The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-30
Az AWAKENING.

In spite OF many dis-couragements there
is. thank God, an awakening sentiment
Throughout the South in favor OF honest
elections. True a faction in Kentucky
succeeded recently in passing the Goetei
bill. with whose provisions our readers
arc familiar. but not without a vigorous
protest, not from the opposite party
alone. but from thousands OF the best
and truest Democratic citizens OF the
state.
It IS said that the suffrage ordinance
adopted by the Louisiana constitutional
convention also opens the way to unlim-
tied frauds. but II the New Orleans WI
papers reflect the VIII Of the people OF
that State, tho convention was called in
response 10 a sentiment in opposition to
tho methods OF trickery that had been in
vogue in Louisiana since the days Of re-
construction.
Tennessee has q law similar 70 the
Kentucky law. and - is claimed that the
law was passed in the interest Of the
dominant party. Yet we learn from Mr..
c. l.. Coltart. q Democrat Of Franklin.
Tenn. in q communication to tho Wash
ington Post Of yesterday. hat the Ten
ncssee measure was adopted IN the
Democratic caucus OF two Houses by q
majority OF one vote and was put
through the Senate and House under the
party whip. But says Fir. Coltart,
"tho right sort Of Democrats have deter
mined to throw overheard the rascals and
fools. And It VIII be done at any cost.
We cannot permit our liberties TO be
stolen under pretense Of compelling the
Republicans Of East Tennessee counties
to hold fair elections and make true re-
turns thereof. Much trouble is going 10
como out Of four law Of 'G-fraud will
30 rampant, or charged and contested
elections the order Of the day. Our mis-
chievous statute must be repealed by the
Legislature Of '99-and somebody
damned
We hate honesty for poiicy's sake
but 81 is q happy coincidence when hon
esty and policy happen to run in the same
channel. and that honesty I'm elections IS
good policy for the Democratic party Of
the South is to our mind q proposition
that does not need to be demonstrated A
party may retain itself in power for n
time by q dishonest election law but IL
cannot retain its integrity. and. soone
or later, it viii be shorn Of its power,
unless its methods be reformed.
Virginians have had a notable illustra-
ton Of this within the past several days.
1t was c~ontended that Mr.. Epes Of the
Fourth Congressional District, did actual
ly receive more votes than his opponent,
Mr.. Thorp. But the opposition replied
that the district was by large odds Re-
publican, made so by the Democrats who
in gerrymandering the State dumped all
the Republicans possible into that dis
trict in order that other districts might
be made Democratic; also hat tho Viz
ginia election law gave unlimited oppor-
t~unities for cheating. Putting two and
two together the committee concluded
that Mr.. ThorD was cheated out OF his
seat. and. like Lord Hastings. considering
the opportunities that the Democrats
had under the Parker law, seemed to be
surprised at their moderation.
All Of which goes to show that under
such q law as We have in Virginia We
do not and cannot get credit for an hon
est election. even when it is honest. The
presumption Of fraud IS inevitable and
must be until the abominable system is
thoroughly reformed.