Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1906-11-03
SMITH SAYS
NO BRIBERY
Proposition Not To Use
Money Comes From The
Democratic Nominee for
Congress. Jackson Not
Talking.

The Baltimore Sun Of Wednesday has
this to say regarding the Smith and
jackson campaign. Apropos to the
ever-live question Of money used in po-
litical campaigns for other than legiti-
mate campaign expenses, Congressman
Thomas a. Smith, Democratic nominee
for reelection from the First district.
last night took stand in alignment
with the editorialin The sun yesterday.
incidentally, Mr.. Smith put it up to
his opponent. Mr. William II. Jackson.
to extend 10 all counties the agreement
existing in Wicomlco county not To use
money 10 corrupt voters.
A dispatch from Denton last night
says that Mr. Jackson declined to make
a statement Of his views or intentions
In an editorial based on dispatches
from Wicomico reporting this agree
ment il was asked why, if bribery
could be prevented in Wicomico. 1t
could not be extended to all counties of
the district
Mr.. Smith, who was at the Rcnnert
last night. in an interview, deplored the
use Of money for corrupt purpc IS and
declared himself as not willing. bat
eager to enter into any kind Of an agree
ment with MIR. jackson whereby no
money shall be spent in the district cX-
cept for legitimate campaign expenses.
Il have read The Suns editorial.
said Mr.. Smith, and agree with II in
every detail.
II agree with The Sun that what is
proper for Wicomico county is proper
for every county in the district can
not understand why the agreement
should not have been entered into in
Wicomico county without some effort
to extend it 10 all the counties OF the
district
is it possible that Mr. Jackson will
ngly enters into agreement in his own
county where he may think his money
cannot be spent to advantage, and in
tends to send his money 10 my county
and other counties Of the district, where
he may think it can be used to a better
advantage
II think the people Of Maryland, and
particularly of the First Congressional
district, which under ordinary circum-
stances is a Democratic district under
stand that Mr.. jackson was nominated
because of the amount of money he was
able To and might contribute TO the
campaign fund.
Answering The sun inquiry, ! de-
clare myself ready and willing 70 enter
into any agreement with Mr.. Jackson
whereby no money shall be spent in any
county in the district except for leglti-
mate expenses Of the campaign. This
is only reatiirming the declaration OF
the platform upon which was nomi-
mated.
Continuing. he said.
The Sun asks Why cannot each
Mr.. jackson and myself pledge him
self that he will not accept the office
unless he is honestly elected, without
bribery If bribery can be prevented
in Wicomico. il can be prevented in
each Of the other counties Of the district.
VIII Mr.. Smith and Mr. Jackson take
advantage Of the opportunity which
presents itself to do a great public SER
vice?
Il agree with every detail of the able
editorial and should have proposed long
ago to Mr.. jackson that no money be
spent in the district other than for
legitimate purposes of the campaign
should have done this but for TIVE
reasons.
First, that the platform Of the con
vention which nominated me vigorously
denounced the use of money to de
bauch the voters OF our district, and
supposed that such an announcement
was sufficient notice to the people Of
the district as TO my position on the
question.
Second being myself man Of mod
crate means. while Mr. Jackson is a
wealthy man. feared some overcritical
persons might have misconstrued my
motive.