The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-08
Reflections over tie Election.

hSHectlOlS over LIE ElecLl0n-
Onr readers no doubt, will join with us in
expressing qualification that the election is
over, and that we are to have brief respite
from political jarriag and pickering. At
this writing. we cannot positively say what
the result is in this county, nor the State.
We :hirk, we are safe in saying, that the
Legislature elected last Tuesday, will turn
its attention, Immediately upon it organiza-
ton, to the settlement of the debt question,
and the restoration of State credit. thus paw
ing the way for the material advancement of
! the State.
We do not propose at this time to enter
into discussion OF the subjects which
should engage the attention of the Legisla-
ture. We may be pardoned however. for
allusion to one question, which it will be the
duty of every honest man in the Common
wealth to press to a determination before
that body when it shall assemble.
The election just past, verified the predic-
ton we made in discussing the amendments
| to the Constitution, in reference to the pay
|
prerequisite to voting. We then said that
this section would constituted prolific source
OF corruption, and that an election would
not be held under its provisions that would
not witness the prostitution of the ballot to
the selfish ends of political aspirants. We
have heard it stated that there were some
| thing like 1880 delinquents in the coun ty.
This fact afforded an opportunity for the Use
| OF money to control voters, and we are sorry
| to say. it was improved It is believed that
purse was raised to pay the capitation tax
es of mluy OF these delinquents, provided
| they would vote certain way. and that
way in the interest Of those who have been
prating about the honor OF Virginia, as
though they were the especial guardians
thereof. Large numbers Of these delin-
| quents, both white and colored, had their
taxes paid by other than themselves, and
the consideration demand and conceded
was their votes. This Was nothing more
nor less than bribery, and to this result of
the operation of the constitutional provision
in reference to prepayment OF the poll tax
us necessary precedent to voting, we wish
to call especial attention. We can conceive
OF no more fragrant violation OF the spirit of
fundamental law than is involved in this
act; nor can we imagine source more de-
moralizing in its tendency, Or better calcula-
! ted to destroy the vitality of our institutions
than such abuse Of Constitutional sanction.
1t will become the duty of the next Leg
islature to take the first step towards the
expurgatlon OF this clause OF the Consttu-
ton Or hedge it around by such amend.
ments I'd penalties. as ,ill preserve the
purity of the ballot and TIL. signi V Of the
elective franchise.
We may find it necessary hereafter 10 re-
fer more particularly and specifically 10 this
subject. We certainly do not want Co hear
anything more about the '.lionor Of Virgin
| ia couilg fro i: men who have thus po!lu-
ted the very source of governmental integ-
rity, and tainted the channels of political
virtue.
1t may become part of the duty OF the
Legislature to consider the necessity OF call
ing State Convention to remodel and SIM
pity the Constitution, SO as to remove not
only this temptation for wrong doing, but
to economze the administration of govern
ment and protect the people from the alb
sorption of their material substance by
place hunters and Political bumners.
As we have said. we do not propose t,
discuss those matters now. We merely wish
to place upon record at this time the line of
reflections in which we may hereafter in
| u!lse. when the popular mind has become
rested, and the lawmakers are at their post
OF duty. We mean Reform in earnest, and
/ vs. a;o MOI mistaken, the Legislature
chosen last Tuesday will be willing to listen
to any suggestions which may look to the
simrlification and publication OF govern
ment, the preservation Of THE dignity Of the
ballot, aud the relief OF the people from The
corrupt rule Of professional politicians.