The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-12-14
For inYestigatlOn.


Editor Times: / am not and never was
a poHtician-never sought nor wanted po-
ltical or judicial Office. have had and
have no preference now for any candidate
for any Office within the gift Of the Legis-
lature. and know nothing OF the ma
chinery of practical politics." but as
citizen Of the state ! can but feel deep
interest in the present condition OF az
fairs I'm the Legislature II there be any
truth In the common rumors aiioat which
are generally believed TO be true. The
question Is asked everywhere. Who is
Mr.. Thomas Martin? The answer given
is that ne is a country lawyer. with
great knack for political intrigue. An
other question asked is, How did his
nomination for the Senate Of the United
States By the Democratic caucus come
about? The answer given is that for
years he has been helping first this man
and then that TO get elected TO this or
that position or office; that he has been
a great organizer OF Democratic voters
in the different counties, with free use
of funds from whatever source derived;
that during the late elections he was
director of the distributions Of large cam
paign funds derived from railroad cor
porations and other sources. by which,
and other means his supporters were
sent TO the Legislature, and that in re-
ward for these favors, and in cXpecta-
ton Of favors 20 come, and by his quail
ties for political intrigue and organiza-
ton. his forces were made solid for the
fight in the caucus. were Welded with a
skill unequalled by Kelly, Croker, or
Quay. and that at the right time and by
the right means for such marvels Of mys-
terry a sufficient number Of assertions and
somersaults were erected among the ranks
of his sangune opponents. and, presto.
change! the evil thing was done. The
writer does not presume TO say That
these things are true, but II Is Impossible
TO deny that they are in common circula-
ton as true, and are very generally be-
ueved 10 be true. Nay, more, II IS SAID
that the combine" so finely organized
I'm the first place for the purpose OF the
senatorial nomination which was made
IS TO be utilized for the reward OF IT'S
members as far as the distribution OF the
public Offices will Ego around" 1t is even
said that the judgeships Of the Court Of
Appeals mot TO mention the other Judges
TO be elected have been thus parcelIed
out ,,.
"Can these things be. and overcome us
like "A summer cloud without our specldi
wonder 49,. ...,.,-
And what is TO be done? shall me WICK
ed and disastrous scheme, II schemt lheio
be. fulfil its ends without inquiry! why
wait until the thing is done TO inquire no"
IL was done. when II cannot De uhuole'
You are right. .dr Editor OF the Times.
Investigate before further action. The
members Of the Legislature, II innocent,
should be the first TO challenge inquiry ana
IN nrovide for IL. Mr.. Martin himself
should take the lead in asking Tor anu
causing an investigation 70 be made. NOT
a sham. No machine politics. The machine
cannot and will not investigate itself, eA-
cept 10 acquit for il would be- ORGANIZED
and managed 10 acquit, or not 70 act al
all. Let an intelligent fair, full and rear
less investigation be made and the ruin
be made known II the suspected be
found innocent they can then look an
honest man I'm the face without shame,
and the people will have ground for re-
newed confidence in their public and pri-
Vate integrity and honor. and not glance
with the aVerted eye Of distrust and con
tempt upon their Official acts hereafter,
whether legislative or JUDICIAL, as the IN
spirations of bribery. collision. and cor
rupuon. If found guilty, let the conse-
quences fall upon the guilty. ana let the
people be rid Of such unfaithful stewards.
Meanwhile let public opinion be suspend
ed until the result Of such an investiga-
ton AS il required shall be made known.
There are men in the Legislature who !
have character 10 lose, as Well as charac- |
ter TO gain. The character Of the people |
Of Virginia itself is at stake i'm that OF |
their representatives,. Let no man be JudS- |
I'd until he has had a fair trial, or has |
shirked it, and thus given presumpIive |
evidence Of his conscious guilt and that |
fear Of the light which comes from the |
darkness of evil deeds. And let not the |
people be judged until they shall have |
.amely submitted to allow such scandals |
as are imputed to their servants so an
Examined and unscathed.
LsAJR DIAN AND II fSfIIf'f.