The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1912-01-23
ARE PUZZLED
HOW TO READ THE LAW

The corrupt practice act. passed by
the legislature in 1911. and governing
the expenses and conduct of candi-
dates for public office, IS proving
''puzzler'' for many who have an
nounced themselves as candidates for
county offices. subject to the election
this year, or who are considering be-
ing candidates. OF those who have
read the act carefully, some say 1t is
too stringent. and others say they do
not know what they can or can not do
and be within the law.
What amounts may we spend, and
for what?s are the questions being
asked BY all the candidates. The act
was passed with an idea of keeping
interests from putting their candi-
| dates X Once s. the use q money and
to give the ..poornaan a chance.
| 1t provides that every candidate
must make his expenditures through
an agent or treasurer designated by
| him, but he may act as his own agent.
/ All committees must have treasurers to
spend the money. and the treasurers
i only are authorized to handle the cash.
i Certain expenses are listed as legiti-
mate, but nothing is said about large
4 number of the usual incidentals 10 a
campaign.
Il Many Questions Asked.
One question some of the candidates
are asking is will they be allowed to
| buy apples or cigars to give out? Also
will they be allowed to pay the ex'
penses Of ward or precinct meetings
Some interpret the act as not forbid
ding sach expenses; others have sug
gestions as to how to get around tn
law. and others frankly say they d.
not know.
There is no safe way of spending
money secretly. because after the cleo
ton each candidate. under oath, mus
T file itemize6 statements of every penn
he has expended during the campaign
Should it be incorrect they will be liza
BILE for perjury, and should they hav
5 spent any money illegally under tn
| act they are liable to a fine or impris
e onmeSt.
! The list of legitimate expenses give
y in the act includes hiring halls an
music for conventions. public meeting
q and public primaries and for ADVERT;
G ing the same; for printing and circulat
!. ing political articles. circulars. letter
n pamphlets and books; for printing an
q distributing sample or specimen ballot
n and instructions to voters; for rentin
a rooms and headquarters to be used 3
. political committees: for the pay
y clerks, stenographers and other assis
i ants employed in the committee rooms
: for challengers. watchers and messef
gers employed in the registraIo
q rooms in the voting rooms and at th
y polls; for travelling and other legit
e. mate expenses of political agents. con
IS mittees and public speakers for neces
sary postage. kilograms. telephonin'
T printing and conveyance charges re
ie carrying sick and intirm persons TO an
from the polls or to and from the reg
- istration office.
$, Long List Causes Worry.
"a Under the head of corrupt practice
a long list of acts which will make IN
person performing them liable, ar
y named. and these are what cause N
:, worry.
d The law includes as violators: Ever
II person who shall directly or indirectl,
by himself or another. give. or offe
y or promise to any person any none,
II gift. advantage. preferment. entertain
!. ment. aid emoluments. any valuabl
~ thing whatever for the purpose of IN
= ducing or procuring any person 10 yot'
- or refrain from voting, for or agains
/ any person. or for or against any meas
ure or proposition at any election Q
primary election or political conventio
!. or session of the general assembly c
1t the state of Indiana, or either hous
n thereof
D. Every person who shall, directly G
r. Indirectly, receive, accept, request or sc
+ licit from any person, candidate. com
,f} mittee association, organization c
IS corporation. any money, gift, advant
r age. preferment. aid. emolument. {
N any valuable thing whatsoever for tn
purpose of inducing or procuring an