New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-11-06

IhlS is the last opportunity before the cleo
ton will nave to look upon considerable a
number OF Democrats at one time 1t gives
pleasure 70 be able to say that the outlook is
very promising tonight We have had a very
hard task fixing the fences. but those in touch
with the situation realize that the party is in
better condition than ii has been for num-
Der OF years.
The purpose of my address tonight is TO call
attention to the fact that in his strangely be-
lated reply to my speech of twelve days ago the
President has not met the issue created since the
platforms were adopted, namely. Can the trusts
purchase the election? Whatever results may
follow from his address, the campaign fund can
not be interfered with. 1t has been raised
My first utterance on the subject Is TO be
found in an address delivered on October n. IN
which l said
MANY years have passed since my active par
ucipatton in politics. In the mean time a
startling change has taken place In the method
of conducting campaigns, change not for the
better. but for the worse; change that has IN
troduced debasing and corrupt methods whlch
threaten the integrity of our government, leaN-
ing it perhaps republic in form, but not a re-
public in substance; no longer government or
the people, by the people. for the people but
government whose officers practically
chosen by handful of corporate managers VINO
levy upon the assets of the stockholders they
represent such sums of money as they deem
requisite to place the conduct of the govern
ment in such hands as they consider best Tor
their private interests.
RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR
make no complaint. nor should complaint be
made of en individual who contributes toward
the many legitimate expenses of a great cam
paign. The capitalist an individual. has as
much right to contribute TO such purposes and
in proportion to his means as has his less
wealthy fellow citizen Whatever he may 40
based patriotic desire TO help elect the can
didates of that party which seems TO MIN
will best serve the interests or the country
should be encouraged.
1t is but little while since the body OF the
people at large provided the legitimate expenses
of a campaign Then farmer and lawyer. doctor
and mechanic day laborer and banker each
contributed something toward the erection of
banners, the circulation OF literature and the
expenses of public meetings, and each contribu-
tor was a better citizen for it. 1t stimulated
his patriotism, and the contributions were de-
voted to the legitimate advancement OF the
cause, not made for the deliberate corruption OF
masses of electors.
Gradually and effectively. but surely not per-
manently has all this been changed Some
of the enterprises which have unduly thrived
through favoritism and which have been per-
1nitted by statute to indirectly levy tribute
upon the people. have in the course of time be-
come so rich and strong that they can and do
contribute vast sums when IL IS mace clear
that IL will advantage them, and they contribute
upon the promise. direct or implied. that they
shall be permitted TO continue 10 tax the people
for their own benefit Upon such promises con-
tributiors have been not infrequently made in
such large measure to induce and procure
colonization, repeating and bribery In doubt
full States.
This has built UP a class of voters known 10
local leaders as "f1oaters," class so numerous
that party canvassers ailot TO them IN their
canvass books separate column heaoed Win
that name. This condition IS recognized oE
party workers, local. State and national They
are no longer shocked by il. IL has become so
prevalent that they becoming hardened to
it. They sometimes wonder where IL is 10 end:
but under the stress of campaign they post
pone consideration until the next election 1 am
persuaded the time TO begin the night against
those who would control the results Of election
contests for their private corporate interests,
distinguished from the public interest, should
begin now. and whatever the result of the cleo
ton may be. it should be continued until the
evil Is checked.
The exclusively protected interests. which
formerly poured out their treasure In order to
continue existing and procure the passage Of
new laws permitting its further accumulation,
have been Joined by the combinations popular
ly called trusts. Their plan is to perpetuate the
present administration. Such of the coInoina-
tions trusts as do not profit by the ala or the
tariff secure their profits by the exercise OF
monopolies. Hence their officers are opposed 10
the enforcement of law as against them
When such forces unite to furnish the money
which they are promised Will control the cleo
ton their purpose is as clear as MONDAY. IL
is to buy protection, TO purchase four years
more Of profit by tariff taxation and four years
more Of extortion from the public by means OF
monopoly.
THEY MEAN CORRUPTION"
Political contributions by corporations and
trusts mean corruption. They cannot be honest
Merely business interests are moved by merely
business considerations. corporation VIII SUD
scribe to a political party only because the cor
poration expects that party, through Its controi
of public offcerS-eXecutlVe or leSislatlVe- TO GO
something for the benefit of the corporation or
e
No other motive can be imagined. In the nature
of things other motive can exist The reIa-
tions established mean the expectation, if not
an agreement actual or implied, that govern
mental action is to be influenced by and for cor
poration interests. No sophistry can give any
other asDect to the transaction in the minds OF
rea soma bic men. Let the defenders of the prac-
tice if il has defenders, answer these questions:
why do corporations and trusts subscribe TO
political campaigns?
.What would a trust think OF a party which,
after accepting from the trust a campaign con-
trtbution of S5OO0O0 should permit the party's
representatives in office to take action inimical
to the trust?
Would the public interests be safe in the
hands of a party. the greater part OF whose
campaign funds had been contributed by cor
poratlons and trusts?
IF the public welfare and the interests Of sub
scribing corporation or trust should conflict
which would likely be protected"
GOVERNMENT SCHEME OPPOSES FAVOR
ITISM.
The scheme OF our government opposes favor
itisrn but in its administration there has been
much of IT, Indeed it has been growing with
such rapldity IN recent years tnat these rev
that have enjoyed favors contributed either dt-
rectiy by statute or indirectly by the non-proseI
cution OF violations OF law. represent control
and are possessed of many hundreds OF millions
of dollars These interests have decided 10 at
tempt to continue the present administration in
power Their representatives scolded about the
President for some months. and thus contrib
uted their part toward the effort which was as
sduorsIy made 10 satisfy the country that the
trusts we're opposed TO the present administra-
tion.
these great powers and the adninistratiO DIFF
fculties which have since been settled 20 the
satisfaction Of all parties concerned. or whether
there were no difficulties 10 be compromised and
adjusted their action being but play to de-
ceIye the voters the fact remains that the trusts
are not now opposed to the continuance OF the
common knowledge that they have determined
10 furnish such sum of money to the Repub-