The Green Forest tribune., 1904-04-30
THE DOOM OF BOODLING.
Official Corruption is Catching it
 Hard in All Quarters.


 One of the encouraging signs of the times is found in the official notice now taken of corruption in office, says the editor of the Kansas Farmer. T Ae memory of the oldest citizen recalls the frequency of allusion u dishonest acquisition of wealth at public expense. There was, in the estimation of the average former time citizen, no remedy for this evil. True, the dishon- esty was nearly always charged to sl member of the opposite party, and the citizen who would not defend his own party's represent atives against all charges and under all circumstances was characterized by party managers as scarcely it to live. Possibly peculations have been on a larger scale of late than formerly, but they have probably not been more common. But the time has now come when the private citizen or the officer may speak boldly of the bribe taker and the "grafter" without losing caste With his party.
 A conspicuous example of bravery and efficiency i'll bringing official corruptionists to justice is now seen in tHe state of Missouri. The City of St. Louis, like all large cities, was being mercilessly plundered by persons in office, and by others, with official con- nivance. By some strange dis pensation of late, an honest, fear less and capable young man Was elected to the office Of circuit att torney in St. Louis. He has succeeded in placing in the pen itentiary boodlers of wealth and influence. lie is a democrat, as becomes d Mlssourian, but he has been no respecter of partlzens ill his attentions to evil -doers. His hook IS oated especially for the big fishes. Money, threats and every other influence known to the dishonesty thrifty have been tried on the dauntless young circuit attorney to no avail lie Is making the atmosphere of Missouri as far as regards the confines of St. Louis, exceeding ly disagreea0le for the corrupt. State OIie0r5 have trembled at his glance. The people, the common people, honest people ot his party have determined that this young attorney, Joseph Folk Dy name, IS the man they WanG TOT governor. They are selecting delegates to the demo- cratic state convention; and, while the political machinery of lis party Is against him the cnauceS seem favorODle that Folk will receive the nomination. In Missouri, this will be equival ent to his election. The strong- est and best papers in Missouri without regard to party, are making the punishment and suppression of boodling the issue Of tlle campign.
 The fact that Folk has lived in Missouri has greatly purified the political atmosphere of the state. Nothing Can take away the honor that attaches to his name. His example must be an inspira- ton to all honest men every where. Missouri will greatly honor herself by placing such a man in the gubernatorial chair.
 Quite as conspicuous and quite as encouraging is the exposure and punishment of the taking of illicit gain by officers of the United States. Those who have been recently brought to justice are mostly III the postoffice de- partment. They have been pur- sued without consideration of party affiliations by the pres- ent and the preceding republican administration. YAe determined backing of President Roosevelt has been especially valuable and has protected the investigators from the powerful influences which sought, for personal and partizan reasons, to cripple the investigation and to modify some ofits most important results.
 It should be a reason for no little nridA tn auarn KanSan tn