Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-09
Address Last Night by Rep
resentatiVe Burton.
REMEDY SUGGESTED
MIR. WEBER TALKS OF LIQUoF
AND BossIsM.
Meeting of Ohio Republican Associa-
ton at Metzerott Hall-History
of the Organization.

The members of the Ohio Society OF
Washington met at Metzerott Hail. near +
and 18th streets, last night. and listened
to several Informal talks by prominent pola-
ticians of the Buckeye state. Representa-
tive Burto ntalked on Graft: Its Cause
and Remedy" Representatives Weber
Cole and Campbell spoke briefly, and the
president Of the association, Mr.. w. l..
Symons. devoted few moments to a brief
history of the society, Its work and its
aims. Eleven new members were elected
and s--e meeting was declared to be the
most successful in the history of the So
ciety
Representative Weber, who caused much
worry in the republican ranks out, in
Ohio, just prior to the election, by his de-
termined opposition to Gov Herrick, and
what he termed, the Cox bossism," took
this occasion to warn the Washington
members of the association that Ohio would
need their help at the next election Mr.
Weber declared that political boss:sm and
the liquor traffic were two things that the
republicans would have to Danish from
the state If they hoped for future success
at the polls.
Mr.. Burton's Query.
Mr.. Burton opened his address with the
significant question, What is graft?" Con-
tinuing. he said that in its recent accept
ance, its meaning is not derived from the
usual definition Of the word, scion or a
shoot which is placed upon one plant from
another, but rather from an entirely differ
ent use of the verb graft to dig to work
which, in course Of time, came to mean to
work dfsreputably or dshonorably
Mr.. Burton referred to a maya zine article
some years ago in which writer used the
word graft in manner which, he said,
throws Hight upon the present use of the
term, in saying: 1.-The roadster differs from
the tramp because he has a graft" That
Is, said Mr.. Burton. he is a man who has a
job of some kind. slang dictionary some
years ago defined CRATER as a pick
pocket. He works the unwary.
Measuring of the Word.
If the word is to be employed in other
than vague and uncertain manner, it
would seem that the CRATER is one who
has employment, or a position under which
he has exceptional opportunity, either by
his sole action, or in connivance with 9TH
ers, If not to defraud and steal at least to
take an advantage which, though legally
permissible, IS morally wrong. 1t may exist
in the form Of an exaggerated utilization
OF perQulSlleS, or any variation from the
line of duty by which dishonest advan-
tage is obtained of the public the graft
er's employer Its use has sometimes been
restricted TO official employment but that
is not naturally the sole use of the word
In continuing, Mr.. Burton said that
though not perhaps less cu1pable graft
is not associated with the balder forms of
dishonesty. I'VE would hardly say that a.
defaulting bank cashier or an embezzler
was a CRATER said Mr.. Burton. 1.-The
CRATER more nearly approaches the SEM
blance of proper discharge of duty.
The prevalence of graft must unfor-
tunately be admitted. 1t exists In the
national and in the state and municipal
governments; worst no doubt, in the cities.
Recent disclosures have shown rank cor
ruption and graft in the mana cement of
great private corporations.
Recites Causes.
What are the causes of graft? Badness
is often ascribed to ingrained qualities
which are corrupt, when the explanation
In large degree can be found in commonly
accepted ideals of the time. It should be
far from us to extenuate by one word the
culpability of the men who have been ac-
cused or convicted of graft In the last
few years. but just as great wits to mad
ness sure are close allied, so oftentimes
the worst and the best tendencies in pub
lie and private life are closely connected.
The feverish activity which has contributed
so much to American progress has brought
some baneful results with IT, and thus q
cause of graft may be found In the great
growth of the wealth of the people. in the
instances which are familiar to every boy
tsh mind, of men who were born in poverty
who have become immensely wealthy; of
the possibility of great and sudden gains
by speculation or similar methods What
is the result? Many act as If the end-all
and the be-aH is to acquire wealth. and tile
~,
and those which are corrupt are broken
down. From that standpoint graft is as
ISOLATED with favorable bank returns, with
abundant crops, and rapidly increasing
wealth.
THE careers most admired are those OF
the so-called captains of industry and
finance.
1.-THE sovereigns of the old regime sought
to gain power and extension of territory
by diplomacy or by arms. Here in Amer
lea, with our railroads, our colossal man
ufacturlng interests and so many fields
which are ready to yield to the touch OF
development, these same aspirations find
scope for their activities in another field.
the gaining of material wealth.
mo community can have an element in
citizenship more valuable than men of
ability or activity who are contented with
their possessions.
Quotes President Roosevelt.
There are other causes of graft too OBJ
ylouS TO receive menClOn. 1t Is to be
GREETED that there are so many instances
of lack OF interest in public career, UNI
less attended by financial rewards.
Another serious evil is an opinion ac-
copied IN many quarters. which visits
sweeping condemnation upon all public men
and classes them as corrupt as a matter of
course 1t is well to bear in mind the
thought expressed by President Roosevelt
that next to corruption itself ground
less accusation of corruption is reprehensi-
BILE This prevalent opinion not only deters
many men from the public service but en-
harnesses those who engage in 1t in ell
their efforts.
1.-THE entire elimination of graft can only
be accomplished by the slow process of
change in the aspirations of the people. in
realization that life has prizes infinitely
more to be valued than the possession of a
great fortune. It goes without saying that
the punishment OF grafters without fear
or favor. great and small is the most ef-
fective present remedy. In an incidental
way checks and safeguards which diminish
tempetation and the opportunity for wrong
doing are needful. The prompt administra-
ton of the law by lessening the interval
between the offense and the trial and the
time required for decision on appeal would
also be helpful in preventing every species
of crime.