The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-12-09
IDEAS
SEEM BUT NATURAL
Circuit Attorney Folk Talks of
Similarity in Roosevelt's
Views on Bribery.
ADMIREs STAND HE TAKES.
Nothing Unusual That Another
of Same Opinion Should Ex-
press Thoughts in the
Same Vein.

Concerning the similarity Of ideas on the
question of bribery. as expressed in Presi-
dent Roosevelt's message to Congress. and
his own utterances in arguments before
jurics and in his public speeches and in
terviews, Circuit Attorney Joseph w.
Folk yesterday said:
while in Washington a few weeks ago
I discussed with the President the neces-
covering bribery.
Il have made many speeches embracing
every conceivable phase Of bribery, and
it is but natural that another holding the
same views would express similar ideas.
THE President is in thorough sympathy
with the crusade against public corrup-
ton. His vigorous action in the matter
Of the Charles Kratz extradition, and his
recommendations as to treaties with all
nations making bribery extraditable,
should be commended by all citizens re-
gardless of party or creed.
while I differ radically with the Presi-
dent in politics, am in thorough accord
with him on this question and admire the
stand he has taken in favor Of stamping
out official corruption.
tagonize the corrupt men in the Repub-
lican party, though. as usual, they will
not put their opposition on that ground.
His utterances denouncing the givers
and takers Of brides will be Of great serv-
ice to the cause Of justice here and every
where"
Sixteen men connected with boodling
deals in st. Louis have been prosecuted
and in ali Of his addresses to the turtles
he has used similar expressions to those
used in the Presidents message.
EXPRESSION OFTEN HEARD.
In the interviews and his public speeches
since his name has been connected with
the gubernatorial candidacy Circuit At
torney Folk has given utterance to his
views on the question Of bribery and has
often been heard to use the words "other
offenses violate one law, while bribery
strikes at the foundation Of all law"
Circuit Attorney Folk made two visits
to Washington to interest the President
IN the matteriof treaties covering bribery.
Soon after Ktatz fed to Mexico the Cir
saw the President. Az a result the
treaty with Mexico was amended and
made retroactive 80 that Kratz could be
brought back to st. Louis for trial.
On September s of this year Mr.. Folk
was in conference with the President for
several hours. and it was found then that
their views on COrruptlOn were the same
Mr.. Folk at the Presidents request ex-
pressed his ideas Of bribery and the ne
cessity Of treaties covering It, 80 that
a fugitive from Justice charged with the
crime could be extradited from any for
President Roosevelt agreed with Mr..
Folk on the matter. and the st. Louis
Circuit Attorney left Washington feeling
sure that the President would do every
thing In his power to bring about the
desired treaties.
Mr.. Folk yesterday was not interested
in the similarity Of views as expressed in
the Presidents message and in his own
utterancee, but was more pleased to know
that the Chief Executive had recommend
Ell to Congress- the necessity OF treaties
with other countries covering bribery.
The Circuit Attorneys great desire IL
to bring Ella wainwright from France
and Daniel ]. Kelley from Canada to face
st. Louis juries on the charges Of bribery
that are now pending against them in the
Circuit Court.
In the Presidents message to Congress
Mr.. Folk now sees the way opening for
the achievement Of success In such eff
forts. and he anticipates the amendment
Of the United States'g treaties with all
countries, 20 that the fugitive who seeks
q haven IN any land from prosecution for
bribery IN this country will not ind It.