Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-10-16
The Cnmnaign In NirGinin.


observation but little of the political can
vass that Is going on in this State. We
are TOO far removed from the fields Of
battle TO hear the clash of contending
arms. Now and then We see puff OF
battle-smoke in the distance, but It is not
near enough for us 90 smell the brim-
stone.
This is a comfortable condition for us
10 be In. but il is "calculated' to deceive
us IL is apt TO make us think that every
body else is as well of as we are. which
IS not true Though the general condi-
ton OF our party is good there are going
10 be sharp contests I'm some counties
counties where our voters have allowed
themselves 10 divide. or where the real
issues OF the canvass have been obscured
by the enemy and have not been clarified
by Democratic speakers as they should
be.
The Republicans, Populists. and honest
injuns" are audacious in their denuncia-
ton OF the Walton law and in advocacy
Of General Mahone's fair elections bill
We regret to say that some OF their most
vicious statements have passed uncontra-
dlcted. They have been given too much
latitude in Misrepresentation. They ought
20 be held down 10 the record
The Walton law was passed to meet the
complaint made two years ago that too
much money was used in Virginia cleo
tions Under the law this evil has been
we'll nigh stopped. This is q great point
gained. That the law has defects we
know, but they are not TO be cured by
the Malone bill. On the contrary that
measure would put into the hands OF po-
lltical bosses a power far greater than
the bosses ever before had.
Everybody who knows anything about
General Malone knows that he was not
q non-partisan. He didn't pretend 10 be.
As chairman of the Republican state
Committee he was looking after the inter-
ests of his party all OF the time III IL
therefore not strange that In framing an
elections bill Malone framed ii so that II
enacted into law IL would put the Demo-
cratic party at a disadvantage.
The Democrats have a recognized ma
iority of tens of thousands in this State.
Vet the so-called fair elections bill in the
rogate us to the control of a combination
Of Republicans. Populists. and Prohibit
tionists. DO all OF our people know this?
We fear not. Yet II is a fact. Under that
bill the Democrats OF the Old Dominion
would have far less Of a showing" at cleo
lions than the Republicans now have. Are
we ready for such self-sacrfce as this?
General Malone was 10 doubt laughing
In his sleeve when he presented his bill
10 down" the Democrats at the Peters
burg fair elections conference.
Each one of our speakers would do
we'll to get copy of this bill and study
Il. II such law as 1t proposes were put
into force 1t would revoutionize Virginia
IT IL an importation from some Northern
State. doctored up so as TO enable
combination of Republicans, Popuiists.
and fair elections folk TO jump on the
Democratic party and pin 1t 10 the
ground.
Whether the Walton law should be re-
vlsed and amended or should be substl-
tuted by another is for the Democratic
legislative caucus TO decide. and we doubt
not that its decision will reflect the will
OF the people. Those constituencies that
wish to be represented in this caucus
should send Democratic legislators to
Richmond What voice In the caucus
Che Democratic family counciD will q
constituency have in framing a new cleo
ton law IL IL be represented here by a
man who has beaten the Democratic nom
inee? None. That representative in the
open house will have the privilege of
voting for or against the bill that the
caucus adopts. and that Is all that he
will be able to 10. That win be his constl-
tutional right. and that nobody could or
would take away from him. But he
couldn't expect to be received into the
family councils OF the Democratic party.
On. no,
We observe that DR.. glastonbury. of
Caroline. our nominee for the House OF
Delegates. favors return to the viva
voce system OF voting. OF course, the
Doctor. who has had many years OF oxpe-
fienee az legislator. knows that this
change could only be made by amending
the State Constitution. The Constitution
may be amended either by calling a con-
vention or by two successive legislatures
proposing amendments to be voted upon
by the people. Which OF these two me-
thods Is the more desirable under exist
ing circumstances our Democratic men,
bers must decide.
This question OF amending the Constitu-
tion IL attracting a great deal OF atten-
tion. and several cities and counties have