Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-06-06

,,,,. x.xt virginia Campaign

The Next Ntrgtnso S""b
The democrats Of Charlotte county
have resolved 70 make their legislative
nomination by a primary election to ne
conducted upon the general plan OF the
walton law. They will. however, employ
M constables. The few initerate voters
of the party viii be allowed to apply 10
the Judges 10 prepare their ballots ior
them.
II seems 10 us that this is an example
that every county aud city In TINS state
might well follow--that is. where pri-
mary election Is 10 I've held II would De
well 10 hold II under the Walton sys'
tenn. Thus candidates would be sayed
good deal Of money. The chief expense
OF such contest being removed. the num-
Der of good men willing 10 accept tho
party nomination fer the Legislature
would be Increased.
The Dispatch earnestly trusts that the
Walton system will be adopted for Riah-
mond. and that the date of the Demo.
cratic primary siection Will be postponed
M October. II thsss two ,hinss be dsns
we venture to say that this city VIII
have no difficulty In securing the services
OF first-rste legislators. But II Is asking
too much of a man who has anynins
else 10 do. not only to make CANVASS
IN swelfering weather but TO sosoo
hundreds of dollars for workers" at she
polls There will be no need OF employing
such men II the Walton system be adopt
ed. There would be no senss In candl-
date paying a mar 20 Tx ticket. when
that man would not be allowed TO APP
proach the booth
We shall doubtless see In the legislative
elections which are 10 be held in Virginia
this fall some symptoms OF the United
States senatorial contest which is ex-
pected TO come off in the winter Of 1897.
In localities where State senator's are to
be elected. IT Is quite possible that there
will be some skirNishing; but as senators
are not to be elected for the district
composed Of Richmond and Henrioo, we
shall be exempt from that agitation.
In November next our city elects only
members of the House Of Delegates. Two
years hence--on the eve of the expected
senatorial contest-we shall have 10 elect
two senators.
But so many matters of consequence
are certainly to come before the Legisla-
ture at It's next session, we are anxious
for Richmond 10 have a good delegation
In the House Gas wu nave In the Senate),
and this object Nc th!lk can best be
attained by postponing the nominations
til the month of October, and then
making them by means of a primary
election plan akin to the Walton law.
We are. however. by no means sure that
this view Will prevail. Too often the
candidates by their own nervousness"
orecipitate canvass. and then to get rid
Of the worry. go to the City Democratic
Committee and lmplore the committee to
nave the primary take place as early as
possible. And. with such pressure on the
committee. the committee IS most likely
% Yield.
Nor are We dead sure" that the Wal
on plan will be adopted here. The scores
II workers" who have heretofore found
employment about the primary election
POLLS VIII be against It, and in times
,ast they have more thar once proved
hat they WELD much influence. But
hey WELD It because the average citizen
ooks with indifference, upon legislative
elections. Whenever the body OF our
people become Interested In legislative
:anvasses. they win be easily able to i'm
'ress their Views upon the city commit
ee; until then they. and the community,
Viii have to pay the penalty for their
Indifference and disregard Of duty.
OF course the foremost question to be
considered by the next Legislature is
he revision OF our State Constitution.
The fight. 70 to speak. will be bstw cen
he advocates OF ~ constitutional conven-
ION and the advocates OF commission.
We expect TO hear some oid-fashionec
'ratory during this contest. OF lass years
here has not been much orstory heard
our legislative halls Tn. speaking
here has USUALLY been of extenapo-
sDeous or desultory character. The
ashton OF prepared speeches" has almost
disappeared. But the convention question
10 feel sure will bring the orators 10
he fror: orc, more.
Yes; the convention question will be a
'ress question before the Legislature,
Shsa i msets hers in December, but
Will not be ire oily important question.
'here are matters of State finance which
riii demand earnest legislative considera-
aon. Reductions In criminal expenses
md reform In the administration OF
riminsi justice will be pressed upon the
attention Of the two houses So we would
ave each Virginia constituency send to
richmond its very best men. Our city
srticuiariy should be alert In the per-
ormance OF its duty. And every man
sho recognizes the importance Of It can
% = patriots part by urging the city
ommittee not to hasten the day OF NOM
nations. and not TO fail to have the pri-
aary election take place under the Wal
on booth system.
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