Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-27
GRAFT

GRAFT
We hnd little comment on the
wholesale graft laid to union men
in the electric trade" in New York
City. Evidently people are so busy
thinking about the baseball scandal
"a to have no time left for consider
ing the Shiny situation exposed in
800 affidavits submitted to the con-
sideration Of the court by the Inter-
national Electrical Workers Union,
that failing to secure the removal OF
the alleged grafters appeals to the
court for little justice.
These affidavits tell a shameful
story about men indicted into the
union on the order of business
agents, though knowing nothing
about electrical work, one such be-
ing wanted because Of his record as
a dynamiter, on the plea that ne
might be useful If something were
Jstarted; an examiner of new ap-
plicants being offered as high as $500
a week to do the will of those who
wished to get certain men into the
union; a contractor paying 5000
month each to union officials super
vising a Job. while these same Of
fcials were receiving from the
union $500 for expert advice;
payments for violations of union
III
This does not relate, except by in
direction and suggestion. to the
scandal over graft in sport about
which there is so much ado right
now. Indeed graft in business or
In politics seems to be expected by
many, more's. the pity. And among
these are those who instantly be-
come indignant over the thought of
graft in sport. Baseball especially
has been held up in the class with
Caesars wife. the games worship
pers insisting that it must be above
suspicion. Alas, that insistence ap-
pears to be unequal to the task, al
though there probably is no cleaner
sport, Notwithstanding big money Is
become q sort of standard by which
1t is measured. And yet big money
will not long be associated with 1t
unless it is kept clean.
How explain this anomalous at
titude, so solicitous for freedom
from graft in our sports, SO tolerant
Of graft in other pursuits? Is 1t
because the mind, tired Of the ways
in other lines Of endeayor. seeks
something different. experiences in
clean sport refreshment OF soul, is
intrigued with the thought that
here Is something, which with due
allowance for luck and wind and
weather Is to be decided on its
merits? Possibly.
But is graft in business and poll
tics as much expected as once on a
timer We wonder. We are under
the impression that there has been.
over the years, an improvement in
that respect. This is a big world;
lot is going on; many are trying TO
get ahead too quickly and over
reach the other fellow. But who
ever heard of the Golden Rule as
successful business slogan a century
ago and why that old dictum: Let
the buyer beware, for years re-
garded as salient legal advice
everywhere applicable? From pour
boire to commissions" graft is
hoary companion Of the ages. When
that companionship becomes too OPP
pressive, when the parasite sucks
the life from that on which it lives,
wherewith shall the parasite be fed?
Better that man should determine
that In advance. Strong men,
strong peoples when vision is in
cluded in their strength. do deter
mine this. They come to see graft
for what it is, despicable, deadly in
the end. There is much to be read
In the news Of the day concerning
graft, which years ago would not
have appeared in the light outside
its immediate vicinity. 1t is to be
hoped that this familiarity shall not
breed contempt Graft, while de-
spisable, is not to be considered a
petty thing. far from it.