The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-09-30
rHF GREATEST ISSUE

Tho question OF election reforms Will
he an important one IN the Virginia cam
paign. IL cannot be kept out OF the can
vaes. even should II be attempted. This
might bo accomplished n u were not 10
be agitafed by any other party IMAM nose
opposing the Democratic nominees Ine
trouble is. though. that some OF the lat
,ar's nominees for the Legislature nave
already indicated a determination TO COM
nit themselves 10 changes In the present
election laws. They have been nominated
by their party with the knowledge that
fhev will favor such reforms. il VIII be
the policy or the Republicans ana theH
allies not to oppose the election OF DEM
ocratic candidates for the Leglslature
whom they know TO be IN favor or giving
tho people OF the state 4 new election
law The difficulty which will present IT,
self 10 the election reformers viii be 10
concentrate upon any particular plan TOT
accomplishing their object
or course all the Democrats nominated
for the LEGISLATURE on an honest election
platform will abide by the action of the
party caucus.
DR. Winston. the recent president Of the
Farmers Alliance Of Virginia. who has
boen nominated for the lower house OF
fbe LEGISLATURE by the Democrats OF
Hanover county. IS I'm favor OF the enact
nent OF n law which will prevent the pos
sibilitv OF any dishonest elections lie
has not vet evolved plan which Is per-
fectly satisfactory 10 himself. but ne is
inclined 70 think that some scheme when
allows each political party 20 select an
official bal1ot-reader for the illiterate
voters promises 10 best accomplish the
object sought These readers or special
conetables he thinks. should be appointed
bv tho county Judge upon the recommen-
dalton OF tho organization OF each or the
leading parties Should the Republican
or Populist or other anti-Democratic Off
cial prove recreant 10 his duty ana sell
ont or otherwise act In COLLISION with the
enemies OF his party. the organization
which appointed him would be response
bic. saws the Baltimore Suns Richmond
ACCOMPLISHMENTS County Argus.
The ieaven IS undoubtedly working.
There is a strong sentiment and grow
ing sentiment IN tho State OF Virginia IN
favor ~ elections that are absolutely free
from bribery and fraud 10 the end that
there may he free and full expression
OF the people OF the state at the ballot
box and that there shall be an honest re-
turn OF the vote as polled. This sentiment
is not confined to any ono party nor 10
any one faction in any party II Is the
sentiment OF the people Of Virginia. II IS
a sentiment that has been existing all the
time. but has been a little tardy IN crys-
taIizing The people have been persuad-
ed 20 believe that crookedness in the
elections OF black districts was necessary
in order 10 insure the rule Of the whites.
but however that may have been in the
past they have learned that such meth
DDS are no longer necessary and are no
longer to be tolerated
our objection to dishonest elections is
not only an objection to dishonesty itself
and to all things dishonest. but we object
because lawiessness OF whatever kind.
when winked at by the public. Is demon
auzing and we know Of no species Of law
lessness more demoralizing than tamper-
ing with the sacred rights Of franchise.
People cannot possibly respect the law OF
the land when they know that it is ruth
lesslv violated by officers Of the law and
If the ballot box is not respected. no insti-
tuition OF government can be respected.
Virginia has for too long a time SUBJ
mitted TO this evil AMI the forbearance Of
the PEOPLE IN our opinion. has been taxed
beyond endurance.
Many members OF the Legislature viii
come 10 Richmond next winter pledged
10 an honest election law and we believe
that such pressure will be brought 20 bear
as shall compel the Legislature 20 pass
such a law before 10 shall have finished
It's work. II is I'm our opinion the great
est question before The people OF Virginia
during the present campaign and IT'S i'm
portance cannot be exaggerated.