The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-10-28
Citizens.

Esopus, N. Y, October 24.-Judga
Parker today laid aside the issues
usually discussed in national political
contests and addressed a crowd of sew,
ieral hundred persons on the general
topic of campaign practices and
abuses. He said in part:
Many years have passed since my
l~active participation in politics. In thu
meantime a startling condition has
taken place in the method of conduct
4ng campaigns, a change not for bet
ter, but for the worse, a change that
methods, which threaten the integ-
rity OF our government, leaving it per-
haps a republic in form. but not a
republic in substance, no longer 3
government of the people, by the peo-
pie, for the people. but a government
whose officers are practically chosen
by a handful of corporate managers,
who levy upon the assets of the stock
lholders whom they represent, such
sums of money as they deem requi,
site to place the conduct of the gov
ment in such hands as they consider
best for their private interests. 1
make no complaint, nor should COM
plant be made of any individual who
contributes toward the many legiti-
mate expenses of a great campaign.
The capitalist, as an individual, las
as much right to contribute to such
purposes and in proportion to his
means as a his less wealthy fellow
citizen. Whatever he may do, based
candidate Of that party which it Seems
to him will best serve h interests
of the country, should be encouraged.
1T is but a little while since the
body Of the people at large provided
the legitimate expenses or a compaign.
When farmer and lawyer, doctor and
mechanic. day laborer and banker,
each contributed something toward
the erection of banners, the circula-
lAoIi " lCtolS I'm IN SSpNtiS~S ~
public meetings each contributor was
a better citizen for it. 1t stimulated
his patriotism and the contributions
were devoted to the legitimate ad-
vancement of the cause, not made
for the deliberate corruption of mas
ses of electors.
Gradually, and alas effectively, but
surely not permanently, a all this
lprises which have unduly thrived
Through favoritism, and which nave
been permitted by statute to inds-
rectly levy tribute on the people, have
in the course of time become SO rich
and strong that they can and do con-
Tribute vast sums, when it is made
clear tina it will advantage them, and
they contribute upon h promise,
direct or implied, that they shall be
permitted to continue to tax the peo-
pile for their own benefit. Upon such
promises contributions have been not
infrequently made in such large
measures as to induce and procure
colonization, repeating and bribery in
doubtful states.
This has built up a class of voters
known to local leaders as 'floaters.' a
lclass so numerous that party canvass
lers ailot to them. in their canvass
books, a separate column, headed
with that name. This condition is
recognized by party workers, local,
Estate and national. They are no
longer shocked by it, 1t has become
$50 prevalent that they are becoming
hardened to it.
THE excessively protected interests.
which formerly poured out their
Treasure in order to. continue existing
land procure the passage Of new laws
permitting it's further accumulation,
have been Joined by the combinations
commonly called trusts. Their plan
is to perpetuate the present admins
Itration. Such of the combinations or
trusts as do not profit by h aid OF
the tariff, secure their profits by the
lofficers are opposed to the enforce
lment of law as against them.
When such forces unite to furnish
the money which they are promised
will control the election, their pur-
Ipose is as clear Is moor day-it is TO
buy protection, to purchase four years
more OF profit by tariff taxation, or
flour years more OF extortion from
1.-THE public by means of monopoi-.
Political contributions by corpo-
i~rations and trusts mean corruption.
They cannot be honest Merely busi.
mess interests are moved by merely
business considerations a corpora