The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-04-07

The unsavory reputation which the
county Of Henrlco has made heretofore
for corruption in politics was discounted.
surpassed, and altogether outdone in the
recent Democratic primary for the nomi-
nation of county officers.
Tho conditions which existed at the
polls on that day We're so debasod and
dcbauchcd that IL was shocking TO some
OF the most hardened politicians. and
tne shame o. the thing is yet the daily
talk Of men Who believe in practical
politics" and defeating the enemy by
any possible means. but they draw the
line on corruption when it comes to
heht inside the party. and some Of the
men who have worked at the polls dur
ing the darkest days Of past contests
"a the county are rustinted in their criti-
cisms Of the practicea which obtained
At the primary on March 2Sth.
THE USE OF MONEY.
The election was characterized by the
most unblushing and fragrant use Of
money. and the methods resorted 10 for
securing votes were the most democrat
izing ever known before In Virginia.
Men bartered their suffrage in the open
market 10 the highest bidder, and the
longest purse was often the measure of
success I'm obtaining vote.
Candidates had representatives at the
polls with rolls Of one two. and fve-dol-
lar bills. and it was ~ only made
plain what they were thet+ for. but they
had it understood around about that
money could be secured OF them by the
voter who would cast his ballot according
TO their direction.
The murmurngs of this state of affairs
were heard Immediately after the cleo
lions, and communications were sent to
The Times charging the most vicious and
debauching use Of money Though the
facts were presented by undoubted au-
thority. they seemed overdrawn, and il
was hard to believe that they were not
exaggerated.
TIKI CHARGFs CONFIRMED.
a careful investigation made among the
eulp0r.crg Of all the various candidates
ia the county has confirmed the worst
charges made I'm the use OF money. and
pn Overwhelming mass of testimony, Sc
cured from men who will allow the use
OF their names II necessary, showing
that votes were bought from the price
OF a whisky short" q cents up TO S25
each
The degree of freedom with which the
candidates offered money for votes and
number OF white Virginia citizens who
were willing to sen them. Is almost be-
yond belief
Men OF fair intelligence and appearance
Of rcspectablity sold their votes TO the
highest bidder. and more than one in
stance is cited where men who were
property owners allowed their choice Of
candidate to be changed for two or
three dollars. and it Is charged, with
the proof OF more than enc witness.
that man who was himself a candi-
date for ovcrseer OF the poor sold his
vote for treasurer for s..
The competition FOR votes was OF the
ilveliest character and In many cases
voters stayed around the polls all day
holding OF from voting in order to get
the largest sum obtainable for their votes,
and sometimes % cents added 10 the sums
already offered would turn the tide and
secure the much-desired ballot.
PARTY FIGHT.
The primary was for tho nomination
OF Democratic candidates for the vari-
ous county officers 20 be voted for In
The regular spriue election.
There was 10 opposition against Com
monweaith's Attorney Sands and Sheriff
Simon Solomon. and hence no special in
terest was manifested in these Offices.
The chief light was over the contest
candidates-Mr. W. Ii. Brauer. the pres
ent encumbent; Mr.. George Il. Anderson,
and Mr. John Lindsay. Jr.
For the commissioners OF revenue there
was also a lively contest but IL was
for the office OF treasurer that the bulk
OF the money was spent. and taking the
estimates OF friends OF all the candi-
dates. not less than $1,000 was spent IN
the primary, large part Of which went
for the purchase OF votes outright
The contest was eager. earnest. and ex-
citing and every means, honest as well
as doubtful. was resortcd 10 TO secure
votes.
All OF the three candidates used
n.ttey--Mr. Lirdssy TO moderate
amount and Messrs. Drawer and Andcr-
son in quantities running UP in the thou
sends.
Each OF the last-named gentlemen
charge the other with having ,ssd from
$500 70 5000 In the Contest while each