The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1894-05-05
Ballot Reform League,
OF Louisiana,
New Orleans. April 9Th, 1894

New Orleans. April 9Th, 1894.
Editor Messenger:
Dear Sir:
Some weeks ago the Ballot Reform
League Of Louisiana was organized in
this city under the most favorable aus
pices. The purposes Of this organize
ton are expressed in its Constitution to
be TO secuse such reasonable qualif1ca-
ton or regulation Of the right Of SUI
frsge and the enactment Of such cleo
ton laws as will secure an effective.
fair ballot, and a true count and return
of the votes actually cast by legal vo-
tiers throughout the State"
The movement has been enthusiastic
cally received by all classes Of citizens
here. and Notwithstanding the fact that
permanent organization was only effec-
Ted to-day over one thousand voters
have signed its membership rolls. and
this number will be more than doubled
within week. As rapidly as possible
1t is our intention to organize clubs In
every ward, and by the end OF this year
confidently expect to have an organiza'
ton of many thousand members In this
parish.
We are satisfied that such an Organi-
cation is imperative to secure the ends
in view, and we feel confident that the
movement will meet with the entire ap-
prevail and cordial. support Of all citizens
Of this State who are In favor OF the no.
nest administration Of the affairs Of 60
vernment. which can only be obtained
by publications of the ballot box.
1t attempting to accomplish this re-
suit the conditions of the population in
the country parishes will be borne In
mind. and any measure proposed will
have for its primary object tho assur-
ance Of white supremacy throughout the
State, and q Limitation Of the right Of
suffrage to citizens Of this State. thus
relieving us Of the baneful effects OF an
ignorant and an alien vote.
This being question that involves
the welfare of every citizen Of This State
aud as it Is a reform that will meet
with vigorous opposition from all who
desire the continuation of the present
corrupt practices in elections, and who
depend on the ignorant and alien votes
to maintain their power. we have deter
mined to call on all the good people Of
this State who are in sympathy will
our cause, to join us in securing thu
adoption Of such laws as will best con
duce to these ends. To do this efectu
ally it Is necessary that In every parish
and ward In this State there should b,
an organization similar in purpose Il
this, composed Of citizens and voters
who will lend their aid in the gOOt
cause.
Believing that you are in sympathy
with this movement aud will use you
influence and efforts to accomplish it
ends, We write t. ask you to select a
many of your fellOw-citizens in you
parish az you can get together and or
ganize Leagues similar to this, O
branches of this League in your parish
and take such steps to forward the move
ment as you may see fit.
This should be done at once. ant
should be pushed with vigOr. II an,
good results are to be obtained from tn
present Legislature. Seek to secure tn
support Of your Representatives an
Senators in this movement.
We shall be pleased to correspond wit
you on this subject. and trust that thi
movement will receive your cordial an,
prompt support.
Yours truly.
W. B. SPENCER. Secretary.