The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-03-08

consider was introduced by Josiah Qun-
cy OF Boston All the members OF the con-
ference are TO become members of the
new department Another meeting Of the
conference IL Is provided shall be called
at such future time as may be eXpedient
Another resolution introduced by Mr.
quincy and also adopted rsads;
Resolved That experience shows that
existing provisions of criminal law
against the purchase OF votes are made
quate; that proper corrupt practices leg
islation should include % the publication
OF all contributions and expenditures CD
the prohibition OF political contributions
by corporations, CD the definition and
Limitation OF permissible political expendi-
lures. CD provisions for judicial inquiry
into election expenditures and existence
OF corrupt practices in which proceeding
any citizen may participate, 6) tho pun
ishment OF current practices by further
penalties. such as Acknowledgement of
disqualification for office in addition 10
fine or Imprisonment"
The conference declined TO adopt reso-
luton declaring for direct nominations
through the primary system, referring
the matter by vote OF 16 10 II 10 the de-
partment OF the Civic Federation.
George l.. Fox IN an address ser forth
the features Of the English law on cor
rupt practices, as follows:
/. Definition OF corruptp ractices, with
rigorous penalties.
2. Unity of expenditures limited to one
authorized agent.
3. Limitation OF expenses In amount, In
purpose and character according to the
number of voters.
4. Prohibition Of paid conveyances and
liquidatlon OF paid workers.
8. Requirement OF sworn statements OF
expenditures OF all candidates by pre-
scribed forms of affidavit
G. Scrutiny OF such statements by
courts. Publications in public documents.
Z. Setting OF election courts on petition
OF two voters, consisting of two judges,
without jury 10 inquire into alleged vio-
lations of law. with power TO nullify an
election If both judges agree.
Mr.. Luce spoke on "rhe Massachusetts
Corrupt Practices Act" lie said: THE
essential parts OF the Massachusetts Cor
rupt Practices act became law in 1892,
and so have been tried for IL years. The
theory is that the requirement of public
knowledge OF all transactions will di-
minish evil by negatively influencing the
the weak man, and positively thwarting
tho bad man. The forces Of public opin-
ion are supposed 20 be brought into play,
the fear OF odium; OF loss of standing,
pestige income, influence, power"
william S. Bennett. congressman from
this city. told the conference that when
he wanted the congressional nomination
IL depended upon the action of one man,
although he represented the suffrage OF
300 600 people.
Other speakers included Josiah Quincy,
former mayor Of Boston; Richard w.
Jennings OF the state returning board OF
Rhode Island and Richard Henry Dana OF
Boston.
Seth Low, former mayor OF New York
said. There is keen realization
throughout the country that vast sums
OF money have been spent, often unneces-
sarily and often improperly, 10 secure
elections People think with increasing
frequency that an election here and an
election there LAS been by the use OF
money"
William Church Osborn, member OF the
association to prevent corrupt practices
at elections. made an address.
Mark Il. sullivan of this city said that
in recent elections in a county Of south
western Pennsylvania he saw $4,000 hand
ed out on election day among 500 voters
sixty TO 20 per cent Of the votes were
purchased" ne continued. THE farmers
regarded It as n part Of their annual in
come"