13
SEPTEMBER 6, 190
Tho Nebraska Independent
f
l4
IT
an
I
1
ays.
The whole country Is shocked at the disclosures of money brib
ery, bat the author of this book makes the startling revelation that
railroad pass bribery is evea a rreater evil than bribery with mon
ey. The
of the
issoinsid
Astounding Disclosures
influence
free
lous
pass
that
many are unconsciously entrapped by it. Like creeping paralysis it
steals on the man and has him in its grasp before he is aware of it.
It is shown that nearly every state has its free pass organization,
that it is used as a police force to proteet 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; bow it sets up weak
and pliant men and pulls down strong and independent men: how it
controls legislatures and law-making. That this Bribery Sys
tem must first be destroyed before the people can get
wholesome legislation touching the control of the rail
roads Is the contention of the author in this book.
The Issue in Nebraska
- . -
Mr. Berge 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 the 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 the peope:
that by these means they maintain their extortionate freight and
passenger rates and betray the people whenever railroad 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
legislature will toll its death knell.
.i i t
'y
A New Book by Geo. W. Berge
Candidate for Governor of Nebraska in 1904
The Railroads and the U. S. Senate
To overthrow railroad domination in any state or at Washington
the present railroad bosses with their machines must be overthrown.
By destroying the free pass bribery system we strike them
st their most vulnerable point. This book strikes fearless
ly and powerfully at tKls, one of the greatest evils of our
time, and points out with unerring precision the politi
cal corruption which it begets. It is the only boob ever '
written on the subject and everybody win want to read It.
The book contains more than 300 pages. Illustrated and is bound
in heavy cloth. ' : . , .
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 Polities.
State Institutions in Grip of Pass Bribery System.
The Betrayal of the People by Pass-Holding Officials.
No Hope for Railroad Regulation From the National Congress
Until the Free Pass System is Destroyed in the States.
Serving Two Masters. ' .
WHAT CAN BE MORE INTERESTING JUST NOW THAN THIS PHASE OF THE RAILROAD QUESTION?
"GET JTAT-OUK EXPENSE. Wo Phoney 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
Free Pass Bribery System." and I
wiuld 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.
Royalton,Minn.-Please find enclos
ed tl.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.-I desire to obtain
a copy of your book. J. S. Tripp.
Bennett, Neb.-Enclosed please And
tl.CO 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 consist of various
addresses, newspaper editorials and chapters
in vigorons 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 grvernor of the state In 1904 on
the fusion ticket. Mr. Berge speaks strongly,
and hie 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 pass control of politicians is tolerated."
YORK. NEB.. DEMOCR-AT
"The contents 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
powerfally at one of the greatest evils of our
time and ougtot to meet with a hearty reception
from the reading public."
THE COMMONER.
George W. Berge, of Lincoln, editor and pub
lisher of the Nebraska Independent and f union
candidate for Governor in 1904, 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 demoralising ef
fect upon the groat masses of the people, Kall-
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 ahead of his ticket
shows in a measure the deep Interest the people
of Nebraska are taking in this phase of te rail
road problem. "The 1'ree Pass Bribery System"
is a valuable contribution to current political
discussion and should have a wide circulation
among those who are Interested in making the
railroads the servants, rather than the masters,
of the people.
Eminent Educator Endorse It
Lincoln, Neb. Hon. George W. Berge My
Dear Mr. Berge: I have Just finished reading
"The Free Pass Bribery System," and I close it
with tho convlctiua that it will have a career.
It is the clearest and complement explanation of
current western politics that I have ever seen.
Tour style is terse, brilliant, and effective, you
have avoided partisanship, and yen have ex
pressed yourself with great moderation and
self-restraint. Although the book deals with
Nebraska conditions, it will no doubt, attract
attention oatside the state. I hope you will not
fail to send a copy to the Hon. James Bryco.
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.
KUWiUU A. Ross.
Ex-Lleuterunt Governor Endorses It
York, Neb. Hon. George W. Berge. My Dear
Sir: I am reading your book, "The t ree 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 cuutribu-
Hnw We Offer You This Great
Book
tioa to the discussion of the paramount issue of
the hour and will, no doubt, have great influ
ence in centering altent on upon the most po
tent and demoralising agency of corruption In
existence. Everybody ought to read It.
B. A. OfLBKBT.
Candidate Seeks Information
Jeromeville, O. I have always looked upon
the pass as a polite bribe, I am sum 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 ( Paulson ) and we may have a majority
in the legislature and I am hopeful of getting
some legislation on this subject at tho coming
wxMion if re-eicctod. David jclkt.
Vals The Book Highly
Bridgeport, Nob. I think that every voter in
Nebiaaka should read it. I would not be with
out It for four prices of it. tt. E. Cadwsll,
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. V. WOL.
Flghtinr the Pass Evil
Weatherford, Tex. I am making a light down
here against this evil. 11. h. Stxanis,
Texas Legislator Needs It
Waxohachie, Tex. As a member of the last
two legislatures of thiB state I have striven for
anti free pass legislation, and I desire to read
what you have to say, lnasmneb as I eipcct to
renew my efforts next session. J.M.AXikhiicc.
Because we are so sure of the merits of this hook and so sure it will please you, we offer to send you the booh
without any money in advance and without any money at all if the booh does not please you. W e want you to see
this booh and examine it at our expense. Upon receipt of your order we will send you the booh postage prepaid.
Then in five days if you want to keep the booh, you send us $1.00. If you do not want to keep the booh, then in
' inspection coupon use when ordering five days from the time you receive it, you return the booh to us
7 77..-. . jl . j a 4 77 1
ana we wuc pay me poaiage even tot lis return, jlu we asc ts
that tlie booh he returned in good condition. W e can afford to tahe
this chance because we feel sure you will lihe the booh and because
we believe thoroughly in the rugged honesty of the people. We can
hardly see how this hind of a proposition can fait to interest every
reader oTKE INDEPENDENT' Every one who reads this Advertisement
should order this booh at once on these conditions. The author is
anxious that the fight' against free passes be carried into every state.
The Book Pub. Co., Lincoln, Neb., ; WO.
G ENTLRM EN : - Please send rae 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 "rent I do .not want to
keep the book, then within Ave days after I receive It, 1 will return it to you,
postage to be paid by you, In which case I shaUowe you nothing.
Name
I
City SUt.
Address, THE BOOK PUBLISHING CO., Lincoln, Nebraska.
Kindly fill out the Coupon in this Advertisement and mail It to us and we will send you
BOOK on the conditions stated herein.
the
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