The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-11-06

ayers, who levy upon the assets Of the
stockholders they represent such sums
of money as they deem requisite to place
the conduct Of the government In such
hands as they consider best for their
private interests
Floating Glass.
Some OF the enterprises which have
unduly tllrved through favortism and
which have been permitted by statute
to indirectly levy tribute upon the peo-
pie. have In the course of time become
so rich and stron. that they can and
dc. contribute vast sums when 1t is made
clear that 1t will be an advantage to
them. and they contribute upon the prom
ise direct or implied. tnat they shall
be permitted to continue to tax the peo-
pie for their own benefit. Upon such
promise contributions have been not in
frequently made In such large measure
as to induce and procure colonization, re-
peating and bribery In doubtful States.
This has built up a class of voters
"floaters''--n class so numerous that
party canvassers allot to them in their
canvass books a separate column, headed
with that name This condition Is ra-
cognized by party workers, local, State
and national. They are no longer shocked
by 1t. 1t has become SO prevalent That
they are becoming hardened to i.
Joined by the Trusts.
Tho excessively protected interests
which formerly poured out their treasure
III order to continue existing and procure
the passage OF numerous laws permit
ting Its further accumulation, have been
joined by the combinations popularity
trusts Their plan Is to perpetuato The
present administration. Such OF the
combinations or trusts AS do not profit
profits by the exercise of monopoli.s.t
Hence their officers are opposed 70 The
enforcement of law AZ against them.
When such forces mite to furnish the
money which they nre promised Will con-
troll the election their purpose is MS clear
as monday. It Is 10 buy projections to
purchase four years rnore#of profit by
tariff taxation and four years more Of
extortion from tho public by means nf
monopoly. f5 "A
Means Corruption.
political contributions by corporations
and trusts mean corruption. They cam
not be honest, Merely business interests
are moved by merely business consider
atoms, a corporation subscribed to a
political party only because the, :norpo-
ration expects that party. through It's
control Of public officers or,
ilegislatiye---to do something for the ben
eft OF the corporation to refrain from,
doing something to Its injury. No other
motive can DO Imagined, In the nature
Of the things no. other motive can EXIT
The relations established mean the fx-.
recitation, Il not an agreement actual or
Implied. that governmental action Is 70
be influenced by and for corporation In
terests. No sophistry can give any other
aspect to the transactions inPthe minds
Of. reasonable men, Let the defenders
OF tho practice, Il It has defenders al-
swer. these questions: n
"Jyhy do corporations and trusts sub
scribe to political campaigns? What
would a trust think of party which,
after accepting from the trust cam-l
5nalgn contribution Of $4,000 should per-
nit the party's represe tatlYe In office
to take action inimieal to the trust?
AZ Salient QHestion,
Would the pubic Interest DO safe In