New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1911-08-12
THE CANDIDATES


Monroe-News Star pictures 81
graphically the true SITUATION III
Iberia Parish with the poss bic eS'
ception of the watermelon episode
(the season being over III tals
neck of the woods that we fel'
justified in giving it space;
Local candidates are experienc-
inc strenuous times these days,
and incidentally they are finding
campaigning rather an expensive
pastime. Years ago aspirantS Tor
office were not called upon for
contributions to this. that and the
other worthy or unworthy cause
or enterprise, and could MAKE the
race upon an economical basis.
But in these degenerate Gays can
didates are literally "bled to
death, and a man cannot MAKE
the race for even the most insig-
nificant office without almost
bankrupting himself in an effors
to serve the dear peepul.
Every campaign deve .opes
something new. This seems to be
the watermelon year. One
handsome and genial candidate
, the other day had twenty-one BIC.
Notwithstanding melons scattered
around the floor of his office,
while another candidate had wa
termelons of all descriptions
Another office seeker was trvln"
ito dodge the watermelon wagons,
as he had invested several dollars
in melons the day before. These
several gentlemen felt it incumb-
ent upon them to buy melons from
every wagon that showed up in
their neighborhood. not thinking
jof the expense until fifteen or
twenty had been purchased.
However, this method of cam
paigning can be made to serve a
double purpose-the candidates
please the seller and then they can
send the melons around to their
friends. at least winning the
thanks Of those who receive the
favors. We pause long enough to
say that we have not yet been Sc
duced by any prize melons being
sent in by prospective Office hold
lers,
Yet. there is a serious and Of
item an embarrassing aspect to
this new mode Of campaigning.
Candidate are called upon to con-
tribute cold cash to almost every
kind of enterprise. from building
church to financing a fish fry.
For every barbecue, so we have
been informed the parish candi-
|date are assessed a certain stip-
ulated sum. and they dare not re-
fuse for fear of displeasing few
voters. This is not confined to
any particular section. for the
promoters living in the city can
give the country people points on
how to "bleed" candidates.
However, this is not the most
serious charge that is brought by
candidates here and elsewhere in
the State who, by reason Of exper-
fence. KNOW how expensive are
contests for offices. 1t is wei
known fact that there are certain
characters In every community.
both city and country, who must
be "bought in order to secure
their support, and who, unfort-
unately. are often bought"
three and four times before elec-
ton day. Some Of them will not
stay "bough'. !" but insist on be-
ing Thought" often, and the can
didates are forced to submit to
this reprehensible practice. The
boldest proposition came to the
surface a day or two ago, when a
citizen remarked that as far as
the parish candidates were con-
cerned. he would vote his convic-
lions right down the line, but
when it come to State officers he
was out for the money. and would
support the man who passed over
the most cold cash for his vote
and influence. This bald state
ment was made by a man who is
regarded as good citizen and
who would. we imagine, be insult
ed if he were offered q bride. I'm
fortunately. large class Of people
do not consider it disreputable to
;spose Of their votes to those who
are willing to pay the price. In
the eyes Of the law. however. 1t is
criminal to offer or accept a bride
Of any kind in order to obtain q
vote. and if some of the vote sell
lers are not very careful, they NAV
find themselves in serious trouble
after the election.
Few candidate can afford TO con-
tribute to every enterprise and re-
spond to the demands made upon
them by Tom, Dick and Harry,
and the sooner they refuse to sub
NIT to being "bled" the better for