Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-27
PUBLICITY MOVEMENT
Some Letters Received by Mr..
Perry Belmont.
PROJECT ENDORSED
ONE COUNTY IN INDIANA MEN
TONED.
All People Should Be Aroused to the
Dangers Of the Situa-
a.. z,ss->-ss-s ton.

Mr. Perry Belmont, who is conducting
the movement for national legislation,
compelling publicity in campaign contr.
buttons. today made public letters which he
has received from prominent men all over
the country indorsing the project
One of the most interesting of the group
was from John w. Kern of Indianapolis,
who said
The subject is of vital Importance
everywhere. but of especial interest to us
in Indiana, where corrupt practices in
politics have been carried on for years in a
most unprecedented way.
1.-The disclosures in the recent investiga-
ton Of the great insurance companies have
startled the people generally throughout
the@country, and have provoked so much
discussion that 1t is to be hoped many of
the obstacles which usually obstruct re-
forms have already been broken down.
One Indiana County.
II know of one county in Indiana, an
agricultural community, in which, out of
total voting population of 1880, there were
$50 votes marked on the polling lists for
sale during the last campaign. These
f1oaters' commanded price Of from $40 to
$50 perNot While this is doubtless an
exceptional instance, yet 1t Is lamentable
bought like cattle at every election, and
the number to be bought is increasing
year by year.
Your proposition to make public the ex-
penditures of candidates and committees,
as we'll as the receipts and the sources
from whence derived. and also to restrict
the contributions OF corporations. and the
disbursements of party managers and COM
mittees. will do much toward remedytng
the evil.
mo law, however will accomplish much
enlightened public sentiment. which can
only result from public conscience quick
ened on this subject.
cit has come TO pass in Indiana that to
furnish money to buy votes is regarded
the performance of a patriotic duty.
while to sell ones vote is considered as an
evidence of the thrftiness and good bust
ness Judgment Of the seller. Thirty years
ago the man in this community who sold
his vote was regarded and treated as
scoundref, unworthy of recognition by de-
cent men.
Now. I regret to say there is wide
spread sentiment amongst certain classes
that the man who is not able to get some
thing for his vote is the veriest 'chump,
with scarcely sense enough to be allowed
TO vote.
Your movement will tend to center pub
lie attention upon this great evil. and will
therefore be eGuca tional.
we must the people to the
dangers of the situation that preachers
VIII preach about it, teachers warn the
rising generally against it, and editors
thunder against the evil until finally 1t
will become a subject of conversation in
the homes and about the firesides through
out the country.
Then, will there prevail a public senti-
ment overwhelming to compel
rigid enforcement of all laws upon the
subject, state well national And
this is the contamination devoutly to be
wished.
Il can only repeat that I feel very
strongly upon this subject, and will be
gratified beyond expression If I can aid
YOU even in very slight measure in the
great work you have so well commenced
Whenever and wherever you think you can
use me | will gladly serve"