Evening journal., 1904-10-25
CAMPAIGN ABUSES
Parker Charges Government Officers
Are Chosen by Corporations.
LevYINo ON TRUSTS SCORED

Gays contributions are Wduc 70 w
duce and Procure Colonization,
Repeating and Bribery In Doubtful
States.
Esopus, n. y, Oct 25.-Judge Par
Ler laid aside the issues usually dis
cussed in national political contests
and addressed q crowd of several hun
dred persons on the general topic Of
campaign practices and abuses.
He rebuked the present administra-
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 by q 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
terests.
In part Judge Parker said:
'I make no complaint. nor should
complaint be made cf any individual
who contributes toward the many le-
gitimate expenses Of a great cam
paign. Tne capitalist. as an individual,
has as much right to contribute to
such purposes and in proportion 10
his means as has his less wealthy fell
low-citizen. Whatever he may do bas-
ed on a patriotic desire to help elect
the candidates of that party which it
seems to him will best serve the inter-
ests of the country, should be encour-
aged.
"All classes are mutually dependent
upon and mutually helpful to 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-
ploying his wealth in the manner ON
ployed by law and individuals and
corporations who operate in defiance
Of the law. The first is independent;
the latter dependent upon government
/ favoritism. Il is but a little while since
the body Of people at large provided
the legitimate expenses of a campaign.
! Some of the enterprises which have
unduly thrived through favoritism,
and which have been permitted by
statute to indirectly levy tribute upon
the people. have in the course Of time
/ become so rich and strong that they
/ can and do contribute vast sums
when it is made clear that 1t will ad-
vantage them. and they contribute
upon the promise. direct or implied,
that they shall be permitted to con-
tinue to tax the people for their own
benefit. Upon such promises contribu-
tions have been not infrequently
made in such large measure as to in
duce and procure colonization, repeat
/ ing and bribery in doubtful states
This has built up a class of voters
/ known to local leaders as 'hOaters, a
class so numerous that party canvas
sers allot to them in their canvass
books a separate column headed with
that name.
"When such forces unite to furnish
the money, which they are promised
will control the election. their pur.
pose is as clear as noon day. It is to
buy protection; to purchase four years
more of profit by tariff taxation; OF
four years more of extortion from the
public by means of monopoly.
"a challenge which ought to be ac
cepted. The question ought to be set
tied now whether the 'foaters and
Illegal combinations can together con
troll an election in this country. Such
a contest means on one side vast sums
OF money and every man with an itch
ing palm. It ought to array every hon
est Independent and patriotic citizen
on the other side