Can't Be Elected without It
Can't Be Elected without It.—There have been various attempts at reform legislation at the California capital this winter, but there are some bad things that can not be spared yet. One of these is the custom of treating during election campaigns. Mr. Caminetti introduced a bill making it unlawful for a candidate for office to "treat" any one by buying or giving away any cigar or intoxicating beverage. In the language of one reporter, the bill was "buried deep under a shower of disapproving votes." One prominent senator said he would not respect such a law if it were passed. Others declared the measure idiotic; but the climax of opposition came when one senator said there were districts in the State where no man could be elected unless he spent "treat" money among his constituents. So, despite the claim that "this is a Christian nation," King Alcohol maintains his influence in the distribution of official honors.