The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-12-12

Press Opinions Pro and Con In n Nut
she'll.
FOR A CHANGE

FOR A CHANGE.
We regret that the Governor so sig
naly endorses the Walton law.-Danville
Register.
All parties in the county. we believe.
favor an honest election.-South Boston
News.
The election law is disgrace to any
statute-book, and the demand Is over
whelming FOR its repeal, and the enact
ment Of a fair law State Republican.
The present election law must be re-
pealed or greatly amended. or the peo-
pie will know the reason why.-South
Boston Times.
The principal point in the Waiton-iaw
controversy is over the single constable
feature about which there IL no OBJ
security. no ambiguity. when, therefore,
Governor O'Ferrall recommends only such
slight or verbal notifications as VIII
clear up obscure or indistinct portions ne
is disporting himself with a bit oil Inc
umor.-LynchburG Advance.
Nearly all of the Democratic members
of the Legislature have been interviewed
as to their position on the Walton eiec-
ton law, and there is some difference
of opinion among the members as 10
what If any changes should be mace III
the law. The great majority OF them'
however. oppose any amendments eA-
cept such as may be necessary to re-
move ambiguity. and perfect the law.
The constable feature seems TO be the
chief ground Of objection, and some Ia
vor two constables, while others think
the best thing to do away win
the constable altogether. We thlnA
that's q good idea. too.-Salem Times
Register.
The prophecy Is advanced by the Or
ange Observer that the Democratic lead
ers in Virginia VIII use their influence
TO prevent the Legislature from making
any important changes In the walton
election law. In this we do not presume
our esteemed contemporary includes those
Democratic leaders who have pledged
themselves TO change the law IN such
manner as will satisfy all those In favor
of honest elections. Madison Free fre7s'
The Stanton News says. speaking oil
the Governors message:
"Io argues against a Constitutional
Convention. which many favor ana many
oppose: and in behalf OF tho Nai'oh
law, he makes a iaDored defehce. ia
this defence, he sets up man OF STRAW
and proceeds to knock him down hls
whole argument IS against incrcasins
the number Of constables. and probably
everybody will agree to ms we nav
never seen any substantial arguments III
favor OF increasing the number ana are
not aware that anybody Is asking II.
FIe should have addressed himself 10 the
question OF abolshing the constable alto-
! gcther. and substituting therefor party
emblems. as in other States, where the
australian system is operated, 10 the 'h-
tire satisfaction OF all parties. lie docs
not recommend that uniformity IN style
Of ballots. form, ard type. be required
to prevent the disgTacefui iusSlery IN
ARA neement OF names and appearance 81
ballots. He could hardly have done
less. His recommendations as 70 inc
election law will disappoint ihousahus
! OF good Democrats. and II Followed VIII
60 far toward turning the state over
1axt year 10 the Republicans. II is 10
be hoped that the Legislature VIII dis-
regard his advice on this subject ana
adopt amendments that commend theih-
selves 10 all fair-minded men.
The Republican State Committee met
last week. and elected Colonel William
Lamb. OF Norfolk city, chairman. TO sue
coed General Malone, as State chairman'
also as member OF the National Republl-
can Committee. Lambs success with
the Republican party in Virginia de-
Ponds upon the action of the Democratic
majority in the present Legislature. II
that body amends the election law, so
as TO remove the features Objectionable
10 the people. the chances Of Republican
success i'm 1896 win be very slim in Nir-
rinia. A continuance Of the one-con-
stable feature Of the Walton law won't
work. at least. I'm the white districts OF
Virginia Should the Legislature fan
10 amend this law. IT will be made an
issue in the next canvass, for which the
Democrats Of this Legislature viii be
bAld responsible. and through which they
viii invite defeat.-Abingdon NirginIan.