The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-05-22
The Burning Question.

Editor Times.-"The foundation Of all
our trouble is the use Of money IN our
elections. and that must be cut up root
and branch. or ii will corrupt and de-
stroy all."-Times. May 10th.
In this declaration, the Times ap-
proaches. very nearly, the dliiicult queS-
ton Of reforming the right Of suffrage
by which there may be removed the SUD
iecis for brides and corruption. The axe
I'm which the Federal and State gov
crnments were devised was one OF purest
and most distinguished patriotism, which
pervaded the frontier settlers as wei
as the public officials. The ragged ana
hungry soldery could not be Drlbed by
British gold i'm the hand Of Major Andre.
Love Of country and the defence OF her
honor was the browning sentiment ana
rule Of action t. the Anglo-American
people. With such clements at their
command. the wise founders or me
State governments entrusted the potential
elective franchise TO those VINO were
interested I'm and permanently attached
10 the localities In which they proposed
10 vote. Ii was the intelligence ana Nlf-
tue of the people, which, win eterhdl
violence. constituted the safeguard ana
price of liberty. Even then, there were
some far-seeing statesmen, Judging the
future by past history doubted whether
a government 50 popuarized could WIN
stand the throes OF popular excitement
and the arts of ambitious leaders. But
now. how changed. not only the Federal
Constitution changed. but the State gov
ernments have lifted the flood gates Of
suffrage to the turbid mass Of stagnant
and collected drift. 10 food the ballot
no %
II is no longer the government. In
spirit, or letter Of the founders;-only
IN name That very dangerous error has
been committed in destroying the eau
tiouslv provided checks and balances of
our complex government all must admit
Unless suffrage can be improved by
nroner restrictions. TO those who will
evercise II patrioticaliv and wisely, who
,vu1 abide and feel the effects Of tho
LEGISLATION which their votes produced,
80 will soon be ruined people
p,,tic sentiment. confused and distrust-
f,I without any restraining power. VIII
nracinitate anarchy and untold mlserles.
An Questions Of governmental pOlity pale
into insignifcance in comparison with
corruDted source Of unbridled power
7, vain we appeal 10 the politician for
rol,oc lie has secured his place under
the nresent vicious system; his manhood
and independence are paralzed so re
dare not rchuke the excited predatory
bords. lest he be succeeded by one who
| will lead on % greater exc sses. tn.
r,,i,iic mind must be aroused by those
tvbo are NOT candidates for popular suff
raga All sections and quarters Of th'
! countrv must now be convinced tha
return 70 proper safeguards TO sun
| 700 fs the first step to b.
Lon 70 give relief and Sc
curitv for the future. The right o.
suffrage properly guarded Is the sIrona
noint IN nopular liberty; but, unrestrict
"a and controlled by the vicious. becomes
The destrovers OF that liberty. 1t y
~, inonending danger, which every pa
,riot should seek 10 avert BY some j
&c said that now suffrage cannot be re-
| stricted but can only De recaIled d,
revolution; surely there Is love or nome
good order. safety and love OF couhtr!
enough diffused throusnout 'he ldhu
II properly organized IN the seVera
g. 20 make such necessary change
In their several CONSTITUTIONS as 10 sc
IA ~, central Of the local govern
ments 10 the permanently resident citizen
80 -. o.,o,,,sion Of the tramps, who g
through the Stdle9' -
votes and demoralize the party orsa
njzations. Resolution as remedy shoul'
not be thought Of; while It might re
strain the vicious, 1t might destroy IN
liberties OF the good citizen and in III
progress I'll the land with violence ant
distress. -.
The influence Of the Press, at this
iuncture. can be most advantaseousiy
exercised for good. In a fearless devo
lion TO country on a high plane Of dutl
which will make an imperishabie recor'
and afford a grateful sense OF duty done
1t is pre-eminently an occasion LOT , IN
splendid abilities ana cour ra:,,,, OF IL
Times.