The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-11-18

Danvil1o on the Day Of Election.
A few days ago Captain Andrew Pizzini,
OF the Richmond Light Infantry Blues, re-
ceived letter from Major w. T. Suther-
lin. chairman OF the Committee OF Forty
appointed at meeting OF citizens OF Dan
vile to collect and prepare for publication
the causes Of the recent riot, requesting the
officers commanding the military ordered
70 Danville by The Governor TO furnish the
committee a statement containing such
facts AZ they could in relation to the con-
! duct OF the people OF Danville on the day
OF election, and also the opportunities
afforded for full vote at the polls, with
any other facts they had In their posses
sion bearing upon the subject.
The officers met Friday for the purpose
OF taking action on the communication,
and the following letter was sent 10 Major
Sutberlin:
| RICHMOND, November 1G, 1888.
! Major W. 7. Sutherlin, Chairman, de-:
Dear Slr,-In response to the request
contained in yours OF November 18th the
undersigned beg leave TO state that under
orders from his EXcellency the Governor
| (see SPECIAL Orders No. IA and letter OF in
struclions as published in Richmond ana
Danville papers November 6tb), we arrived
In Danyillc on the 9Th instant Mt about D
A. Nj. We found the entire town so quiet
Us to convey the impression that oil the peo-
pie were asleep.
Major Carter reported to the city sergeant
az soon as that officer could be found. The
entire command was then dsembarked and
ouar,ered in the barracks Of the Danyille
Grays. II was then so apparent that there
would be no troublein the town that Major
Carter relieved the Danville Grays and al
and refreshment.
| We had ample opportunity during the
entire day to observe the temper, spirit,
and conduct of all classes OF the people,
both at the polls and at their places OF BUSH
ness, and on the streets, and can testify
that there was not the slightest disposition
manifested Ivy any one to commit any
breach of law or order; but, on the other
hand, II was apparent that all were resolved
| TO avoid any violence OF act or word. No
one was hindercd from the free exercise OF
the right of suffrage, but on the contrary
il was noticeable that there was sincere
desire on the part OF the whites that full
vote should be polled by both political
parties.
| In addition to the protection afforded by
the general disposition OF the people there
was present sufficient military force TO
enable the civil authorities to protect. and.
| IL necessary, to enforce, the rights OF all
citizens desiring to exercise the right OF
suffrage, and the whole command was
ready TO execute the orders OF the COM
handing officer, who was especially en-
| Joined TO see that all persons were pro-
iected in their life, person, property, and
the peaceful exercise Of their lawful rights.
Any and every voter might have had
complete protection from the military by
| simple request at any time.
This fact was made known to the voters
of all classes and parties by Major Carter
in person, who visited the precincts and
made public announcement that he was
prepared to give immunity from violence
| to all citizens without regard to class or
party.
Crowds of citizens OF both races and par
ties freely commingled on the streets in
converse with each other and with the
troops without the slightest apprehension
of danger, and prominent men Of botn po-
litical parties repeatedly assured the OFF,
GERS and men OF the military force that
there was not the slightest necessity for
their presence, as, all things considered,
there was never more quiet and peace
ably-disposed community, both parties
having united in the determination to have
complete submission to the law and its Off
GERS, and TO mutually aid in its enforce
ment. HENRY C.. CARTER,
Major, &C., Commanding;
ANDREW PIZzINI, Jr.,
Captain Commanding X. l.. |. Blues;
BEAUREGARD LORRAINE,
Lieutenant Commanding Richmond How
itzers;
f.. ID. STARKE,
Captain and Inspector Artillery;
CARLTON MCCARTHY,
Captain and Adiutant First Battalion Ar
tillery.