a period of Il
years, indicating that legislation has
been bought and sold like merchan.
disc.
These revelations should bring a
blush Of shame to honest citizens fol-
having permitted such a state Of
affairs to exist.
"Where will the end be?
"Will the people rule or will they
supinely submit themselves 10 be
further feeced until the time comes
when 1t will be too late to protest?
There are those who deplore the
exposure Of corruption on the ground
that it Injuries the city or State.
"No community can be hurt by the
enforcement Of the law.
Corruption cannot be cured by hid
ing it.
"There is no secret remedy known
for it.
Exposure and punishment of pub
lie plunderers is a states honor and
not its shame.
1.-THE disgrace is in tolerance, not in
correction.
Those who sympathize with corrupt
officials speak very pathetically Of
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