Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-08-09
ooppopAr,oys IN THIS CANVASS.


Tha stsunton Vindicator charges that
a railroad corporation IN Virginia has
1nade arrangements for the daily distribu-
ton along its linz OF thousands OF
copies Of paper which is opposing the
election Of Bryan and Sewau. And in
commenting ppcn this fact the Vindicator
says;
EVERY day that passes this campaign
= taking on more and more the aspect
n tho corporations against tho people,
ana Il is hardly necessary to say which
O. tbs two is the strongest
The Wholesaler IS a calm, conservative.
falr-minded paper. whose expressions
carry great weight with them, nd-will
influence thousands OF voters In all sec
lions Of the State. We hope its words
OF warning viii be needed before 1t is too
late. and that those in power in the great
corporations in Virginia will not try TO
control the will OF the voters in their en-
ploy.
Though Il may not be 50 intended, an
anti-Bryan circular. signed by the presi-
dent, vce-president. manager, or su-
perintendent Of company, and ad-
dressed 10 an employee. Is sure to De
regarded by him, as q warning not to
vote for the Democratic candidates for
President and Vice-President. The con-
sequences. We predict Will be that these
employees Will not feel at liberty TO de-
clare themselves for Bryan; viii not join
Bryan clubs; VIII not attend Bryan meet
ings; will not take the stump for Bryan;
and in ell probability VIII not so to the
polls on election day.
Tho booth provided for IN the Virginia
election law Is a place into which the
citizen may enter and secretly prepare
bis ballot bat It was not adopted for
the protection Of white men, but more
particularly for colored men. The white
Nirginian. be ne Democrat or Republican,
as a rule. makes no secret OF bis vote.
rhe law gives him a place In which no
may prepare his ballot free from the
prysng eyes OF bystanders hut the man.
upon rejo!aing the crowd Of bystanders,
makes no recrct Of how he has voted
whateven other faults Virginlans are
Justly chargeable with, It can never be
said OF them that they are not in favor
Of the fullest personal liberty for the
citizen And he who undertakes TO re-
strain this liberty undertakes a dan
gerous thing; one sure to fire resentment
and arouse passion. The employees may
say little when strangers are present,
may not appear at Democratic gather
iuss but their sons. brothers, and friends
viii speak for them.
The Dispatch has never been an anti
corporation paper; It has always well
coined now capital and newcomers 10
this State. and has advocated on behalf
Of corporate enterprise the largest
pawsrs and privileges consistent with Tie
general good. Our advice, therefore, -
the advice OF friend whose good wal
hss been proved over and over again.
OF course. we would not deny to any
corporation Official the privilege Of ex-
prczzng his opinion on current questions
bat his language ought TO carry no
menace with IT, Never will Virginians
tolerate this.
The mere suspicion that thousands Of
corporation employees are under duresS as
20 the coming contest will iniame our
peopls 70 a high degree, and the rancor
and excitement Of this contest wiz be ex-
tended TO that Of next spring, when the
voters Of the State are TO go TO the polls,
ana determine whether or no a conyen-
ton shall DO called to revise and amend
the Constitution OF the State.
Tue question OF having a constitutional
convention Is ono CT much gravity. and
ought 70 be decided by our people In their
sobe~ost mood But II popular passion
should be stirred up during this canvass,
who can assure US that Il win die out be-
fore the vote IL taken on the constltu-
sionai conve1tion on the fourth Thurs
dAy in May next2
Liberty Of speech and liberty Of action
should not eniy 10 accorded employees,
bat thes ought 10 Do encouraged u feel
flst there Is no sort o. restraint at ali
upon inen- Have they this feeling nowg
We think not. DO you think many OF
fnsm would care 10 make themselves
rtom,nent IA Democratic proeessiens7
Hardly.
Norshern psopie 90 not understand tho
11ziasioa n Virginia and IN the south