OCTOBER 4, 1906
The Nebraska Independent
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flE FIE PASS ifflSylYgf El"
fci of the
issoinsid
The whole country is shocked at the disclosures of money brib
ery, but the author of this book makes the startling revelation that
railroad pass bribery is even a greater evil than bribery with mon-
The Z '. ZT! Z I influence
free pass
ious that
Astounding Disclosures
many are unconsciously entrapped by it. Like creeping paralysis it
steals on the man and has him in its gra.'-p 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 protect the railroads in their ex
tortionate freight aDd 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 it sets up weak
and pliant men and pulls down strong and independent men; how it
controls legislatures and law-making. Thau 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 lioosevelt 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 thepeopie:
that by these means they maintain their extortionate freight and
passenger rates ana Detray 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 wi toll its death knell.
K Jti is
1J
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,
liy bes;royiiig the free pass bribery system we strike them
at their most vvj'nerable point. This book strikes fearless
ly arvd powerfvil'y at this, 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 book ever
written on the subject and everybody will 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 Per j ury.
The Lobbyists Organize the Legislature.
Pass Bribery leads to Graf t.
The Free Pass System Leads to Double Dealing in Politica
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?
T AT OUR EXPENSE No money Required
UNTIL YOU HAVE SEEN THE BOOK AND DECIDED TO KEEP IT
GET
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
wauld 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 mo
a copy of your took with bill for the
same and I will send you the amount.
B. Q. Evans.
Royal ton.Minn.-Please find enclos
ed $1 .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.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.
READ WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT THIS BOOK
THE REPUBLICAN.
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.
"The Free Pass Bribery System" Is a book of
Nebraska production and consists of various
addresses, 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,
and 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 pass control of politicians is tolerated."
YORK, NEB.. DEMOCRAT
"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 de' eat railroad legislation
and maintain their dominion over the state
through the instrumentality in the main by the
rail roan pass. The book strikes fearlessly and
powerfully at one of the greatest evils of our
time and ought 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 fusion
candidate for Governor in 1904, has published a
book entitled "The Kree 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. Hail-
road methods are exposed in scathing terms.
Mr. Berge made bis campaign for governor
upon the railroad pass issue and the fact that
he ran many thousands ahead of bis ticket
shows in a measure the deep interest the people
of Nebraska are taking in this phase of tt,e rail
road problem. "The Kree 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 Endorses 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 the conviction that it will have a career.
It is the clearest and completest explanation of
current western politics that I 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. AUbough the book deals with
Nebraska condit ions, it will no doubt, attract
attention outside the state. 1 hope you will not
fall to send a ropy to the Hon. James Bryce,
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.
KUWAHl) A. ROSS.
Ex-Lleutensnt Governor Endorses It
York, Neb. Hon. George W. Berge. My Dear
Sir: I am reading your book. "The Kree 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 ot the pass in defeating wholesome rail
road legislation and in maintaining a most de
testable railroad domination In this country.
Tour book is a timely and valuable contribu-
How
tlon to the discussion of the paramount issue of
the hour and will, no doubt, have great influ
ence in centering attent on upon the most po
tent and demoralising agency of corruption in
existence. Everybody ought to read it.
K. a. Gilbert.
Candidate Seeks Information
Jeromevlllo, O. I have always looked upon
the pass as a polite br be, 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 ( Paulson ) and we may have a majority
in the legislature and I am hopeful of gettini
some legislation on this subject at the cominS
session if re-elected. David Elky.
Values The Book Highly
Bridgeport, Neb.-I t hink that every voter in
Nebiaska should read It, I would not be with
out it for four prices of It. G. K. Cadwki.l
Former Land Commissioner's View
Normal, Neb. I have scanned Its pnges with
much satisfaction. It treats the subject in all
of its phases and leaves no point unexhausted.
It ought to be rend by every voter in the whole
country. To allit wil be found full of interest
and to many it will prove a veritable revela-t,on-
J. V. Wolitb.
Fighting the Pass Evil
here against this evil. K. L. Stbnnis.
Texas Legislator Needs It
Waxohachle, Tex. As a member of the last
two legislatures of this state 1 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.Ai.uickuicic
w
e Offer You This Great Bonk
Because we are so sure of the merits of this book 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 book does not please you. We vjant you to see
this book and examine it at our expense.. . Upon receipt of your order we will send you the book postage prepaid
Then in five days if you want to keep the book, you send us $1.00. ' If you do not want to keep the book then in
inspection coupon use when ordering five days from the time vou receive it. unu ffiiurvt. th hh
z ,, --i g . ,v wiw wkiv lu UCS
and we will pay the postage even for its return. All we ask is
that the book be returned in good condition. We can afford to take
this chance because we feel sure you will like the boolcand 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
reader oTKE INDEPENDENT. Every one who reads this Advertisement
should order this book at once on these conditions. The author is
anxious mat ttiejigM against free pastes be carried into every state.
VI.JL. KM A Al 0. m j .. . I
The Book Pnb. Co., Lincoln, Neb.,
. WO. .
GBNTLKMKN:- 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 Ave days after
Its receipt, provided I want to keep the book. In the event I do not want to
keep the book, then within five days after I receive it, 1 will return it to you,
postage to be paid by you, in which case I shall owe you nothing.
Name
City State .
Address, THE BOOK PUBLISHING GO,, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Kindly AM out the Coupon in this Advertisement and mail It to us and we will send' you the
"""" vuiiuiuvna siaiea norein.
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