Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/125

 public utility acts went into effect, a greater caution became necessary in the expenditure of large sums influencing the elections.

Corrupt practice acts have been passed in many states and have long been in force in England. There are some things however, in the Wisconsin act deserving special attention. The act is remarkable, not only for its restrictive feature—that feature is found in many acts—but for its relation to other Wisconsin legislation. It was constructed not only with the thought of restricting the use of money but also with the idea, so often used in Wisconsin acts, of insuring equality of opportunity. Taking the Oregon scheme of using a pamphlet to get the candidates' platforms before the public as a basis, it has developed a law with a certain philosophy underlying it. That philosophy may be outlined as follows: there should be equality of opportunity in running for or in holding office; if this is denied, there arises a governing class able to control election to office through money expended, and there remains a large class which is seldom represented among candidates for office. It is the duty of the state, therefore, to equalize these conditions by not only restricting the amount of money which can be spent by the man of wealth but also to equalize conditions still further by putting means into the hands of the poorer man, whereby his ideas may be placed before the whole people.