The Washington herald., 1908-07-15
NO TAINTED MONEY
WANTED BY BRYAN
Continued from Page One.

affairs, and the Influences which control
them. instead Of being secret. viii be
known 70 the voters.
Nothing from the Trusts.
As an earnest that our party VIII
make good its pledge. We ask You 70 con
strue this plank and put IL into Imme-
diate operation This can be done by the
adoption Of a resolution announcing that
in pursuance OF the policy outlined IN that
pledge. your committee viii not accept
any contribution whatever from any cor
poration. that il viii not accept any con-
tribUtio1 from any individual above a
reasonable amount and that IL VIII make
publication before election of all c0ntri-
buttons above a reasonable minimum
We suggest for your approval a
maximum Of $1,000 and a minimum Of
800. no contribution to be received above
Sl1;"o. and all contributions above 500 70
be made public before election
We suggest also that on or before the
18th day Of October. publication shall be
made OF al contributions above Sl50 re-
Ceive1 I'D 70 that date that after the
18th Of October publication shall be made
OF such collectors on the day 5hat same
are received. and that no contribution
above S100 shall be accepted within three
days Of the election.
With the hope that these suggestions
may be favorably acted upon. we are,
with great respect, sc, yours truly,
W. J. BRYAN,
JOHN KERN
We have felt that this Is the proper
time TO make this announcement. At the
Republican national convention plank
in favor Of publicity was turned down by
a very large vote. The indignation that
has been expressed over the action Of the
convention has already been felt by the
Republican leaders, and they are now at
tempting 20 avoid all the censure that has
been falling upon them by announcing
that, through their treasurer, New
York man, they would publish the con
trtbutions after the election
Publish Before Election.
You viii notice that the point made in
our platform is that the contributions
shall be published before the elea,ion-
Tt is not sufficient to learn after the
election OF the influences that have pur-
chased the election. The public ought TO
know before the election what influence is
al work TO secure the success Of party.
and our platform makes that distinction,
and We ask that this committee at this
time declare Itself in harmony with the
plank. and that this committee so inter
pret this plank that the public cannot
fan to see the difference between our pO-
sition and that Of the Republicans.
We say that no contribution shall be
accepted from any corporation: a corpora
ton is not created for political purposes;
has no right 10 contribute 20 campaign
funds, and We want this part OF the plank
distinctly understood We want a limit
placed upon individual contributions. that
no contribution may be received so large
as to Indicate that individual interest Of a
personal character in the result Of the
election IS evidenced. and we want all con
tributions. above n reasonable minimum.
made public, so that the people may judge
what influences are at work and thus be
better able TO decide on which side those
interested only in good government should
cast their votes; and we have suggested
a minimum OF 800. because people can
contribute that amount without suspi-
ciOn. and those contributing small
amounts may be so situated that the pub
Hcation OF their contributions would en-
barrass them.
For instance. an employe Of a corpora
ton might heartily desire to assist IN this
campaign. and II his contribution was
published, Il might subject him 10 punish
ment at the hands OF the corporation. and
the arguments that have justified the Sc
,ret ballot justify secrecy in regard TO :
contributions so small that they cannot
be supposed to represent an interest that
s attempting TO purchase favors."
subcommittee to Meet.
At meeting Of the subcommittee in the
afternoon II was agreed 10 meet in Chi /
ago July ., Mr.. Bryan readily consent |
ng 20 be present. At that meeting the !