The Washington herald., 1916-08-28
Corrupt Practices.

Senator Owen, OF Oklahoma, processes a pro-
found belief in the necessity for corrupt prac-
tees act before the present session Of Congress
completes its duties. With the election of a
President drawing near, the whole country is in
terestcd in preserving the integrity of the ballot
box and in preventing the improper use of money
in influencing the electorate.
The preliminary skrmishes that have featured
the attempts to bring this question immediately
before the Senate have been acrimonious enough
to disclose that suspicion in the past has not
been confined to the activities of any party.
All the great parties, at time another,
have had elections savoring OF taint.
1t is generally admitted that the present Fed
eral corrupt practices act does not fill the bill.
1t is worded that it permits latitude in
the matter of campaign expenditures that is
synonymous with license. In pointing out that
1t does not meet evils that may arise in any
great election, Senator Owen is right.
To remedy this, the Oklahoma Senator pro-
poses bill that is as strong in its essentials
and details the present law is weak and unfit.
Observing where the existing statute has failed
to provide proper safeguards, the new draft con-
tains sections that FIX definite and severe pen
atty for violations and make it exceedingly diff
hcult to raise and expend large yellow-dog funds.
Leaders of both parties agree that such a
law Is desirable. Progressive Republicans
the Upper Branch OF Congress have announced
their intention Of supporting the bill But the
minority is not convinced that it is advisable to
pass the law at this late day in the session when
the opportunity for the fullest debate is not
afforded and members are anxious to 60 to their
homes.
There are features of the bill, which, before
being enacted into law, should be fully discussed
and in some amended. There are other
features Of the measure that will be stricken out
altogether and even Senator Owen will admit
that the bill in its entirety presented to the
Senate for action will not be enacted without
extended debate.
Under the circumstances the minority has
a right to urge that consideration of the measure
be deferred until the opening Of the next session.
Enough Senators already have declared them
selves for some corrupt practices legislation to
make it certain that the Owen bill, properly
amended will become law at the beginning Of the
next session
Campaign funds have held their share OF the
spotlight in the last decade The days when
immense could be contributed without re-
gard to how they spent and without report
ing their receipt by political committees have
passed. The stricter regulation, both State and
national, OF corporations acts curb on con-
tributions from these sources
The forthcoming national campaign will not
be decided by the use OF money Money will
play its part, but not as important part as in
the past.
From this outlook, it does not appear that
Senator Owen will be successful in having = new
corrupt practices act placed on the statute book
this session. The discussion he has caused, how
ever, serves useful purpose 1t emphasizes that
the legislators of the country will have keen
Cyc the expenditures that will be made within
the next few months and it will act as deterrent
to those who might be dcsirous OF ignoring the
present corrupt practices act.