The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1904-10-27
CAMPAIGN ABUSES
Parker Charges Government Officers
Are Chosen by Corporations.
LEVNNo ON TRUSTS SCORED

Says Contributions Are Made to In.
duce and Procure Colonization,
Repeating and Bribery In Doubtful
States.
Esopus. y. Y. oct 25.-Judge Par
Ler laid aside the issues usually dis
cussed in national political contests
and addressed crowd OF several hun
dred persons on the general topic OF
campaign practices and abuses.
He rebukcd the present adminlstra'
ton for the part government officials
are alleged to be taking in the cam
paign. he charged that the officers OF
the government are now practically
chosen bv a handful OF corporate man
ayers who contribute the assets OF the
corporations to keep the conduct Of
the government in the hands they
consider best for their private IN
tcrcsts
In part Judge Parker said
81 make no complaint nor should
complaint be- made Of any individual
who contributes toward the many le-
climate expenses of great cam
paign The capitalist. as an individual.
has as much right 10 contribute to
such purposes and in proportion TO
his means as has his less wealthy fell
lowcNzcn. Whatever he may do. bas-
ed on a patriotic desire TO help elect
tho candidates of that party which it
seems tO him will best serve the inter
osts Of the country. should be encour-
aged
All classes are mutually dependent
upon and mutually helpful 20 each
other and no word or act Of mine
shall cause a gulf to be opened be-
tween them But there is a wide diff
ference between an individual en-
blowing his wealth in the manner en-
nloycd bv law and individuals and
corporations who operate in defiance
of the law. The first is independent;
the latter dependent upon government
favoriti,m. II is but little while since
the body of people at large provided
the legitimate expenses Of campaign.
Some OF the enterprises which have
undulv thrivcd through favoritism,
and which have been permitted by
statute to Indirectly levy tribute upon
the people. have in the course Of time
become 50 rich and strong that they
can and DO contribute vast sums
when it is made clear that il will ad-
vantage them. and they contribute
npon the promise. direct or implied.
that they shall be- permitted TO con-
tinuc 10 tax the people for their own
benefit Upon such promises contribu-
tons have been not infrequently
made in such large measure as to in
duce and procure colonization. repeat
ing and bribery i'm doubtful states
"This has built mp a class of voters
known 10 local leaders as 'noaters.
class So numerous that party canvas
sers allot I'D them in their canvass
books separate column headed with
that name
when such forces unite 70 furnish
the money which they are promised
will control the election. their pur-
pose is as clear as noon day 1t is to
huy protection. TO purchase four years
more Of profit by tariff taxation: or
four wears more Of eXtOrtion from the
public by means Of monopoly
~ challenge which ought 10 be ac-
cepted The question ought 10 be set
tied now whether the 'hoaters and
Illegal combinations can together con
troll an election in this country Such
a contest means on one side vast sums
~ money and every man with an itch
ing palm n ought 70 array every hon
est. independent and patriotic citizen
on the other side