The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-08-03
THE FAIR ELEC TIONs CONFERENCE.

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THE FAIR ELEC TIONs CONFERENCE.
1t was unfortunate for its chance of
accomplishing any good results that the
fair elections conference at Petersburg in
vited Gen. Malone TO prominent part
In its proc, tcings, or allowed him 10
intrude as a prominent actor in them,
whichever the case may be. The people
Of Virginia nave rot forgotten and never
will forget that the first case of ballot-box
stuifing We had in Virginia occurred in
congressional district OF which Gen.
Mahcne was the Democratic chairman,
and evidence was produced at the time
that satisfied the people Of Virginia tnat
Gen. Malone himself either invented the
tissue ballots with which the stufiing was
done, or gave his approval TO their use.
The rcople of Virginia are not going,
therefore, to lend "A very willing ear to
any representations in regard to far
elections made by convention, OF which
Gen. Malone was the chief or principal
rersonaee. Malone is odious 10 them Tor
many reasons and they will not be wedn-
ed from their implacable hostility to him
even by sham cries from him for honest
impossible in Virginia.
There were not many people In at
tendance upon this Convention, who rep
resented anything additional to the old
Republicans and the chronic grunblers
and soreheads. But while few per-
sons outside OF those represented
by them attended the conference.
there are thousands and thousands Of
Democrats in the State who most cor
cially approve of the object which TINS
conference met to promote. The chair
man. Mr.. Buford. expressed widely
s5reid feeling amongst Den ccrats of
this State when he said he was iii Ia
vor OF a law which will take from the
constahles the right to dictate who shall
run oar government"
1t is a strange spectacle, indeed. TO see
one man. under republican institutions,
given absolute power to cast the votes OF
many men just as he pleasos. with no
eye to supervise his conduct and no pow
er TO correct his fraudulent action. If ne
chooses to abuse his power Infamous as
the rule was which Gen. Malone set up
In Virginia. when Re was master Of her
affairs, there was nothing in that rule
more autocratic and more absolutely ir-
reconcilable with free democratic insti-
trtions than this. The slightest regard
by a people for their own rights of per-
son and property should demand Of them
imlcratively that this travesty upon free
government should come TO an immc-
date end
The Democratic party cannot afford 20
"whistle down the wind" the present
movement amongst the people for fair
elections because il has now manifested
itself in a convention composed eXclu-
sively of old Republicans and crack
Drained Populsts That fact has deter
red many persons who ere in hearty SYM
patty with the movement from TAX
ing any part in the difference. but
II has in no wise diminished their in
terest in the cause
Unless the Democratic party makes the
reforms necessary for giving the people
fair elections. the great body of Demo
Gratis bent on having them will not con-
tinre TO lie deferred from moving Tor
them by the fact that Republicans and
Populists will lie their associates in The
move. They will go forward in an ciiort
TO secure them, regardless Of the compa-
ny that may go with them They Will
take charge of tie move themselves, AID
II will then he a matter of no moment to
them whether Republicans and Populists
fall into their train. or whether they
do rot. If the Democratic party is wlse
1t viii promptly heed the notes of dscon-
tent that IL can hear from all quarters.
and IL will. this winter. call upon ITS rep
Ia iNee ia he apfC & 20 nd
our laws so that we shall have honest
elections irstead Of pcrjured judges OF
elections and stuffed ballot-boxes
We can canddly say that Gen Ma
hone Is in our opinion. the greatest mar
plot Of the age The sentiment for honest
elections was growing every day in the
Democratic party. and all that II vas
necessary for him to do. was to keep
himself completely hidden from view that
the movement might 90 on acquiring
force from its cwn inherent strength.
The earnest Democrats who long for
justice and fair play were forging ahead
In their party. and adding recruits
10 II cir forces every day. Bet the move
ment had become too important for Gen.
Nahcne's itching for conspicuous place
TO allow him TO keep his baleful presence
away from 1t. lie must needs thrust him
self In where he was not wanted ana
now ne has given the movement a set
back that may seriously retard It's on
ward proertss. But the movement has
too much life Ia II TO be permanently hurt
even by Gen. Mahones aid. IL Will stun
him of. and 90 on IN its upward course
until Virginia has fair and honest elections
again, and wise men in the Democrats
party will recognize that fact at once,
ana hasten TO cut their party free from
fraudulent elections before SIS bone AMI