Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-17
MR. INGALLS, AND THE CIRCULAR.

MR. INGALLS, AND THE ClHCtLtK.
The occurrences Of most interest in
Virginia politics during the past two
weeks have been the publication Of the
circular Of the Honest Elections
League, under date of December Sd. and
the announcement of President ingalls,
that he would take no part in Virginia
politics next year.
The circular in question urges great
activity on the part of those who are
willing to follow the lead of the league
and has caused no little surprise 1t
was eminently surprising. in the fact
that it proceeded from a body of bust
ness-men, and az a time when business
men are praying for a cessation from
political agitation. surely If business
men wish to keep the political pot
a-boiling. it should not be wondered at
that politicians should be willing to take
part in the proceeding.
President Ingallss declaration. how
ever. we should think would be anything
but encouraging to the league lie was
hand-in-glove with the league against
Bryan in November but he now wishes
IT to be distinctly understood that he
does not mean TO enter into Virginia
politics next year. The corporations
gave much life to the league last fail,
but it seems now that it will have to do
without them in 1891
on this point the Richmond cor
respondent Of the Petersburg Index-Ap-
peal writes as follows:
president NJ T. ingalls,, of the Chesa-
peake and Ohio railway. who is here,
authorizes the statement that he will
take no part in the campaign in Viz
einia next year. This means, perhaps,
that the corporations viii keep their
hands off Certain IL Is that Mr.. IN
galls's course will have considerable eff
feet upon other corporations than the
one over which he presides"
President Ingalls's position on this
question is discussed by the Richmond
correspondent of the Baltimore Sun as
follows:
The Democratic managers are quite
satisfied with the announcement that
President ingalls, Of the Chesapeake and
Ohio railway, will not take any hand
in the state politics next year. Mr.. In
gals was one of the most active ana
powerful friends the gold men had in all
Virginia this year. They are indebted
70 him for much OF the strength they
developed in the November election The
Democrats believe that the heads or
other big corporations in Virginia who
threw their influence against them in
The last fight will follow the example or
Mr.. ingalls, In doing this, though,
should they adopt this policy, II Will not
necessarily carry With IL the pronounce
ment that these influential business men
give Enforcement to the election methods
in Virginia.
81 have almost come to the ccnclu-
sion" said one OF the best-known and
most influential gold leaders I'm Virginia,
"that the best II not the only, solution
Of this whole honest election agitation
is 10 be found in constitutional amend
rnen;. which will provide an educational
qualification for voters. This matter mas
been suggested before by some or the
hest men I'm Virginia. Their chief, If not
on.y. objection TO II was that II would
diefranchise thousands of white men,
TIC gentleman whose sentiments are
ouoted Is one OF the strongest opponents
o. vAat are termed machine methods,
ma one who Is relied upon by the sound
money and honcst-election side TO render
them most valuable aid in the coming
state contest The fact that he has taken
this rosition fayoring tire line indicated
does not signify that he viii not be found
on the side Of the election reformers in
1871.
When Il comes to discussing election
methods the Democrats OF Virginia are
ready and willing TO meet in discussion
oil corners. We are willing TO compare
records with any election reformers. or
20 measure strength with them in argu-
mont. We cannot but be amused at the
glibness with which some OF them are
now talking about fair elections" Truly,
Il IS enough 10 take ones breath away.
But let that pass for the present. What
we wish 10 remark upon now IS the in
creasing favor with which q restricted
suffrage is received by the general pub
\ lie Great movements are on foot ia
Alabama and Louisiana to eliminate from
the electorate the venal and ignorant
clasa. OF course the question Is full Of
difficulty. And in Virginia we should
meet with even fnorc difficulties than our
brothers In Alabama and louisiana have
20 face. But we might start out by
granting suffrage 20 all who mad ever
borne arms for the State or linton TO
be perfectly impartaD. IN time OF war,