The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-01-26
NO CIGARS OR DRINKS
OR NO ASSESSMENTS
Organization of Political Com
.mittees and Appointments
or Political Agents Given
Restrictions.
Palladium Bureau.
Indianapolis, Jan. 26.

representative l.. t. Cnr1SFey, OF
Spencer county, introduced yesterday
a bill which he believes will do much
toward putting an end to corrupt
election practices. Among other
things he would prohibit the assess
ment of candidates for campaign ex-
penses. 1t would make it an offense
to present the honest voter with ci-
gars or drinks. The purpose of his
measure. Chrisney says, is to make
It as easy for a poor man to run for
Office as for wealthy man.
The organization of political COM
mittees and the appointment of polit-
zeal agents is made legal, but restric-
tions are thrown about their activities.
The agent or treasurer of the COM
mittee may expend money for halls
and music for conventions. for adver-
tising, for renting rooms and en-
ploying clerks and other workers at
the committee rooms and polls; for
travelling expenses of agents, the com,
mhtee and ppblH speakera, Money
may not be spent for things not men
toned in the act. Provision is made
for the filing Of statements of ex-
penses and for fines to be assessed on
failure to file.
"corrupt Practices"
Two pages of the bill are devoted to
defining corrupt practices" and the
following shall be held to be guilty:
Every person who shall receive or
solicit from any person, committee,
association, organization or corpora
ton any money gifts. money, advan-
fage, preferment. aid. emolument or
any valuable thing whatsoever, for
the purpose of inducing or procuring
any person to vote or refrain from
voting for or against any person, or
for or against any measure at any
such election, caucus or primary elec-
1ion.
Every person or political committee
that shall solicit from any candidate
from president to city councilman any
money or other gift or contribution for
the Benefit of any club or other organi-
Eation or for the purpose Of defraying
the expense OF any election.
Only Necessary Expenses.
Every person who shall make such
contribution, except that it be for the
expense Of postage. kilograms, tele-
phones, stationery, printing Gssress
or travelling incurred by any candidate
Tor Office or nomination thereto.
Every candidate for nomination or
election who shall promise any ap-
pointment or his aid in obtaining any
appointment in return for assistance;
except that the candidate may publicly
announce his choice for any appoint
ment that may be within his gift.
Any person who shall make any con-
tribution to any agent or treasurer Of
q political committee in any other
name than his own or any treasurer
or agent who shall receive such pay
ment.
Every person or committee who
enall SOlClt any CanQlQ0te 10 purc0aSe
tickets or anything OF value in aid of
any person, church, club, association
Or organization.
No Corporation Funds.
Every corporation organized or do
ing business in the state and the re-
eponsible officers thereof who shall
contribute any money or thing OF val
ue to any person or political commit
tee in aid Of the success or defeat Of
INV candidate or for the success or
defeat of any question or principle in
any election.
A candidate for election or nomina-
ton or the agent Of such candidate
who shall give or offer or promise to
give to any person Intoxicating liquor,
cigars, tobacco at any time while he
Is : candidate.
Any person guilty of these things
shall be fined not more than 81 900 or
imprisoned not more than enc year
or both and may be disfranchised for
= nor10d Of fOur wears