To drive the special interests out of politics is a vast undertaking, for in politics lies their strength.  If they resist, as doubtless they will, it will call for nerve, endurance, and sacrifice on the part of the people.  It will be no child’s play, for the power of privilege is great.  But the power of our people is greater still, and their steadfastness is equal to the need.  The task is a tremendous one, both in the demands it will make and the rewards it will bring.  It must be undertaken soberly, carried out firmly and justly, and relentlessly followed to the very end.  Two things alone can bring success.  The first is honesty in public men, without which no popular government can long succeed.  The second is complete publicity of all the affairs in which the public has an interest, such as the business of corporations and political expenses during campaigns and between them.  To these ends, many unfaithful public servants must be retired, much wise legislation must be framed and passed, and the struggle will be bitter and long.  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.

Opposition to progress has produced its natural results.  There is profound dissatisfaction and unrest, and profound cause for both.  Yet the result is good, for at last the country is awake.  For a generation at least there has not been a situation so promising for the ultimate public welfare as that of to-day.  Our people are like a hive of bees, full of agitation before taking flight to a better place.  Also they are ready to sting.  Out of the whole situation shines the confident hope of better things.  If any man is discouraged, let him consider the rise of cleaner standards in this country within the last ten years.