Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-10-25
THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 1894.
A Double Issue in Virginia.


General Lee praised one Of his lieu
tenants for his habit OF doing the hes
with the forces under his command. AM
not tormenting him. as some others did
Tor achievements which ii was wei
known Lee could not supply. Some othe
lieutenants Of Lees spent more Of thel
time writing dispatches begging for NOR,
men than in planning to use those will
which they were provided
The quality which Lee commended Il
an admirable one. The Democratic Con
gressional Committee at Washington mus
feel that we Virginia Democrats possess
it. because they declare their belief that
Gratis, inasmuch as We have troubled
them little with complaints. and have
made few requests for outside speakers
20 be- sent here.
1t is a fact that we are trying TO help
ourselves; but It is a fact, also. that we
There is an allied army in the field
against us. 1t Is composed OF Republi-
cans General Malone includeO and
Populists. and Apathy and Overconiidence,
and these two last are the greatest
menacas of all 10 our success.
We truly believe that our people are
becoming more and more interested in
the canvass-which is an excellent sign
but there is still enough of uncertainty
in our affairs to make us feel IL TO be
our duty 10 warn our friends that in
difference and inactivity will not win
US victory in single congressional
district in this State.
Victory, complete victory. is within our
grasp. but We must extend our hand
10 pluck il.
Here in Virginia we are fighting for a
double prize. We. of course. wish TO do
our part towards preserving the United
States House OF Representatives in Demo-
cratic hands: but of nearly equal i'm
portance with that duty is the duty of
giving to the Australlan-ballot system
such trial as will show whether we
Virginlans have the intelligence and dis
position to avail ourselves of its advan-
tagCs. as the people Of so many other
States have done. How happy would we
be IT, after the election. We should hear
all reasonable people uniting in a decla-
ration that the new law worked well;
that 1t was what was needed. and that
with an amendment here and there it
would give satisfaction for years and
years to come and insure to this Common
wealth long period Of peace.
While the Dispatch would have been
perfectly satisfied to continue under the
old unamended and unadulterated Ander-
son-McCormick law. We acquesced in the
demand for change in our election
laws. and determined TO give to the
Australian-ballot system the fairest trial
possible. And we think that if the Wal
ton law is a success. its trainers will
deserve 10 be long and gratefully remem-
bered by Virginians. If 1t fails. we shall
have to return 10 the old law, unless
better one can be suggested. But, dear
friends, let not the Walton law fail
through any remissness or perverseness
Of yours. Whoever helps 10 imperil Its
prospect Of success Will be guilty OF
crime against the peace and happiness
Of the people of Virginia.
We know OF no conspiracy, and be
leve in no conspiracy, to defeat the will
Of the people; no project for juggling
with the ballots. and no purpose TO have
the special constables mislead the ig
norant voters. If there is any intention
on the part Of any person TO violate
the Walton law, thea that person is act
ing In contempt and defiance Of the often
expressed and well-kEown wishes Of the
Democratic authorities; but we repeat
we know of no such person. But one
word Of advice and instruction has been
given in this matter by our party au-
thorltes, and that is 10 see that the Wal
ton law Is enforced in letter and spirit.
That is the word and the only word
that has been passed from county to
county. from precinct TO precinct
so far as we are informed. the special
constatles selected for service on election
day are upright. honest. discreet citizens.
wei known in their communities and not
mon who would consent TO violate their
oaths Of Office 10 betray an ignorant
voter or TO stuff ballot-box.