Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-10-14
BUYING ELECTION OFFICERS.

MIR. James Creelman, the special cor
respondent of tine New York World. who
recently visited Richmond. writes to that
paper. among other things, that
virginia will give her IL electoral votes
to Bryan by a majority of 1900 or 1000,
unless the Republicans succeed In buy
inc the election officers of something like
fifteen counties. and I have every reason
so believe that Mr. Hanna's bright pro-
phecy concerning the old State was based
upon this expectation"
This is not the first time we have heard
of the purpose of the Republicans and
their allies to spend money upon our Of
ncers Of registration and election.
Already we are told that some officers
have been sounded" The coalition in
Virginia is supposed 20 have at its con-
mand a great deal OF money, most OF
which was sent down here from the
North. Sent down here for what? To
carry the pending election in this State?
OF course not. Few sane men expect
that Mckinley will be able to carry Vir-
ginia; and Mr. Creelman himself says
that the indications are that the Demo-
Gratis will sweep all ten of the congress
sional districts.
Then. why is so much money TO be
spent down here; why is there any talk
about our enemys buying up the officers
OF election?
To us the reason is plain. The Repub-
licans want to hold down" Virginia this
year. so as TO be able TO carry it next
year. Remember that we elect United
States senator next year. Remember,
also. that. should Hanna win in this ma
,ional contest. free-silver Senate viii
still stand in his way. So Hanna is work
ing. not only to elect Mckinley, but to
revolutlonize the United States Senate.
And there are Virginians who call them
selves Democrats who are helping him
10 do it--yes. helping him 10 put the
negro on top again In Virginia!
The work of demoralizing the Demo-
cracy OF Virginia II it could succeed as
st has been planned. would put this State
back into the control OF "the negroes
and their mean white allies" as the
Times used TO say.
deliberately helps TO divide the Demo-
cratic party OF Virginia this year thereby
lends a hand TO the negrofying of
Virginia next year. SO beware OF our old
opponents. Have nothing 20 do with
them. Spurn Hanna's money. and stand
together with your brother Democrats. as
you have done through all the past.
No thoughtful man. who is acquainted
with the ways OF Republican politicians.
and whose judgment is unbiased in the
matter can fail to see that Hanna is
putting money into Virginia. not so much
for the good that 1t WIN do him here
In 1896 as for the good that 1t will do him
and Mckinley here in 1897.
All in vain Is II for gentlemen TO de-
clare that they are good Democrats
and that they do not mean TO leave the
party" They cannot make such pro-
iestations with more vehemence than Ma
hone did. Yet the hattery that the
Boilers are receiving from the Republic
cans ought to warn them that they are
In the enemys camp Whom DO the Re
publicans praise? The Democrats? Not
they. The great patriots. the political
saints. In their eyes. are the so-caiied
Democrats who are playing into their
hands. Our Democratic brethren who
have wandered 'into the radical camp
ought 70 open their eyes 10 these facts
and rejoIn their old party friends.
And now about Correspondent creei-
mans story OF the intended purchase OF
Virginia election officers: II cannot suc-
coed. Our officers are not 10 be bougat.
Whoever Informed Mr.. Hanna that they
were purchasable must have gotten
that impression from reading the Rich
fnond Times's articles. charging whole
sale corruption In many counties In this
State IL any attempt is made 20 speed