The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-09-28
TUEFDAY. SEPTEMBER. %. 1897
THE FLORIDA TIMES UNION CRIT.
CISES is


We print elsewhere an editorial article
from the Florida Timcs-Union-Citizen
which reviews q recent article OF this
papers upon fraudulent elections. 1he
Timcs-Uniol is manifestly as profoundly
impressed with the importance Of honest
elections ~ We are. and we are therefore
at q loss 20 understand why &c should
critcse our article at an. II st ala not
assent TO AN We said. stin. as its purpose
and our purpose were the same 81 would
seem 10 have been more cXpcdicnt to wish
ms God speed in our efforts in the hope
that good might flow from them whether
they seemed promising or not.
The .Times-Union IS mistaken in think
ing we said the "noblest branch Of the
Anplo-Saxon race has been degraded and
corrupted" We said that il we continue
cheating in elections our peopie Will be-
como degraded and corrupted. We did
not say they already had become so,
but that they were ia the certain way OF
becoming go and We cannot believe the
Tlmes-Unlon can differ with ms about
this.
We must frankly admit that We are
moro than surprised at the position OF
The Times-Unlon in regard 10 laws aimed
az depressing fraud. We entirely agree
that the best and surest method OF re-
pressing Il IS honesty OF purpose ana
purity OF character in the people We
would certainly Join hands with the
Times-Union I'm doing everything possi-
bic 10 elevate the moral tone of the poo
PIC and 10 bring them 10 look with
horror and aversion upon any reflections
from the moral law But, human nature
S. frai,. ana however elevated the great
Iu.E OF n people may De. there VIII
necessarily De a considerable pare OF the
population that refuses TO abide by moral
restraints. Laws FOR furnishing crime arc
absolutely necessary for keeping this part
Of every population within bounds. 10 u.s.
unfortunately. but neverthelcss indisput-
ably. the fact that a large part of var
Cinia's machinery for conducting cleo
tons has fallen into the hands az tnis
6isrepmable part OF our population and
there must Doe laws that will leave 10
ps open for them. with proper penal
ties for violating or cvading those laws.
As cur laws are now framed, nothing Is
easier than for dishonest election Of
ncer TO stuff the ballot box with false
ballots We want TO sec that those laws
are amended so that 80 viii De- impossible
for dishonest officer 90 put false ballots
in tho box without violating am express
provision of the law. and We want TO see
heavy penalties provided for violating
these provisions II any corrupt omcor
dare 90 &c. We have many times pointed
out the defects in our system. ANA we
can DO 10 again when needed and a COM
parativoly few corrective measures would
mako Il well nigh impossible for the
customary frauds 20 be repeated
For a long time the Times could set no
attention paid 20 its statements that our
elections were fraudulent in large part
of tho state. But the Times has con-
tlnucd TO hammer away at the subject
until large part OF the population has
now come 20 understand tho matter and
we see every day evidences OF am m
creasinr growth OF healthy sentiment
upon The subject
The frauds arc praciiced In the counties
that havo largc nes,o votes. In me
white counties Mr Eryons vote Zen Oh
largely from thai Of Mr.. Cleveland in tho
preceding presidential election. but u
greatly increased ia counties that had
largo negro vote.
whnc nomlnaliy elections have been
held. they have rocily bcen what a Sc,
OF dishonest election officers chose 10 &C.
clare them. We voters have just as wen
have staiG az hons and told these officers
10 nx up an election 20 suit themselves
i, IS what they ola. Negro suffrage is q
terrible curse undoubtedly, bu; negro
suffrage IS not as bed as for the morals
Of tie whole population 20 be corrupted
nv the spectacle OF nallot-box stuIHne
%oine ON before tho eyes of the whole peo-
lle without even a word OF censurc
from anyone
Moreover some OF The special o'1is
which are dreaded igom nesro suffrage