The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-06-06

IL Should be Amended. and the Democratic
Party Mnst 30 ".

To the Editor Of The Times:
Sir,-l do not doubt the honesty OF the
purpose of the Virginia Legislature 10
enact fair election law, and l believe
the law was framed 10 insure an honest,
secret ballot, and TO prevent intimidation
and bribery at the polls. but however
good were the intentions OF the Legisla-
ture, the Walton law, as IL now stands,
operates to cheat illiterate men out of
their votes and to encourage fraud at
elections. "All constitutions and laws
must change to meet the changing con-
ditions of society" but until changes in
the conditions Of society occur. II does
not become necessary TO change laws
and constitutions. therefore, as there has
never been any intimidation of voters in
Virginia, we do not need a law 10 pre-
vent tins evil. The second reason for
the enactment OF the law was 10 insure
a secret ballot and prevent bribery. but II
insures a secret ballot only TO those who
are educatonally qualified to vote, and
when those who arc not educationaiiy
qualified TO vote without the assistance
OF an ofiicer-go in to cast their ballots.
IL ceases TO be "A secret ballot.
In this case II operates in direct oppo-
sitiOn 10 the doctrine OF our Constitution,
which demands, equal rights tor all, and
special privileges 10 none" Under this
law. the man VINO sells his vote will
receive money from all parties. and most
probably cast his ballot for the one from
whof ne receives the largest sum- The
Walton law causes a direct transfer Of
franchise from the illiterate voter TO the
constable. who may or may not. be hon
est, as the occasion requires. and II pro-
vides not tho slightest check upon his
work.
As a proof of the unfairness Of this
law, / will cite n case which came under
my personal observation at a recent
election. An old soldier who bears
with him to-day the scars OF many a
hard-fought battle. and who is just as
good a citizen as the graduate Of any
university or college, told me on the
evening OF that election (and his eyes
filed with tears as he spoke). that he
joined the Confederate army when he
was sixteen years OF age. and fought un-
der its nag until he was wounded in
1864; that he had paid taxes every year
since the war: that he had never received
"A cent for his VOTE and that he had
lived TO see the day when a constable
should cast his ballot.
The vote Of the iiliterate AMI blind
should not be entirely at the mercy OF
the constable. and II IS the duty of the
Democratic party to provide for some
check upon his work, and until some
check is provided upon the work OF
constables, we VIII have fraudulent cleo
tions.
Although | voice the sentiment Of only
one voter, / believe that each vote be-
fore it is deposited in the ballot-boN
should be registered by the Judges Of
the election in ink. and that the judges OF
the election should be sworn not 10 d.
vuige to any one the names of the can
didates for whom the ballot was cast.
Then the vote, as shown by the register
would be a check upon the vote shown
By the ballots, and the work Of the judges
would be a check upon the work Of the
constable and vice versa.
The law as it now stands is an evident
abrldgment OF the right Of equal sur
frage guaranteed by our Constitution.
The Democratic party in old Virginia Is
in no danger OF being overthrown. and
If il we're no true Democrat would de-
sire It's continuance In power. If this re-
suit IS TO be brought about by dis
honest election law. II the law Is TO DE
amended, It must be amended by the
Democratic party. as no other party VIII
ever control the Virginia Legislature.
HUNTER PARISH,
Albcmarle Va, June l. 1880.