The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1912-03-04
SEN. KENYON DECLARES
STEPHENSONS SEAT IN
SENATE WAS PURCHASED


Washington, March 4.-"Why mince
words? Every man in this body knows
that the election of Senator Stephen
son was brought about by the reck-
less eXtravagant and wrongful use of
money. You may gloss it over. smile
about it, condone il. but the fact still
exists-thc seat was purchased"
Senator Kenyon. in scathing de
nunciation of the methods alleged TO
have been used by the veteran Wis
consin Senator i'm his campaign for his
seat, made the foregoing part of a
vigorous speech in the Senate today.
The Iowa senator with Senators Clapp
Jones, Kern and Lea dissented from
the majority report of the committee
which investigated the election and
held that charges of bribe and corrup-
tion had not been proved. Senator
Kenyon denounced the election as "an
organized riot of corruption" inde-
fensible and tainted at its foun-
tain"
Debauchery Of Electorate.
THE methods employed would not
have dignificd candidacy for county
sheriff" he said. "The election was
the result of an organized riot of cor
ruption, a debauchery of the elector
ate by treating, employment pUr-
chases OF newspaper influence. and
other despicable methods. creating. by
money, political enthusiasm and secur-
ing political support Such practices
should cease. and cease now. other
wise the canker of corruption will eat
close TO the heart of the republic.
"The only real danger that can ever
threaten this nation i'm the future is
corruption In the body polite. IL Is the
child of avaricc and special privilege.
1t can exist only when the electorate
is Indifferent They may he slow to
ne aroused. but when on ce aroused the
American people will drive the money
changers from the temple. and smite
the arrogant demon Of corruption
wherever its vile head may appear"
Seats Not For Sale.
Seats IN the United States Senate. |
Mr. Kenyon declared. did not belong |
to the highest bidder If seats were
TO be bought and sold as merchandise, |
then. he fore told the decadcnce of the |
republic
'Jf men can be sent here by money" |
he continued. Others can be defeated |
by money and there are men i'm this |
chamber who know what IL means TO |
have the purses of great interests |
on; no one need be discour-
aged; the people. not money, are go-
ing to rule in this country. We are
advancing.
"In the Payne case Senator Frye, the |
brainy and honest sena-
tor from Maine pleaded with the Sen
ate 10 investigate the charges that the |
Standard oil company had, through its |
agents and officers. put its hands upon |
e legislative body. and undertook 10 !
control and elect member Of the |
United States Senate. lie could not |
secure hearing.
"Old Judge Thurman. with relation |
to the Fayne case said at that time. |
in an Interview:
The Democratic clock Is put back
four years, and corruption is given a |
new lease hold in our land, syndicates
purchase the peoples votes, and hon
est men stand aghast."
"A Purchased Seat"
I'VE at least have had an investi- |
cation. a thorough one. and as the lid |
has been lifted men have been sicken-
ed by the foul odors that came from |
the cauldron OF corruption. There is
no divinity that surrounds a seat In |
this body acquired by such methods |
no reason to talk In whispers concern
ing it, but boldly to brand II. as IL is, |
"a purchased seat
Above any other question Is the
great one of public policy. A man who
turns loose this enormous sum OF \
money 10 secure a seat here is not as
a matter Of public policy, entitled to |
remain member OF this body; even 1