The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-24

always was ana always VIII DC
corrupt" 1t Is but fair while we are fol-
lowing the trail of the CRATER to consider
their plea that the corrupt political sys-
tenn they are unbullding is founded on the
dishonesty of the american people. Is it?
1t Is IN Rhode Island. The system of
Rhode Isad which has produced the man
who is at the mead Of the system of
the United States is grounded on the
lowest layer Of corruption that 1 have
found thus far-the bribery Of voters
with cash at the polls Other states know
the practice. In Wisconsin,, Missouri, Hill
nois and Pennsylvania workers" are
paid ito get out the vote" but this
IL only preliminary; the direct and de-
cisive purchase of power comes later.
in conventions and legislatures. In these
states the corruptionists ouy the peoples
representatives In Rhode Island they
buy the people themselves.
The elected governors of Rhode Island
are called administrative mummies."
They have sat for years without power
and without homage in the state house.
while across the hall in the office of the
high sheriff, Boss Brayton was the state
He directed the general assembly. His
word was law. lie did not have to
"dcker, trade and buy" there was no
addition, division and silence" for him.
lie handled the campaign funds of the
party" and with them the voters were
bought at the polls. The legislators re-
turned by the electors came bought. He
was very open and hundreds of anec-
dotes are told TO illustrate his methods
The Springfield Republican reported two
which are well known. Once. when the
House of Representatives was in prolong-
ed session, Brayton became hungry
% itp' he exclaimed who is that
fool talking in the House? It's lunch time
and past. Sheriff, go in and. see that the
House adjourns" The House adjourned
heard between the angry boss and a most
humble republican floor leader:
ID it. cant I have litt1e.bill passed
when I want it?'' said the boss.
But, general, 1 didn't know you were
interested in that bill"
well, am, and l want it passed right
away"
That little bill was passed right away
Bribery. bribery of the people, is a
custom of the country In Rhode Island
1t is an institution, and, like the church
or property it is not safe to attack it,
This may sound rreposterous, and there
is public opinion against the custom,
but the country clergy, as Mr. Lowry of
the New York Evening Post showed, and
as Bishop McVickar, of the Rhode Island
| diocese of the Episcopal church confirm
ed, do not denounce bribery from their
pupits they do not dare. The bishop de-
clared that the country clergy could not
speak out without coming to financial
grief and ruin" and he proposed doing
something, so that no one will dare
threaten local ministers with the loss of
| their positions" What does the bishop
mean by such language? ut is an out
rage on our civilization he added, that
young men of the church with high ideals
should be put under the ban OF the power
of political immoralities and forced to
acquiesce in evil for the sake Of their
families"
The head men in the churches, the cad
ing citizens in the state, the captains Of
finance and industry won't let the clergy
preach politics. they may preach the