Evening journal., 1910-12-01

about it. The neighbors may not be able to ac-
complish any good, but they can gossip great
deal about our affairs and have considerable
pleasure at our expense. Our neighbors in some
instances, may not be any better than we are but
that makes little or no difference Our neighbors
always know what we should do in any event, or
think they know.
Let Congress investigate and let there be tcs-
tmony showing 10 the world chat Delaware is
very bad PhiIadelphians, for example and New
Workers who have lived in the shadow of many a
dough day at Tammany Hall, may be horror
stricken and Delaware may be reformed. 1t would
il is admitted, be difficult to show that enough
votes we're purchased by the Republicans of Della
ware to upset the election of Mr. Head Mr. White
is quoted as saying that 5000 votes we're pur-
chased in Sussex county alone, but we think Il
would be difficult for him to give legal proof
that 800 were purchased. However let the coun-
try be scandalized. That seems 70 be the program
Even if great corruption is not shown beyond
opinions of Democrats that Republicans bought
votes and opinions Of Republicans, that Demo
Gratis purchased votes, the eyes Of the nation will
be fixed on Delaware's scandal. All Of this ac-
cording to the program is to shame the people
Of the State.
And yet there is really little new in this pro-
gram, and we very much doubt whether it will
have the effect desired. During the black days
of some years ago when Mr.. Addcks held high
carnival, the alleged corruption of Delaware was
paraded day in and day out throughout the coun
try. 1t was heraded broadcast Delaware was
denounced and condemned and talked about in a
diSparagng manner throughout the country. Parts
OF the country which themselves we're corrupt
held up their hands in hypocritica horror.
The full force of a national public opinion
against bribery and corruption exerted
against Delaware. But according 10 those who
are agitating the present White contest all this
force of public opinion must have been lost. 1t
must have had no effect for they talk about cor
ruption now as they did then. AS bad, they say
as it was years ago, If not worse The despcable
methods alleged to have been practiced in Kent
and Sussex are continued. There is no forceful
sentiment against corruption in those regions,
they say According TO that the people who in
dulge in the practice in the lower counties are
impervious to public opinion How then is the
matter to be helped by a continuous performance
of displaying soiled linen? 1t does not seem clear
that matters can be bettered but there may be one
effect and this is what most of those who are
urging the White contest have in mind: The man
whom they once lauded as the political foe of Mr.
Addicks they hope to place in the discarded shoes
of Mr.. Addicks. That is the chief reason of the
agitation on the part Of the Every Evening cotere.
The situation, however. is somewhat different
The Democrats now have the prosecuting machin-
cry Of the State. The members of the party who
have been making the wholesale charges of COL
ruption have complained that the legal machinery
was not in their hands. Give us the prosecuting
machinery and we shall show up this corruption
they used 10 say.
So far as The Journal is concerned we hope that
the Attorney Generals Office will continue to in
vestigate and bring into court those against whom
there is evidence Of violating the election laws
We don't think ahy man who is opposed to bribery
will throw a straw in his way. We trust the in-
vestgation will be made impsrtially The finding
of evidences of money used in the Eleventh ward
should be probed along with the reports from Kent
and Sussex county.
But no matter what may be done Delaware
seems destined to suffer from exaggerated stories
about corruption. The State was given a
bad name some years ago. Now writ
ing up Delaware corruption" is looked upon as a
regular assignment in some metropolitan news
paper Offices. 1t is good story and goes at any
time. Just when the State shall be free from cases
of corruption here and there, depends upon the
people themselves, when they fully realize that
they arc violating the laws of the State just as
much by using money at elections as if they stole
their neighbors' chickens. And we must confess
that among many persons in some parts of the
State such sentiment does not exist. II
ought to exist. There ought to be a healthy pub
lie opinion that would ostracise the brber and the
bribed and put them in Jail when possible. We
doubt, however, whethsr the frowns of our neigh
bors in other states will create or strengthen that
opinion in Delaware. We do not see any solution
of the problem except prompt efficient and i'm,
partial warfare upon alleged corruptors by the pro-
scouting officers of the State.
But the closest investigation we believe, woulc
fail utterly to show that the election was "pur
chased"
With the ParaUraDhers