New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-26
GOSSIP OF THE BOROUGH.
Criticism of "Anti-Pass" Bakers Use
of Franking Privilege.

CONGRESSMAN Robert Baker. who on account OF
his aversion 10 accepting courtesies from railroads
has gained the title Of "Anti-Pass Baker is being
sharply criticised by certain persons who DO not
believe in what they term the abuse OF privileges
that are granted 10 Congressman Recently there
has been widely circulated among those whose
names appear on the poll lists In Brooklyn speech
by Congressman Baker made in the House OF
Representatives on March e, 1904 These have been
sent out in manila envelopes, on the outside OF
which is a statement showing that they contain
Part OF Congressional Record-FTee." being
speech OF Congressman Baker. entitled Ship sub
sides" The subheads as printed are: snip Sub
sides the Rankest Paternalism-For eign EXpe-
rience-Balance OF Trade Fallacy-Stacking' the
Cards-Iet Us Try Freedom" These envelopes. con-
tanning a speech which was an attack on trusts
and ''an organized band OF INSCRIPTIONS but
wealthy plutocrats," were sent through the mails
without stamps under the frank OF Congressman
Baker. Under the freedom OF the mails accorded
20 Congressman for their own business his sig
nature as NJ C. appearing the envelope was
sufficient TO insure it being carried as deadhead
matter. The first inference was that Congressman
Baker was sending OF his speeches 10 his
constituents; but this illusion was destroyed when
the speech was taken out and seen 10 bear the
following imprint. made with rubber stamp;
ton-st-. Brooklyn, from whom other literature on
It is 10 be presumed that other literature would
be other speeches by Robert Baker, sent free
through the mails under the privilege accorded TO
has Before sent out Bakers speeches under his
frank, entirely unsolicited.
What right" said one Of the Congressmar's
critics who received copy OF HIS speech in the
mail recently, has he 10 allow the special privi-
leges given 10 him personally 10 be used by the
Radical Democracy, q political, partisan organ!za-
ton, for the dissemination OF what is palpahly
campaign literature? He does not believe in &C
cepting passes but he does not seem 10 object TO
the Radical Democracy accepting for their own
peculiar purposes the privileges accorded 10 him
personally and for which the government pays.
il seems TO me he should be more consistent. II
proclaims, surely the Radical Democracy should
be able 10 pay postage on its own campaign Ntera-
ereue eyeh Is baS Is Of te 20 5iu Recor5
and one OF their members enjoys the courtesy Of
Thanking privilege
One OF the bets made on the outcome OF the Dem
ocratic National Convention at St. Louis Is be-
tween well known n radical Democrat
and for his activity in the Citizens Union move
ment last fall. and Fritz. the keeper Of a well
known little restaurant in WiHoughby-st. The
Citizens Union is violently opposed TO Grover
Cleveland. His work is near the Borough Hail.
and he has luncheon in Fritz's place every day.
The restaurant keeper is admirer Of Cleveland
and believes that he viii be nominated for Presi-
dent by the Democrats. He voicIng his opin-
ions the other noon when the Citizens Union man
began TO laugh at him.
Vel, tell you What 1 do" at last exclaimed
Fritz. much excited If Cleveland is not nomi-
mated shall let you eat free here for vun week,
already
And, II he is nominated" remarked the Citizens
Union man who is not a betting man. but could
Iot resist the cnance 10 relieve the strain on his
You" ~ 80 -
II you lose" replied the German you shall pay
me oouple Tor your meals for vun week, already"
lhat was agreeable TO the Citizens Union man
VINO promptly accepted the offer and the agree
Inent was made out So sure is ne that Cleveland
VIII not be nominated that he already has his appe-
ne IN training for that week OF gastronomic reyeI
after the convention. -