Misuse of Funds Quotes



In the early 20th century, the corruption in America was much worse than it is today. At the time, it was very common for members of Congress and State Legilators to take bribes from corporations whose interests they protected. Franchises, subsidies and other forms of corporate welfare was much more common. The reforms of the 20th centuries eliminated much of the corruption. At the same time, Americans, including Ms. De Cleyre knew much less about the details of foreign country’s foibles and weaknesses. So she underestimated the degree of corruption of foreign nations and made her judgment from the extensive corruption that then existed in the United States.


The members of the Irish Parliament at that time were an almost permanent group. Their constituents, were uneducated, ignorant, and often dependent on the member and in fear of retribution if he were not elected. Like any legislative body of members or almost certain reelection, many of the members were corrupt and unaccountable.