The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1903-10-31
Address of Joseph w. Folk
.....at.....
St. Joseph, Miss souri,,
October oath, 1908.

tory to answer by pointing out what
has been accomplished along other
lines. The appalling disclosures OF
official venality has brought the peo-
pie Of Missouri credit for what has
been done and grave responsibilities
for the future. The disease has been
checked, but the people alone can
make the cure permanent. So far as
the Democratic party is concerned the
exposures will be an asset or liability,
as the party may act.
There can be nc dispute between
Democrats as to the fiscal manage
ment Of the state, and all take a pride
in the magnificent institutions Of the
commonwealth. The only division Is
concerning the shocking yenality dis
covered in the legislative departments
of municipal and state governments.
The revelations Of official corruption
in st. Louis and Missouri make what
the Democratic party and what the
people of Missouri are going to do
about it a burning issue. After all
this corruption has been laid bare can
the Democratic party afford to go
on as if nothing had happened? What
would be thought of the people Of
Missouri If they we're to remain igno-
bly, silent after they have been shown
how they have been mercilessly rob-
bed for years? When the people are
Ignorant of existing conditions they
may be innocently Indifferent, but toll
GRAFTON Of known abuses is criminal.
The people are sovereign, and have 1t
in their power to correct the things
that dishonor and Cypress, or by in
difference allow them to go on. The
highest duty confronting the Missouri
Democracy is the eradication Of brib-
cry from public office. 1t is said
there has not been much %boodling af-
ter all-only a few petty offenders.
Let us e in a general way what has
been developed.
Bribery Developments.
There came to st. Louis in 1898 a
capitalist from New York seeking a
franchise covering nearly all the
streets Of the city. He came like a
thief in the night, with tools of green
backs and gold. He paid to the Mu-
nicipal Assembly S25O,OOOO0 in brides
to get this franchise. twenty-five out
Of twenty-eight members of the House
of Delegates took brides Of 100000
each. Seven members of the Council
were given from $40, 100000 to SIT, $780,
90 each for their votes. One Coun-
Gilman took 2 100000 from opposing
interests to vote against the fran
chise; then accepted from the promo
ter $50,0000.00 to vote in favor of the
measure. Upon receipt Of the latter
sum he returned the first amount to
the man who gave it to him, saying
that he could not keep it, as he did
not think he could honestly" a it
by voting against the bill. Upon re-
Election he likewise returned the $780,
10000, with the suggestion that $780,
10000 was the dignifed amount he
wanted. In the hope of receiving this
he voted for the bill, and finally, after
many trials and tribulations, he sue
ceeded in getting 100000. These
seven members of the Council were
paid a regular salary of 100000 a
year each by street railroads to serve
them instead of the people. The pro-
moter got his franchise, which cost
him a quarter of a million dollars in
: brides, and sold it for ST. 5 0 100000.
The city received not a cent for all
, the streets given away. The promoter
obtained his franchise from the Mu.
/ nicipaI Assembly, and also got five
years in the penitentiary from a jury
for bribery.
An ordinance to light the city wa;
bribed through the House of Delegates
for S47,5oO.00. The bargain was made
, on the floor Of the House of Delegate:
between the bribe giver and the com
: bine Of bride takers. The money wa'
l given to one Of the combine, and after
? the meeting these public servants me
: at the house Of one of their members
and divided the plumber. On another
franchise these nineteen officials
members of the combine, received
100000 each for their votes. FoI
still another franchise the combine o
the House of Delegates demanded
$75,000.00, which was put in a loci
, box of a trust company, one key be
ing held by the representative of thu
railroad and the other by the agent c
the combine, the agreement being tina
the money was to be turned over t,
| the members Of the combine In tn,
House of Delegates when the ord
nance should be passed. This $4,000.
90 Is in the lock box now, having
/. been caught between the lines, an,
7 has been produced in court durinl
} the trials. Another corruption fun,
of 100000 is In a lock box in an
) other trust company, put there b.
r this railroad for members Of the Cit.
Council. This likewise has been pre-
: duced In court and counted before ju
ries.
There were combines formed in bot
branches Of the Municipal Assembl,
for the purpose of getting money 70
the votes Of members Of tho combin
a