The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-09-26
rHrY Anr wAKrNa uP.

The disclosures in connection with the New York Life have had one good effect, at least. They have caused a pretty general sentiment among decent Republican papers in opposition to the practice of asking or receiving cam paign contributions from corporations. True, they attempt to argue that the Democrats are just as wicked as the Republicans in this respect, and that we have no right to throw stones at them.
 Whether this is true, in part or in whole, is not the point. The significant fact is thst the better class of Republi- cans throughout the country are un- dergoing a somewhat belated repent anee for their misdeeds and are appar entity sincere in demanding a discontin- uanoe of corrupt practices in politics Any party. to use the words of The New York Mail. that accepts corporation suppo t is in a false position. It can not serve two masters. There remains for it only choice--or alternation-ot betrayals. Much of recent American political history may be considered as the attempt of politicians to strike fair balance, now playing false with the corporations that financed them, now playing false with the people that trusted them. The need of the hour IS for poor but honest" regime in cam paign management, and State and na- tional corrupt practice acts would so far to assure it."
 The grievous sin of the New York used money which did not belong to them to advance the interests of Re- publican campaign. It was robbery of the policy holders whose money was thus appropriated without their knowl- edge or consent, and the comments which have been made have aroused -gene.al sentiment in favor of legisla- tion which will prevent a recurrence of the evil. Whether such legislation can bs made effective is another matter, but t is worth trying.
 And by the way. there has been con- siderable talk of returning the money contributed by the New York company, and of that The Nebraska State Journal says:
 Thus far it is only rumor, but it will not be surprising if proved true, that President Roosevelt will insist that the Republican National Committee return to the insurance company that gave 1t every cent that was contributed dur" ing the campaign of last year. Forum ately, the Roosevelt majorities every amouat of money could nave produced them or hindered them, herce there can te no misunderstanding of the position of the President He of course knew nothing of the don ltions of po!icyhold- CTS money to the Ndtio lal Committee. The return of the money will accent as nothing else could the rising public sentiment that forbids such contrfbu- tions in. the future.
 In our judgment the feasibility or practicability of such a course is not as aparent as 1t appears to The Journal. What assurance has 1t that the New York Life was the only sinner in this respect? There were doubtless others, and if the money of enc Is returned may not all the others claim theirs with equal justice and propriety? It seems to us that returning the contribution of one will open Inc gates to & Hood of demands that may swamp the resources of the committee, great as they are.
 What the. President, as a candidate, knew about these contributions is a question that The Journal answers very positively. but we do not know on what grounds 1t relies fo: it's faith. How ever that may be he owes an apology to Judge Parker for so vehemently de- nyipg and 1enouncing the statements of the latter all of which were true The best thing the party can do is to keep silent about the matter and try to be honest in future.