Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-08-09
THE srxGLr-rAx MARTYRS.

Tho authorities of Dover. Del. started
out 10 give the disciples Of Henry George
In that state lively time, but II begins
TO look as II the singie-tax advocates
are going 20 turn the tables On the
authorities. and that the latter have
bitten on more than they can masti-
cate. when the single-tax movement
frst led in Delaware II was laughed
at. but gradually. It appears, 1t assumed
such proportions as 10 Interfere with the
schemes Of certain politicians. The ex-
act character OF this interference has
not been made very clear, but at any
rate tho movement gradually developed
into an agitation" Meetings were held
by the "agitators," and finally, other
means not availing TO suppress the new
crusade, an old law or ordinance against
unlawful assemblies or disturbing the
peace was raked up out Of the dusty
sepuichre in which It had long slept the
sleep OF the unjust. and under 1t
one of the slngie-tax leaders was ar
rested and lodged in jail.
The acting Governor OF the State
promptly pardoned the prisoner, and II Is
stated that he announced that he would
continue 10 turn loose ell such offenders
as fast as they were arrested, on the
ground that every American citizen has
a constitutional right TO indulge In free
speech. The Dover authorities then pro-
ceeded to make more arrests, but In
the mean time change came over the
spirit OF the acting Governors dream,
donlng power.
However, the single-tax agitators were
nothing dauntcd. Not only have those
who, when arrested, expected pardon
taken their Jail medicine like little tin
martyrs, but squads OF other adherents
to MIR. Georges creed have been break
ing into jail with monotonous regularity
and great alacrity.
As result OF this, the authorities found
that they would either have to secure
more Jail room or hire the martyrs out
to work with tramps in chain-ganss on
the public roads. The latter course was
decided upon. In Kent county bids have
been advertised for, and unless some
thing occurs TO prevent, the man who
is willing 10 pay the highest price can
have the single-tax prisoners next Tues
day for street-mending and road-malxing.
AS this prospect has not shaken in the
least the courage Of the martyrs, many
of whom are said TO be men Of standing
and means, the developments OF next
week are looked forward to with both
interest and anxiety. II the authorities
prove as firm as the single-tax prisoners
ara defiant, and these prisoners are seen
working On tho roads in chains along
side tramps vagabonds, and vicious
Characters little Delaware may be stirred
as she has not been stirred for years.
The matter has long passed the stage of
being a stupendous joke. and taken In
the public mind the form OF burning
question. involving high privilege OF
citizenship, and whether the authorities
90 to the chain-gang extreme or not, 1t Is
not impossible that the prosecutors OF
the single-tax advocates Will find they
have raised a storm they cannot quell.
If the movement had been left TO run
its course 1t would probably ere this
have started TO peter OUT as illogical
and impracticable. but as 1t Is, although
the single-taxers will hardly accomplish
their main object. the seni-Rus-
sian methods resorted to in order TO
choke them of promise to exercise
potent influence upon the politics OF the
State. A convention to frame new
State Constitution win be held In Della
ware next winter, and 1t is regarded as
certain that the imprisonment Of the
single-taxers will play an important part
in the campaign for the election Of dele
gates to that body.