Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-02-03
SUNDAY. ......FEBRUARY 3. 1895.
Coming Campaign. In virginia.

Coming Campaigns In Virginia.
The Charlottesville Chronicle Is inclined
20 the belief that the best way to amend
and improve the Virginia election law
would be to abolish the constable feature
altogether. and thus throw upon each
voter the duty OF preparing his ballot I'M
aided.
This plan was first suggested. we be-
iieve. by the Lynchburg News, and has
received the endorsement of q number OF
Democratic papers.
We are glad to say that this whole
question of elections is receiving care
full consideration from our party news
papers. and we are also rejoIced 10 OBJ
serve that quite generally there is dis
position shown to keep in mind and
as far as possible. protect the good peo-
pie of Southside and Tidewater Virginia
from the continued menace of venal and
ignorant voters.
However. We trust that the Walton
law will be better understood and will
have a fairer trial at the spring elections
than was vouchsafed ii in November
last. when all the devices and arts that
the Republicans could employ were used
10 make II unpopular. The Republicans
were not half way successful in their
purposes. but the prejudices that they
aroused still linger in some minds. These
we hope to see removed at the May
elections. and, with the experience then
acquired added 10 that which was &C
Quired by US at the last elections for
congressman, we Democrats will know
precisely how the law can be improved.
And. by the way. the replies of Con-
gressmen-elect McKenney. Tyler. and
Tucker 10 their opponents notices Of
contest. give us three admirable papers.
showing the legislative purpose in enact
Ing the Walton law, and demonstrating
that there were never any fairer cleo
tons held in any State than those held
In Virginia last fall.
Meanwhile, the ''honest-elections'' party
people are talking about their con
ference and having invited General
Malone 10 be present. are. We believe.
embarrassed lest he should accept. But
the General with all OF his daring, is
c,ude that It would be better for him
TO appear at the conference by proxy.
In our Judgment, the General should
be present in person. and, moreover.
should be elected president of the body.
lie is going TO run the party. or else
have nothing at all TO do with II, and
It is but right, II his influence is counted
on, that he should have the honor. which
his distinguished merits as an honest
elections man entitle him TO.
We expect the Republicans the Prohi-
bitionists. the Popullsts. and other dis
contented "outs" TO combine for this
years legislative campaign. and we shall
not despise their strength. But we
do say that II they expect to carry the
November elections. they can only hope
as the fruits OF victory 10 possess them
selves OF the Capitol offices. since 1.-The
hold-over' senator's and the Governor are
stalwart Democrats. But we must never
allow them to gain this entering wedge.
We must take warning from our ex-
perience In 1879, and from the recent dis
astrous experiences OF North and South
Carolina. 1t Is not easy for Democrats
10 come together on all national questions,
but there is no good reason for us TO
"split." when the question is as to
keeping control Of the government Of
Virginia