The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1913-11-08

that this kind of a pledge does not
bind ones honor, because no one has a
moral right to extort such a pledge of
another. Elections should be left
open to the expression of the free will.
not hampered by promises granted with
out any moral or legal consideration.
I. The Democrats used much money
to carry this election. They had
sources to get it from that we could
not command. We were handicapped
through the whole campaign for money
enough to pay the legitimate expenses.
The Democrats had large corruption
fund, probably exceeding $4,000; and
money and --pevo" flowed freely in the
standard district and other places with
similar conditions. The big interests
and the political bosses. who feared
the loss OF power and prestige. con-
tributed very literally in support of
the Democrats. The principal under
lying idea with them was a controlled
administration. They knew there was
no chance OF controlling me for any
special interest; that while l would
take advice from all sources. I would
ultimately do as my conscience dictat-
ed was right and just.
o. Pi-pot NiSdh poiiliSS WAS EtSpCASf-
BILE in a large measure for my defeat,
and has been responsible. in a measure.
for the defeat Of the Republicans in
several past elections. There is an in
ner circle or ring, composed OF men
identified with certain special interests.
Democratic Political Hxers and some
Republican political fxers and leading
Bull Moose politicians. Some of the
1xo
working ostensibly for a great prin-
ciple, were in the municipal fight this
time solely for the benefit of the Dem
ocrat party. and through it the spec
| ial interests. which include several
banks, real estate firms, railroad cor
porations and some other corporations.
This inner circle seems to have abso-
lutte control of the Democratic and
| Progressives parties. and I am sorry
to say there are many Republicans
| hoodwinked by rhe Republican segment
| of this circle.
| In fact this circle or ring plays poll
| tics very smoothly. and was able to de-
ceive he common voter into supporting
| its wishes. This campaign may have
served to drive an entering wedge into
/
awaken the public TO its duty in the
| future. The ring is now pretty we'll
defined and known and it cannot any
| longer hide itself behind others and in
dark places. 1t must henceforth be
charged directly with responsibility.
g. THE REPUBLICANS HAD NO
REPRESENTATION ON THE ELEC-
TON BOARDS With few exceptions,
= IL.
| board worked IN harmony with each
| other but hostile to the Republican
| ticket. 1t has been ascertained that in
five or six precincts the conditions were
deplorable; tickets were opened and ex-
amined, in many instances. before be-
ing placed in the box. The law does
not provide for a day watcher and
such boards were at liberty to do as
they chose. The scheme was open tC
substituted ballots and IL I had been
elected in fact by a handsome majority
/ do not believe the returns would have
shown my election. Leaders of the OPP
posite party were known to go into
the voting places in several precincts
This was against the law and they
had no right to do so. What the pur-
pose was can only be surmised. This
|
before election and of the leaders and
of some election boards on election da,
was absolutely rotten.
am not complaining of these things
because 1 am sore, but simply to ad
monish the people that they are VI
against a dangerous designing ant
corrupt political ring; that their lib
critics at stake and unless they
: 1 . fafy III 1T ri
| politics at the next opportunity it ma.
be forever too late. When men of goot
social standing and leaders in business,
affairs Will resort to absolute corrup.
ton of the ballot, 1t is time for tn.
public to arouse itself. This is the kline
! of politics I was fighting and will con
tinue to fight as long as l have physi
cal and mental strength to interest any
one.
Sincerely yours.
PETER CRUMPACKER.