The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-28
ONE MORE EXAMPLE.

In upholding this States integrity and repute
against the local sanderers and other assaants who
asserted the doctrine of shamelessness The Republic
has maintained that Missouri. far from being oh
jcct of commiseration among ssterhood of States
account Of its revulsion against lobbyiSm and We
nalty has elevated itself the lofty position of an
example; example which this paper has lahorrd
consistently TO commend TO other C@mmonwealths.
Which will follow Mssouri's lead?
For the past nine months this Interrogation has
been sounded through these columns-not by way of
taunt not by way of calling the kettle black on behalf
of the pot from which the smoke came. but with the
hope that this States voluntary and bravcly borne or
deal might inspire another community with the cour-
age of repentance and zeal of action.
"One more example of reform has been The Re
publics plea: for with one State to stand forth
boldly for deiverance against the common enemy
the tentaced thing which has spread itself many
territories-there would be double impetus toward
that Great Civic Awakening of which good citizenship
dreams. The Great Civic Awakening is less remote
than dream: it is possibility; with another example
in Missouris direction it would become probability:
with reform tendency wider than State lines it would
become fact Missouri has demonstrated within il
self that reused antaGonism to the old corrupt
regime is irresistible The tendency, the process, Is
perfect within the sphere of its operations; it will
spread to the uttermost borders of its field Give it
broader rum an interstate area, and it will do the
larger work completely.
The Republics constantly reiterated suggestion has
bright promise Of friton Recently this paper pub
lished and commented upon 4 remark ascrbed 10
Daniel J. Kelley the effect that he had debauched
the legislatures of States including that OF
Kansas Kansas instantly gave heed. William Allen
White of the Empora Gazette took up the cudge and
urged prompt Investigation upon the Governor and
Attorney General. No official action has yet been
taken but the newspapers over the State rose up with
ayes and nays. and the people thinking deeply Mr.
White in reply to those papers. which he terms the
defenders Of the crooked points out that it is curious
fact showing the influence Of dishonest politicians
honest editors that in every instance where
a newspaper has opposed the request for Doodle in
vestigaton either the Senator of the Represent
atives from that county has reputation for shady
deals.
Reform is 4 synonym for trials and tribuations. as
Mr. White already knows and will further learn Every
newspaper influence close to boodedom will level fire
at the nstgator Of crimes overthrow In ST. Louis for
months The Republic single handed scourged the loot
ers and demanded the election of live Circuit Attor
ney on straight, clean-cut bodde issue the only
hope of reform. while machine papers fought back
bitterly in defense Of rings and attacked reformers
with all possible venom. After awhile. however. these
organs changed compass to keep with the people and
with all apparent sincerity The Emporia Gazette will
probably find that many of boodlts defenders in Kan
will likewise swing into line when resistance be-
comes futile and upheavals inevitable.
Editor White is armed with fact for the fray. In re-
ply to denunciatons from other papers, he asserts
definite knowledge of crooked transaction in the Leg
slature. where spot cash paid, and the transac
ton repeated many times. he lays. Hearken TO
this. Governor Bailey and Mr.. -.ttorney General
Hearken to tbs Grand Jurors! Whites address is
well known. and he will cheerfully obey summons
Call him and acquire his information of crooked trans
actions where actual spot cash changed hands.
Missouri will stand behind the Kansan in cour
ageous attempt to make one more example Open the
dividing border and let Missouris sentiment sweep in
to au ment that of Kansas. The wave of reform
sourced in Missouri. flowing into Kansas. will renew
and double its force. 1t may break all boundaries,
rushing hither and thther as a cleansing flood.
WIRE COMMITS