Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-09-20
Must Be Rich to Get an Office
NOWADAYS

1t has been fully demonstrated that only rich
men can obtain the principal political offices
in this country. They must begin to pay,
soon their ambitions are announced to the
public. and the late primary election In Geor-
gia has been thus figured up in regard to the
expense to the various candidates The convic-
ton is irresistible that no man need run for
governor, congressman railroad commissioners
In Georgia unless he has stiff bank account
to make the trip.
feel sorry for those who were forced to
make good, when they had nothing left but
an empty pocket because the defeat itself
makes a sore place and the loss OF the money
makes it sorer. Of course.
1t is evident now that a great many men
in Georgia while they are qualified to Aald
offise. cannot enter the race because OF
financial reasons, better known to themselves
than 10 anybody else.
This is fact that stands out, with no
pFopostion Il Is Sso sseeSn,b1. tbst %snr
who do run for Office get money help from
their friends and relatives. as the published
itemiZed list Of expenses portray.
Now, j may be set down a croaker, q
pessiminst, or having a crouch, because dop
recate this use of money in popular cleo
uons; but all readers Of history, ancient OF
modern, will look with suspicion. If not with
disfaVor on the of money 10 control cleo
uons. No matter how rich the applicant can
didates may be, or how many rich relatives the
peer candidate may count: 1t is the effect
OF the money itself that works the evil-and
inflicts the damage.
1t is plainly evident that money counts and
whenever Mammon turns the scale there is
danger to a free government, anywhere.
j had some experience with congressional
campaigns, third Of century ago. can
didate at that time was expected to pay for
his tickets, posters and his telegrgsms, If be
ran as an independent, but the organized Dem
oerats, printed and paid for the tickets that
were used by the nominee at the general cleo
ton in November, IL was only the Independents
who had personally to foot bills Of that sort.
II bore hardly on the independents, $50 al
paid railroad fare (while the oragnized
Travelled on free passes), but it was nevertheless
a safe way. You knew what you had to do, IL
you antagonized a party nomination., or
for office in Georgia.
/ am an old lady who wears specs to be able
to read or write, but even blind man could
see well enough to know and be convinced
there is going to be serious trouble, when out
siders chip in and furnish campaign funds
for their favorite csndidte and If this rule
in to pay for court trials and pay for offices
handed out by the 'powers that be-" Then
offices will he virtually bought.
The most dangerous graft in the world IL
now carried on by outside money used to elect
legislature members and congressman to control
legislation. 1t is notorious that very rich men
majority, because they pay the expense
OF costly elections, and it is charged and In
many instances corroborsted by evidence direct.
and circumstantfal, that great interests" and
the owners Of predatory wealth. advance
large amounts Of money to secure men who win
do their bidding, in law making bodies
When II becomes habit to raise campaign
funds from outsiders in Georgia elections,
viii be apt to find that the longest pole al
ways knocks down the persimmon.
in public office is today obliged 70
get money before be starts the campaign. He
must have enough Of his own TO pay the
heavy expenses or his friends and advocates
must ante up with the amount.
II will soon be like travelling In an endless
circle and the money will make the mare 60;
and the poor candidate had better stay at home
and hoe his potatoes for his souls sake. This
money exhibit makes an old lady like myself
uneasy. / cannot see the end to thing like
this which means so much financial obligation.
1t speaks poorly for a republic when a man
must have money before be can speak ont
vote for HIS constituents who not blessed
with much cash.