New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-09-22
By ". E. Chandler.

Concord, N H, Sept. 21.-The editorial in
The Tribune of the 18th on Campaign and In
sUrance Funds correctly states the objection to
corporation contributions to political commit
tees. Republican government is based upon in
dividuaI action ard freedom of the individual
Legitimate gifts for campaign expenses should
be made by individuals only. The moment cor
porations make them government by men ceases
and government by corporations, which have no
souls. prevails. In every case where corpora
ton except with the unanimous consent Of all
its stockholders, which never happens has given
a contribution to d political committee, the Off
GERS who gave it are personally liable to make
refund, and no statute of limitations applies be-
cause there has in every case been a conceal
neut of facts which prevents the statute from
running. Therefore the Attorney General Of
New York should cause suits to be instituted to
recover all political contributions made by the
insurance companies, and Attorney General
Moody should cause suits TO be brought to re-
cover such contributions made by the national
banks and the corporations engaged in inter-
state commerce
Judge Alton B. Parker is shocked, as well he
may be, at the insurance company revelations,
and says he asserted the general facts in con-
nection with his defeat by President Roosevelt
in 1904 This is true but he then asserted more
than the facts, namely, that the President ad-
mirted that corporation contributions had been
made on invitation and that he had promised
the corporations "a square deal" as q reward
Never was grosser Misrepresentation made by
a mendacious partisan Mr.. Roosevelt only ad-
nlitted that contributions had been made to the
National Committee, and remarked in a general
way, while denying that any promises had been
made, that he was in favor of a square deal
for everybody under the sun. Judge Parker's
caIumny. everywhere taken up by the Demo-
cratic newspapers was unworthy even of a de-
feated candidate especially one who was nom
mated by pIutocratic power began his canvass
as the representative of money in convention
and government. aud only raised the cry Of
purity and reform and asked Mr.. Bryan to
rally to save him when he found that even Mr..
BeImont's money would enable him TO de-
feat the peoples choice, President Roosevelt.
whom he then proceeded to caIumniate
Concerning the Internal crime of political con-
tributions from corporation treasures, it does
not occur to me that the Democratic party can
specially reproach the Republican party; both
parties should proceed to apply a remedy when
facts well known before are now publicly dis
closed, because when rogues fall out honest men
get their rights.
In 1885, for the first time in American poll
tics, corporations began to make contributions
from their treasures to aid in carrying Presi-
Dental election. No corporation had existed
with its directors all Of one party, and such a
use Of corporation funds had been impossible
But in 1896 nearly all Democratic directors were
against Mr.. Bryan and in favor Of Mr.. McKin-
ley and so the contributions became possible
and were made with the consent Of the Demo-
cratic directors who are now equally responsible
morally and equally liable to suits for restitu-
ton. with the Republican directors.
After the election on December 10, 1896 Sen
Senate resolution for the investigation of cam
paign contributions, which, under the rule, was
referred to the Committee on Contingent Ex-
penses This resolution was drawn by me after
conference with Senator Allen and at his re-
quest The Senate then stood. Republicans, AZ; |
Democrats. SO; PopuIists, g, and the Senate had |
been organized by the Republicans, the Popu-
lists refrafning from voting. Mr. Allen expressed
some fears that the resolution would not pass
for lack of Republican votes. but I assured him |
Of nv vote and other Republican votes and he |
went ahead.
The resolution was as follows:
Resolved. That a committee OF nine Senators /
be elected by the Senate to constitute a COM
mittee on the use of money in elections and /
that said committee be instructed thoroughly TO
fnves+iga+e the extent to which money, IL anv
was used in connection with the recent Presi-
Dental election either in promoting the nomina-
tons or in influencing in any manner the choice
Of Presidential elecLOTS anu u inquire whether
~ MT aD1y such expenditures were excessive lie
zirir,aTe corrupt or unlawful. and especially
10 inquire and ascertain TO what extent for such
,,,-,1osas the owners of silver mines gold mines
he bankers the manufacturers, the railroads or
1+her corpora TONS and milltonaires of all classes
-na5a contributions. and what contributions II
- 49, made by persons and corporations re I
.idino broad and 10 report TO the Senate all
he facts and whether or not, IN the opinion OF
he COMMITTEE any legislation by Congress is
49, - necessary 10 lessen or prevent +ba !
1se Of rnonev in elections said committee shall
iSe % lL1 70 act bv full sub committees 70
- - - arrons and papers. and sit during the
,rasent session of Congress ana until the first