But
it will be well worth all it will cost, for self-government is at stake.
There can be no legislative cure-all for great political evils, but
legislation can make easier the effective expression and execution of
the popular will. One step in this direction, which I personally believe
should be taken without delay, is a law forbidding any Senator or Member
of Congress or other public servant to perform any services for any
corporation engaged in interstate commerce, or to accept any valuable
consideration, directly or indirectly, from any such corporation, while
he is a representative of the people, and for a reasonable time
thereafter. If such a law would be good for the Nation in its affairs, a
similar law should be good for the States and the cities in their
affairs. And I see no reason why Members and Senators and State
Legislators should not keep the people informed of their pecuniary
interest in interstate or public service corporations, if they have any.
It is certain such publicity would do the public no harm.
This Nation has decided to do away with government by money for profit
and return to the government our forefathers died for and gave to
us--government by men for human welfare and human progress.
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