The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-12-17


The number of bills which have been
introduced into the Legislature by promi-
nent Democrats for amending our election
laws proves that the subject is one which
rs claiming the attention of thoughtful
men all over the State more and more.
Nevertheless we are very sorry TO be-
liove that some Of those who regard
themselves as the leaders of the party,
and who are really regarded as such by
some Democrats. are opposed to amend
ing the laws, and propose. by having all
, amending measures considered and passed
on in caucus. TO defeat any amendments
that will really secure fair elections
II IS amazing TO hear these me- talk.
They make no concealment of their idea
that the aim and purpose OF election laws
is to keep the Democratic party in power
They are absolutely dead TO the idea that
election laws are not made TO keep a
particular party in power. but 10 collect
the free and untrammelled sense Of each
individual voter and TO declare the re-
suit Of that expression Of opinion exactly
as II has been given. To this idea they
are absolutely dead. and they really and
truly deceive themselves into the belief
that II is the duty of the Legislature of
Virginia 10 frame and enact laws that
will keep the Democratic party in power
w..hout any sort of regard TO the will OF
the majority of the lawfully qualified
voters Of the State.
No men ever plotted their own downfall
with more certainty than these gentlemen
do. A political party which dscards all
consideration for the principles OF morali-
- and justice may retain power for GER
tain period. but II is just as certain TO
meet with disaster after awhile as a
stone thrown from a stecple is to reach
the earth. II is the men who fear God.
love justice. and lead upright lives who
finally control all communities. and these
men in the State of Virginia will not re-
main active members OF the Democratic
party when they learn that those who
control its fortunes have resolved to re-
tain II in power b. methods which re-
ouire for their success the practice OF
fraud. deception, or open injustice. The
vote in Virginia for the past few years
ought 10 impress this truth upon the
minds OF all men. At the recent election.
although the Legislature. the most i'm
portant body in the State. was to be
chosen, less than one-half of the white
population OF the State came to the polls
n l.f
the men who staid at home are without
interest i'm public affairs: He makes a
great mistake IL he does These men
staid at home because they said 10 them
selves. The result of the election has al
ready been planned and ciphered out. and
II Is OF no consequence whether we vote
or whether we do not The result Will be
the same in either event" When this
state of mind has taken possession OF a
people that people is Ina a condition OF
profound discomfort. and Il win not be
long before they will make their discon-
tent heard and felt. AS soon as the
leader appears TO mako the appeal 10
them. they will rise up in their wrath and
tear everything to pieces which they un-
serstand TO be involved In establishing the
existing order OF things. We hope our
so-called Democratic leaders will take
these most obvious truths to heart and |
act accordingly. Unless the party places |
itself on the plane OF absolute fairness. |
The State OF Virginia viii sooner or later |
be- lost 10 the Democratic party. They |
may scrspo through In the presidential
election next fall. but the chances are
hat under the present laws. bad as they |
are. the Democrats viii lose the Legisla-
sure 70 b. elected IN 1897. The Democratic
party must deserve and win the conf
Ience Of the people at large In order to |
retain It's power
We solmenly warn our fellow Democrats
" the danger that Is ahead OF us unless
hts Legislature enacts laws that will
Decurs every voter IN his right TO vote ~
y vAsAas - . have his vote counted