The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1912-05-15
EX.CONCRESSMAN v. j. TALBfRT SEEKS
THE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES SENATOR

| lc amDltlon, II only the rich and we'll
to-do can be candidates.; If no poor
man, however worthy and capable,
need, apply for recognition at the
hands of his countrymen; IL, in cdhS
petition for public office, the possest
sion and use of money are to be the
controlling factors then indeed may we
look for what an eminent jurist has
described as "the submergence Of the
despotism Of wealth" While l am
perfectly willing to pay my assess
ment when my pledge is filled as q
candidate for the United States SEN
ate, and do not complain Of 1t, yet
1t does seem to me that some means
ought to be devised to limit the ex-
pense account Of candidates for office
and thereby open the door to any de-
serving man, who may desire to sub
NIT his aspirations to the suffrage Of
the people, so that men of merit and
OF character, although without money.
would have an equal chance with those
who are fortunate enough to possess
both. 1t seems to me that this matter
WORTHY Of very serious consideration
as 1t is the great question whether the
dollar or the citizen shall rule this
country, for as it is a man no matter
what his qualifications are otherwise,
VIII be unable to become a candidate
unless he is able to meet all the de-
mands made upon him in reference
to the financial side of the question
Again the addition to the great and
growing danger of the money power.
and it's corrupt uses, we are not un-
mindful of the equally great danger of
the gigantic monopolies and trusts.
now formed and being formed
throughout the land and country. We
should and must have laws to protect
us against the abuses of these great
organizations. We must not capitu-
late the sway Of avarice, nor the
demonstration of corporite power. We
must have operative and effective laws
to prevent conspiracies and combi-
nations in restraint of trade in order
to secure to the great body Of people
the enjoyment of commercial liberty
and opportunities of free competition.
1t is principle worthy of all accep-
tion that 'perpetuities and monopo-
iies are contrary to the genius OF
free government" hence Il should
never be allowed. or late, the gov
ernment has met reverse in the Grim
inal cases against both the packers
and the sugar trust officials. An
acquittal In one, and disagreement
In the other. Now 1t, seems to be
pretty clearly demonstrated that the
government Will not be able to estab-
lish guilt in any other case of this
kind. The administration should de-
mand some new antitrust legislation.
The net result of twenty years of the
Sherman law has been absolutely
nothing, then there should be some
thing more substantial enacted. | de-
sire the investment of capital in our
State and wecome the introduction
or every legitimate business concern
with the hope that it may do well and
prosper among us, and We in turn de-
rive bnetits therefrom. I would do
nothing to disturb or check our in
dustrial progress, nor cause well d.
rected capital to halt at our borders.
We certainly have an inviting field
Tor every worthy enterprise; at the
same time we are expected TO have
laws designed for the protection of our
people against cooperative greed We
want capital to come, but we are not
expected to extend unfair and extra
ordinary solicitations to H. make
no war upon Legitimate capitalization
or corporations which are u.ceyya-y
and useful in the promotion ana guc-
cessful operation Of the many dese-y.
ing enterprises of the country. jCclijl-
ing railroads and all common car
riers. / recognize that there IRE grea,
Interests and vast concerrg beyond t,..
compass and individual ehor, or or.
binary partnership 4 proper com.
bination Of the rcsources of weal,h
and skill is Indispensable ~ the yroy-
er conduct OF the great ludu.,rIaI
manufacturing and commercial hugi-
ness OF the country. would not
impair, much less destroy, any proper
corporation in the exercise OF it's bust
ness not harmful to the well-being of
the masses Of the people. senseless
clamor against just and moral accumi-
lation of wealth should meet with no
announcement Nh IaoIoIotIo, 49,