Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-02-12
ELECTIONS MUST BE PURE.

Every intelligent and honest man will
from from force, fear. fraud, bribery
and undue influence; that they should
be lawful ballots, honestly cast; and
that they should be truly counted and
truly returned, or officially reported.
How is it, then, that with Il unanimous,
or practically unanimous desire for Il
pure ballot-boX, there is prevailing be-
to the interest of those having it in
control that it should be so? Under
such conditions, there IS precious lit
tie satisfaction in voting for men or
measures: indeed, it would be more cf-
fective and satisfactory to vote in
rathole. or in sewer-opening, or in
n cellar trap. or Il coal-hole, as i'll these
honest reccptaclcs the ballots would be
simply lost, or thrown away, whereas.
according to all accounts, once in the
ballot box, they are counted to suit the
poll holders.
1t is not, then, with much enthusiasm
that one welcomes the proposition TO
States so that United States Senators
may be elected by the people instead
of by the legislatures of each of the
States respectively. This proposition
comes because the legislatures have so
frequently been controlled by improper
and undue Influences III the selection
of Federal Senators. But does re-
-. II,
the matter? The integrity of The peo-
pic. as whole, is not in question. I'll
is the ballot-boN that is not above sus-
picion. Wherefore. then. trust the elcc-
ton of the United States Senators To IL
until it be reformed and restored To its
former purity? 1t is very true that it
is n shameful spectacle TO see so many
legislatures in deadlock over the
election of Senator's: locked by money.
and only to be unlocked when he OF
they who hold the key of the situation
put enough money in the right pockets.
AS we have urged before. so we urge
again. that a better plan Cuntil we are
sure Of the bullot-boX) is for the people !
in their nominations of candidates for
the legislature. whether by convention !
or primary election. to instruct them /
as to the Senators for whom they are
expected to vote. II elected; and this
has the advantage of being presently
available. as it requires no amendment
of the United States Constitution, nor
any waiting for that to be effected. 1t
lS pot :, porract ,,lnn II is rcnJiiv
agreed; nor will any plan approach
perfection until some means are found
TO assure at every polling place i'm
popular elections Il set of intelligent,
honest ana honorable election officers,
who Will act fairly and according to
law. Then resource must be had to
the voters: but in that case fraudulent
and bribed voters, without co-operators
and sympathiZcrs in charge \ of the
polls, will not be apt to do much harm.
We agree with the Richmond Times
that our popular elections, from regis
tration to final returns of the voting,
NJ ould be immaculate and above all
auSDicion. AS II truly says if there
ever was time when honest men
might wink ut certain practices to as
sure good. or prevent evil results. that
time has passed. ana our polls. in every
instance. should be placed in the hands
of our best and most trustworthy men.
or under their Immediate. authoritative
and responsible supervision. These
men, we know. object strcnously to
serving in such capacity nowadays.
Why? Because too long ana too often
dirty tricks were expected OF poll
holders, and dirty mon were appointed
to hold them. But If we are ever to
have honest elections, honest men must
hold them. and no man should be cX-
cused from this sacred duty now, nor
should he seek to be excused. when
1t is explained to him that he
is selected to give us honest cleo
tons and to assure the public by his
presence that 10 rascality should be
practiccd Al polls where lie is on duty.
We. therefore, beg that our polls here
and all over the state. in every future
election, shall be placed exclusively in
the hands of men respected and trusted
by all classes. parties and colors we
are strong enough to be brave ana
true. and so let us be.
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