Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1906-02-05
nlsUALLAhKoUs HACoRn
The AntI-nrIberv campaIen.

b
The Anti-Bribory Campaign.
The anti-bnbery campaign SO success
fully inaugurated by the Sussex Repub-
ican Of Georgetown is meeting with great
success. In its current issue the Repub-
lican prints the names of "a signers to the
anti-bnbory pledge, the names represent
ing all sections of the State and including
men from the various walks of life
ministers, lawyers, newspaper men,
farmers, mechanics, merchants and others.
Some Of the signers are among the most
prominent and influential men of Della
ware, and both the great political parties
are represented.
Apologsts for and agents Of election
debauohery are endeavoring to discredit
this formidable movement to free the
State of a giant evil by asserting that if
Robert G.. Houston, editor Of the Sussex
Republican and originator of the move
ment, had been roappointed 10 the Office
Of collector Of the port of Wilmington he
would not have entered upon the anti
bribery campaign. But Mr. Houston
nails this narrow-mindod and vindictive
assault upon a righteous cahse by showing,
from the files of his paper, that he had
advocated this great reform prior TO the
expiration of his term OF office, and when
he had as much reason 20 believe he would
be reappointed as 20 fear he would be de-
posed. In the Sussex journal Of No
vember 18th last, three days before the
appointment of his successor was an
nounced, Mr. Houston said: ain our
opinion, nothing but the fear TO use money
win prevent It's use. Any pledge or agree
ment made by parties will not be kept,
because as an organization they cannot
compel their candidates or members 20
keep them and there are numerous venal
and corrupt members Of both parties who
would not hesitate TO resort TO its use.
Personally, we would welcome the advent
OF such an era IN the politics Of this State.
We do not believe that it would in any
way prove detrimental to the best interest
of the Republican party The principles
thereof are bound to prevail In State
affairs, tho party, which proved most
worthy Of the confidence of the people
by It's administration of the afiair of the
State, would be entrusted with control,
and il tho Republican party proved un-
worthy ol such a trust 10 should not be
continued in power Brains and not
money would be the qualification first
considered and independent voting the
order Of the day. Men would vote their
sentiments and We would again experience
the joy of a government of the people, in
fact, instead of in name Anything that
will bring about such an improvement in
our present political conditions should
receive the support OF every citizen"
This declaration was as complete an
exposition of Mr. Houston's position in
respect OF bribery at elections as was his
subsequent Inauguration of the anti
bribery campaign. Indeed, there is a
probability that it may have cost him his
office. For he was clearly entitled 20 q
reappoinimont. by virtue of his excellent
official record and tho overwhelming in
doremout of the business interests CON
necied with the office Of collector Of the
port and he could not have more thor
oughly angercd the appointing power
Senator Alice than by publicly coming
out in favor Of clean elections and against
the buying of votes.
However the anii-bnbery campaign
does not now depend upon the personal
or official record, or upon the personal or
political motives, of amy one man. It is
in the hands Of the people, and they
will carry It to success. A strong and
active anti-bnbey organization will be
formed and those who heretofore have
engaged IN the despicabe business Of buy
ing votes at Delaware election. no matter
whether they were I'm the service OF the
Republican Union Republican or Demo-
cratic parties may depend upon IL that
amy attempt 10 engage ia this degrading
work 80 the next election in this state
viii be attended by the most vigorous
prosecution that energy and brains.
backed BY money for an legitimate exc