Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1914-07-16
TO WIPE OUT GRAFT
Campaigns Against Bribery in
England and Germany.
Measures Taken to Promote Honest
Dealing in Australia, New Zealand,
Canada and AfSiea-convie-
lions In Britain.

There seems to be wave OF brl-
berry passing over the civilized world.
No one has any idea of the amount OF
corruption that goes on entirely out
Of sight, and some people seem to
have no conscience about it."
This startling statement was made
the other day at the annual meeting
of the Secret Commissions and Bri-
berry Prevention league, which was
formed six years ago to combat and,
II possible, to root out a canker that
has eaten deeply into the commercial
integrity of the country, London An
swers remarks.
That the league has exercised a
powerful influence, not only In spread
ing knowledge of the prevention Of
corruption act, but in investigating
cases of alleged bribery, may be
judged by the fact that since it came
into existence no fewer than $50
prosecutions have been commenced
at its instigation, and that at least 60
convictions have been obtained, either
upon indictment or under summary
procedure.
Nor is the war against bribery con-
fined to this country. 1t has been said
that British trade is retarded in GER
tain countries because our merchants
will not countenance-at any rate, on
such wholesale scale-the corrupt
practises of some OF their foreign com
petitors.. The campaign has to be
fought on international lines.
In Germany there is already -four
ishing Organization modelled on the
Secret Commissions and Bribery Pre-
vention league. II was founded in
May, 1911, and in a little over a year
had on its roll the names Of 1000
members.
There is also in Germany a law
against bribery, although II is not d.
rected at persons in private life.
The members OF the German league
have on their stationery device to
illustrate the object of their organiza
ton. Such a symbol has been adopted
by the British league, but as yet only
few British firms have awaited
themselves OF IT,
Four years ago the Swedish govern
ment sent one of its judges to Eng
land to study on the spot the proven
ton of corruption act and the opera
ton of the British league, and al
though there has as yet been no prac
teal outcome there is reason &c
believe that before long there will be
law in Sweden on the lines OF either
the British or the German act.
The commonwealth OF Australia, be
fore the British act had come into
force, set an example by passing the
secret commission act in 1905, a fed
eral measure which applies equally t
all the six Australian states.
By this act a fine OF $1,000 may b,
imposed on indictment upon any cor
poration which, as an agent, accepts
any secret gift, or uses a false &C
count, or gives a gift or misleading
document TO any agent; and In tbs
case of any person the penalty is two
years Imprisonment or q fine Of $500
or both.
In the dominion OF New Zealand ar
act came into force on January /
1911. In South Africa and in Canada
steps have been taken to enforce &
law against bribery, but as yet with
out result; and in several Of the state.
of America there are antibribery laws
though no federal act.
So much for the international as
pect of the question. What has beer
done in this country to wipe out the
reproach OF us being corrupt nation
Sir Edward Fry, one of the stalwarti