0
III
Nebraska. Independent
APRIL 19, 190S
PAGE 16
M,
if free ?m BMBfrofBT)!
The whole country Is shocked at the disclosures of money brib
ery, but the author of thin book makes the startling revelation that
railroad pass bribery is even a greater evil than bribery with mon-
1 n fluence
ey. The
of the
issolnsid
Astounding Disclosure;
free
ious.
pass
that
' many are unconsciously entrapped by it. Like creeping paralysis it ,
steals on the man and has hirn in its grasp before be ts aware of it.
It is shown that nearly every state has its free pass organization,
that it Is used as a police force to protect the railroads in their ex
tortionate freight and passenger charges, low taxation of their pro
perty, and in all other matters in dispute between them and the .
'people. In vivid and forceful language the author shows how this
pass organization dictates nominations for office; how itsetsup weak
and pliant men and pulls down strong and independent men; how it
controls legislatures and law-making. Tha.t this Bribery Sys
tem must flist be destroyed - before the people cvr get
wholesome legislation touching the control of the rail
roads Is the contention of the author in this book.
The issue in Nebraska
Mr. Herge was the Democratic and Populist candidate for Gov ,
ernor of Nebraska in 1904. and would have been elected by an over
Whelming majority except for the Roosevelt landslide. He made
the railroad question tie Issue of his campaign. In scathing terms
he denounced the professional lobby and the free pass bribery sys
tem. He insisted that these were the instrumentalities through
which the railroads procured the government away from thepeopie:
that by these means they maintain their extortionate freight ana
passenger rates ana cetray tne people wnenever rauroau in
terests are involved. The campaign was without a parallel
in the state. Mr. Berge has kept on battling since that cam
paign until this year all parties in Nebraska will declare
against this vicious bribery system, and it is evident the next
egis-luturc will toll its death Ijnell.
A New Book by Geo. W. Berge
for Governor of Nebraska in 1904
Candidate
The Railroads and the U. S. Senate
To overthrow railroad domination in any state or nt- Washington
the present railroad bosses with their machines must be overthrown.
By destroying the free pass bribery system.we strike, them
at their most vulnerable point. -This book strikes fearless
ly and powerfully at trtfs. one of the greeUest evils of our .
time, eund points out with unerring precision (he politi
cal corruption, which if befets. It is the Only book ever
written on the subject and everybody will want to read it. r
. The book contains more than 300 pages, illustrated and is bound
in heavy cloth, i ; - ' ','
A Few of the Chapter Heads From
the Book
The Free Pass-Holders a Policing Squad for the Railroads.
The Most Powerful Weapon of this Policing Squad is The Free Pass
Bribery System. " - . .
Professional Pass Distributors and Pass Superintendents,
The Seductive Influence of the Free Pass.
Passes and Perjury.
The Lobbyists Organize the Legislature.
Pass Bribery leads to Graft. .
The Free Pass System Leads to Double Dealing in Politics.
State Institutions in Grip of Pass Bribery System.
The Bet rayal of the People by Puss-Holding Officials.
No Hope for Railroad Regulation From the National Congress
Until the Free Puss System is Destroyed in the States.
Serving Two Masters. v
WHAT CAN BE MORE INTERESTING JUST NOW THAN THIS PHASE OF THE RAILROAD QUESTION?
ET S T
T Uln2 EXPENSE Wo oney Required
UNTIL YOU HAVE SEEN THE BOOK AND DECIDED TO KEEP IT
READ WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT THIS BOOK
GREAT DEMAND
BEFORE PUBLISHED
Mt. Pleasant, Tex.-I want a copy
of that book. Geo. M. Roberts.
Parsons, W. Va.-I notice that you
have published a book entitled "The
Fr.ee Pass Bribery System," and I
would like to read the same. Send
to me a copy and I will return to you
price for same. J. P. Scott.
Greenville. Tex.-I wish to order a
copy of your book. Please quote
me price. J.P.Yates.
Greenville. Tex.-Please send me
a copy of your book with bill for the
same and I will send you the amount.
B Q. Evans.
Rovalton.Minn.-Please And enclos
ed $l'.00 for "The Free Pass Bribery
System." Most likely I will take the
agency for it. J. V. Ragan.
Lisbon, O.-When can I get your
book and what is the price?
W. G. Wells.
Northfleld, Minn.-Idesire to obtain
a copy of your book. J. S. Tripp.
Bennett, Neb.-Enclosed please find
$1.00 in P. O. tor "The Free Pass Bri
bery System." Gerhardt Kolloster.
Minden. Neb.-Find enclosed $2.00
one for your "New Book," remain
der to apply on my subscription to
The Independent. J. S. Canady.
THE REPUBLICAN.
SPRINGFIELD. MASS.
"The Free Pass Bribery System" is a book of
Nebraska production and consists of various
addressee newspaper editorials and chapters
in vigorous denunciation of the free pass evil.
The author is George W. Berge, a lawyer of
Lincoln, and editor of the Independent newspa
per, who ran for governor of the state in 1904 on
the fusion ticket. Mr. Berge speaks strongly,
aud his handling of the politicians who accept
these little bribes Is scathing as it ought to be.
It is his opinion that the people will never se
cure through their legislative agencies an ef
fective control of the railroads as long as the
free puss control of politicians is tolerated."
YORK, NEB.. DEMOCRAT
"The coutents of the book are highly satis
factory. As its title imparts, it is a discussion
of the pass evil and is forcibly and clearly writ
ten. It shows up the methods by which the
railroad companies defeat railroad legislation
and maintain their dominion over the state
through the instrumentality in the main by the
railroad pass. The book strikes fearlessly and
powerfully at one of the greatest evils of our
time and ought to meet with a hearty reception
ltoui the reading public."
THE COMMONER
George W. Berge, of Lincoln, editor and pub-.
Usher of the Nebraska Independent and fusion
candidate for Governor in 11HM-, has published a
book entitled "The Free Pass Bribery System."
Mr. Berge deals with the pass bribery evil in
plain language, and points out with unerring
precision the evils that follow in the train of
this form of political corruption. He Is not
content with showing how politics is corrupted, -but
shows beyond dispute the demoralizing ef
fect upon the great masses of the people.' Kail-
road methods are exposed in scathing terms.
Mr. Berge made his campaign for governor
upon the railroad pass issue and the , fact that
he ran many thousands abead of bis ticket
shows in a measure the deep interest the people
of Nebraska are taking in this phase of the rail
road problem. "The Free Fnss Bribery System"
is a valuable contribution to current political
discussion and should have a wide circulation
among thoso who are interested in making the
railroads the servants, rather than the masters,
of the people.
Eminent Educator Endorses It
Lincoln, Neb. Hon. George W. Berge My
Pear Mr. Berge: I have just finished reading
"The Free Pass Bribery System," and I close it
with the conviction that it will have a career.
It is the clearest and completest explanation of
current western politics that 1 have ever seen.
Tour style is terse, brilliant, and effective, you
have avoided partisanship, and you have ex- -pressed
yourself with great moderation and
self-restraint. Although the book deals with
Nebraska conditions, it will no doubt, attract
attention outside the state. I hope you will not
fail to send a copy to the Hon. James Bryee,
author of "The American Commonwealth,"
who always appreciates realistic studies of
American politics. With the best wishes for a
hearty reception of your book, I remain.
Edwako A. ROSS.
Ex-Lieutenant Governor Endorses It
York, Neb. Hon. George W. Beree. My Dear
Sir: lam reading your book, "The Free Pass
Bribery System," and hasten to assure you of
my high appreciation of it. It is an able, inter
esting and instructive exposition of, the influ
ence of the pass in defeating wholesome rail
road legislation and in maintaining a most de
testable railroad domination in this country.
Your book is a timely and valuable contribu
tion to the discussion of the naramount issue of
thehourandwlll.no doubt, have great influ
ence in centering attention upon the most po
tent and demoralizing agency of corruption in
existence. Everybody ought to read it.
K. A. GII.BEKT.
Candidate Seeks Information
Jeromeville, O. I have always lookod upon
the pass as a polite bribe, I am sure your book
will interest me. Please send a copy to my ad
dress and I will remit you the price of your book
whatever it is. We are hoping to elect our gov
ernor ( Pattison ) and we may have a majority
in the legislature and I am hopeful of getting
some legislation on this subject at the coming
session if re-elected. David Elk y.
Values The Book Highly
Bridgeport, Neb. I think that every voter in
Nebiaska should read it. I would not be with
out it for four prices of it. G. K. Cadwbll
Former Land Commissioner's View
Normal, Neb.--I have scanned Its pages with
much satisfaction. It treats the subject in all
of its phases and leaves no point unexhausted.'
It ought to be read by every voter in the whole
country. To all it will be found full of interest
and to many it will prove a veritable revelation-
. " J. y. Wolfe.
Fighting the Pass Evil
Weatherford, Tex. I am making a tight down
here against this evil. K. L. Stennis.
Texas Legislator Needs It
Waxohachie, Tex. As a member of the last
two legislatures of this state I have striven for
anti free pass legislation, and I desire to read
what you have to say, inasmuch as I expect to
renew my efforts next session. J.M.Aldekdick.
Now We Offer You This Great
Book
Because we are so sure of the merits of this booh a nd so sure, it will please: you, we offer to send you the booh
without any money in advance "and with out any money at, all if the book does not please you. We want you to see
this book and examine it at oxif expense. Upon'meipfaf.you will send you the booh postage prepaid.
Then in five days if you want to keep the book, you send tisfl.OO.- If you do not want to keep the book, then in
inspection coupon use when orderinc ' , five days from-the time you receive it, you return the book to its
' ' ' t " '11 " .j7 - j . J?.. It. . All 7.
ana we wiu pay im posiaga even i ur vkf n. - u w? asic is
that the book be returned in good condition. We can afford to take
this chance because we feel sure you will like the book and because
we believe thoroughly in the rugged honesty of the people. We can
hardly see how this kind of a proposition can fail to interest every
readei oTHE INDEPENDENT 'Every one who reads this Advertisement
should order this book at once on these conditions. The author is
anxious that the fight against freepas&es be carried into every stat
The Book Pub. Co., Lincoln, Neb., IOC .
GENTLEMEN:-Please send me postage prepaid, Free Pass Bribery System,
by Mr. Berge, for which I agree to pay you $1.00 at the end of five days after
Its receipt, provided I want to keep the book. In the event I do not want to
keep the book, then within Bve days after I receive it. 1 will return it to you,
postage to be paid by you, in which case I shallowe you nothing.
Name
City.
State.
Address, THE BOOK PUBLISHING GO,, Lincoln, Nebraska,
Kindly fill out the Coupon in this Ad ertisement and mail it to us and we will send you th
HOOK on tne conamons siaiea nerein.
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