Newberry’s Conviction
The conviction of Senator Truman H. Newberry and 16 of his
co-defendants for criminal conspiracy in connection with the special election
in Michigan in 1918 is a matter in which every citizen who is interested in
honest elections may well take comfort. It makes no difference, as the Record
has pointed out in discussing government, whether the candidate in most cases
is a Democrat or Republican—the question is honesty. If Senator Newberry had
been a Democrat, his offense would have been just as great.
Sensible people realize that if wealthy men or politicians
are able to purchase an election then there is no reason for voters going to
the polls. There are enough men in every section willing to sell out to aid any
party in winning an election. It was the great Newberry slush fund that beat
Henry Ford whom the majority of Michigan voters wanted to represent them in the
senate.
Mr. Newberry’s exponents attempt to justify this expenditure
by declaring that Henry Ford is not worth to the high office. That is not for
them to say. That question should be decided by the voters of Michigan.
Senator Newberry should be denied his seat in the United
States senate. He himself should voluntarily retire, and in any event he should
not be allowed to hold membership in that body as long as there is a cloud
hanging over his title.
The action of the Grand Rapids jury should have a wholesome
effect on next fall’s election. Senator Newberry and his co-defendants have
been given prison sentences or heavy fines or both, and they will have small
chance of getting the verdict overturned by the supreme court.
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