GROWTH IN PUBLIC CORRUPTION.
MUCH has been said of late, since the revelations of the rottenness of the insurance companies' management, about funds which have been given to great parties for the prosecution of their political campaigns. That this is of more recent development is evident. Senator William E. Chandler, one who has had opportunity of great knowledge, tells us that in 1868 the committee had less than one thousand dollars to spend, and no more in 1872 or 1876, and even in 1880 no corporation gave money. Corporation giving began in 1896, when vast sums were given to save the country from the calamity which it was supposed would follow Mr. Bryan's election. Vast sums were given then which "there was no occasion for receiving or using, and the practise of gross wickedness was begun which the country is now beginning to understand." These are some words from one who certainly has no reason to misinterpret and misrepresent.