The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-01-18
PROMOTE PUBLICITY
NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETS H
 WASHINGTON.
Ferry Belmont Again Elected President Governor Folk Sends Telegram Endorsing the MOvement---
 Objects of Gathering.

Washington, Jan. 17.-The publicity bill National Committee met here to- day. Among those present were Perry Belmont, New York; Governor elect Swanson, Virginia; Hannis Taylor, Ala bama; ex-Senator W. E. Chandler. Mas sachusetts; Van T. Polk, Tennessee; l.. O. P. Reed, Illinois; Cromwell Gibbons. Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor; James Wilson. President of the Pattern Makers Ma tional League and President Sehur- mann of Cornell University.
 Perry Belmont, in converting the committee today, made the following address,:
 The bill of which copies have been placed in your hands has been intro duced in the House by Representative Mccall of Massachusetts, and in the Senate by Senator Patterson of Col orado, Is a measure of self-regulation and protection, an evolutionary development growing out of our own political system. It is a publicity bill, not corrupt practice bill. The Eng fish act of 1883 is creditable piece of legislation, but 1t is only during the actual period of parliamentary elec- tions its wholesome restrictions are ef- fective on candidates and their agents. Party funds are very large and are expended lavishiy by party organiza- tions and their adherents political con- tributions taking the form of what are known as subscriptions made before parliamentary candidacy Is actually announced.
 American politics are not more cor rupt than the politics of other coun- tries. The contrary Is true. but we want them better still. The rapid strides in wealth with all their bene- fits have naturally created certain dis advantages The great captains of in- dustry have been induced or compelled, or they have permitted themselves on one pretext or another. to endeavor to control political agencies and organiza- tions by the use of money The time has now come to check this growing tendency. The proposed law would not interfere directly or indirectly with the election laws of any States. Limited in its effect to the requirements of the publication of certain contributions and expenditures by the National and invade the rights and functions of any State political committee. The law would make certain money public money"
 The following resolution offered by MT. Chandler was adopted:
 Resolved. by the National Publicity Bill organization at It's first meeting. that the organization approves the &C., tion heretofore taken by Hon. Perry Belmont in originating this organiza- .tion and in preparing a bill for sub mission to Congress and that the or ganization be now formally completed for the purpose of eliminating all ap- propriate methods, the evils of which result from the expenditure of large sums of money in political elections, and to promote the formation of a local organization for eliminating such evils in the various States and Territories
 Perry Belmont was erected permanent chairman of the organization and Frank l.. Foster. of Boston, was unanimously elected secretary.
 The following telegram from Gov. Folk to Mir. Belmont was read: q appreciate your invitation very much. but 1t will be impos- sible for me to go. because of the Boston appointment. You have my best wishes for success. which I regard of great importance. shall be glad to do all | can to help 1t along"