New-York tribune., 1906-12-11
CIRCUIT URGES REFORM.
THEME, CAMPAIGN FUNDS.
Should Be Limited to Certain
Things. He Tells Diners.

Edward NJ Grout fn a speech at Healys
last night az a dinner OF the Publicity Law Or
ganizaiion Of the State OF New York. urged
sill further steps in reference TO the publicity or
campaign contributions. particularly in limiting
the amount that a man may spend. Grout TOOK
occasion N say he meant no one in particular
n,,- the Inference was clearly given that he was
aiming at William, r. Hearst
We should 20 a step further" he said and
limit the amount % expenditures. We should
provide that mar shall not be able 10 spend
$4,000 or possibly as much more. without
telling US. While another cannot spend half as
much We must DO they do in England
specify the money spent for only certain things
and limit II that
The applause which greeted these statements
caused Mr.. Grout to hesitate, and add:
i DO not mean This for 2 personal criticism
q any one who did spend much in the last cam
paign. I say fl solely for the good Of this move
Tnent"
The dinner Of which Perry Belmont was the
guest Of honor. included politicians in practi-
caIly every field Bird :. Coer Mr- Grout, Her
man Ridder Controller Herman 4 Metz, Au-
gust Belmont Justice Charles H. Truax and
Others were present Mr Ridder presided and
emphasized At the opening that the dinner was
purely and absolutely non-partisan. but the chat
fing and repsrtee that Went from one speaker
A.
Hennessy poked fun at a number ~ the
called reforners. and his cue was taken by
number ot other speakers. Bird : Coler.
Borough President Of Brooklyn, in speaking OF
campaign contributions and the necessity Of
their publicity. said that he had been particu-
larly successful as he had run campaigns on
wind. he added:
When was the candidate for Governor my cam
psign fund only 10000. OF this rvyo gentlemen
g-aT-e q FeV
and the Lord only knows where the res- came from
year. where only $1,000 was spent
Congressman Charles a. Towne took exception
70 some published statements about himself. and
said:
! wish 9 distinctly understood that have yolur-
tsriiy retired as candidate for Congress I saE
seeing nyself represented as being turned down.
g PopulIst-
Re explained that he was nominated for the
Presidency on the Populist ticket, but de-
clined Fl. He said that he was a Democrat He
went on:
have NJ. apologies or explanations 70 make fo-
ny PoacaI wanGerlngs: s ne6 = my own & an
Fopulist Ny political lie IS now exceealngly
wish 70 express ny anxiety 70 cooperate in any
way possible 10 urge Congress 70 pass nallohaI
measure for publicity OF contributions
NJ Grout followed the lead OF some Of the
''If Mr.. Belmont can drop automobiles and go
into politics. then our distinguished Brooklyn
Borough President should be able 70 get along
very nicely"
This reference 70 the recent tilt between Mr..
Coler and Controller Metz caused both 70 laugh.
Controller Metz referred 70 the many jokes
that had been passed about. beginning his
speech by saying
II were here blindfoded 7 would think 7
al z carpenters meeting There has been much
knocking and haumer.nE about here am glad
here There are Democrats Republicans and Bird
C0ler 6-oler & nd I don't alwsy's agree but when
think ne Is IN the night certainly do agree with
him
Perry Belmont in his speech, referred 70 the
good that publicity of contributions could do.
and 70 90 the work laid out in Congress 70 try 70
pass a national measure similar 70 the on.
passed in this state He said IN part:
The recently enacted Publicity Law. advocated at
Albany by our organization. has successfully
passed through It's first trial. and its provisions
rablished n This state The principle for which
have long Conren6ed-Iher campaign money is
-1Hffg money now 20 II he
srrlct endorsement Of the law. 20 erdeavor 10
amend L Il II any respect Z proves ineffective
and = violated 70 institute searching inquiries and
y secure The infection of the penalties provided
by The law. Il is The purpose Of our organization
other states where they DO no- now exist.
James P Ryan. one ot the Oldest labor repre-
senta1ives IN the country. The delegate 20 the
Central Federated Union from the Photo En-
grGvers' Union, spoke briefly He is seventy
nine years old. and his recognized standing in
labor circles caused the capitalists 10 applaud
his speech vigorously
Alexander A. TrOup n New Haven and Cor
porat.on Counsel Ellison also spoke.
-S