The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-04-12
FURLENG THE BANNER OF PHO.
HIBrTION.

1
The banner of Prohibition will be
furled tomorrow night by the so-called
convention, called In the name of Prohi-
bition- Reform. 1t Is well that this
should be the case, for never has there
been SO much fraud in principle and
fraud in action in political organiza-
ton as has been exhibited by the Ring
sters who have sailed on the sea OF
politics in craft. that carried false
colors from the time that, through ac-
cident, its crew took charge of the af-
fairs of the municipal government OF
Norfolk.
There was fraud in principle from the
start. because, while earnest men. who.
believing in the principles Of Prohibition,
banded themselves into an organization
to advance the cause were willing TO
forges their partisanship and unite With
other earnest men. not Prohibtionists, in
the cause of reform of city admin!stra-
ton. Yet when the battle was won by
reason of the headstrong and visc!ouS
course OF the Democratic Ringsters, the
false claim was made that the victory
won was Prohibition victory, and thus
fraud was perpetrated, in the very begin
ming, for the TRUTH was discarded in
order that the hunters after the flesh
pots Of office and spells might crafty
their lust for place.
There was fraud in action. because the
keynote of the municipal contest of 1894
was against ring rule and bossism, and
yet Immediately AFTER the result of the
election most arbitrary and dictatorial
RING was formed to dish out the offices.
destroying the freedom Of the chosen
legislators Of the city by securing writ
ten plsdges. that committed them to obey
without protest the commands of the
Ring, no. only in the disposal of offices.
but in legislative measures Men OF
shameful Character, politically and NOR
ally. were selected and nominat ted for DO
sitions, and men who had faithfully
served the city during many years were
removed from position. that deals" and
'sops" might be made and given TO
strengthen the powers that were. Poor
white workmgmen on the streets were
dismissed, that their places might be
bestowed upon negroes. Illegal measures
were resorted TO 10 remove officials, and
a campaign of persecution was resorted
TO to carry out the measures and methods
OF the R.ngste:s. 'it:E
So plain has this fraud in principle
and action been exhibited to the COM
munity under the so-called banner of
Prohibition Reform by the piratical
crew, under the command of the Boss.
that the rottenness to the core has been
made visible, and especially so in the
recent actions OF Star Chamber Ring
ana the Secret Councils of the Little
Machine" The glaring hypocracy OF
sailing any longer under flag emilia
zoned Prohibition Reform" when the
whole scheme and purpose of the Ring
stcrs Is that of the ''spoils' and flesh
pots" is SO self-evident, that it has
been resolved to haul down the colors
and in hopes of success TO rally under
the suise of Il Citizens Tick et.'
Therefore, the so-called convention OF
Monday night will resolve TO put a
Citizens ticket" in the field. The "fu-
ture crown" of the coming Nationally
Triumphant Party" will not contain 1.-THE
resplendant jewel" of the Prohibition
party OF Norfolk.
Where now is fight for Prohibition ?
Where now is the battle for Reform?-
Gone where the woodbine twineth,' -
and the issue will now be solely and
alone. the naked one of spoils
CnSTNN RI,SIXISS