Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-09-19
GOOD aovERNm EMIT.
A PLEA-THE MODERN MACHINE
DENOUNCED. 5s
Sufolk. va Sept. liz. 1899.

Suffolk. Va. Sept. Is, 1899. q
The public Offices in Virginia are too
numerous and have proven burden 10
the taxpayers. This State With less
wealth and less population pays double
the amount of money that North Caro-
linu expends in operating her govern.
ment. which Is in many RESPECTS SUI
perier to our system. These Offices were
fastened upon the people during the
reconstruction period, and but little CT
fort has been made to eliminate the SUI
pcriluous places by constitutional
amendment. a few reformers, iInbued
with patriotic motives. have from time
to time appeared in opposition to the
unnecessary expense OF our govern
mental system. but they have been met
everywhere by q tremendous opposing
force composed of the political parasites
that cluster about every county seat IN
the State. Thus 1t Is apparent that our
costly system with Its multitude OF lu-
crative places has led many incom-
petcnt and unscrupulous mon, hungry
for spells to become professional office
seekers. practicing fraud. intrigue and
deception TO accomplish their purpose.
Hence. we have to-day the wcll-organ-
lied machine trying to defeat the peo-
pie and become their masters. If Mar.
tin. the unknown man of mysterious
ways and means defeats Tyler for the
Senate the machine will have accom-
Elshed its dark and treacherous pur-
pose.
The patriotic and liberty loving pco-
pie everywhere should become alarm
ed at the dreadful prospect and insist
upon return to those glorious prin-
ciples of Democracy that were taught
and practiced by Thomas Jeffcrson.
They should commend what is right
and condemn what Is wrong and no
longer listen to the mandates of those
who are Striving to be their masters.
Our government, whether local or ma
tional. should derive Its power from the
consent of the governed. The will Of
the people should be supreme.
The corrupt methods of the machine
| are nm abominatlon to all who possess
honor. manhood and integrity. Its dia-
bolical work Is carried on In omen de-
lance of the people and Il revolution In
party management is n necessity. The
| machine has oblterated the old land
marks of our forefathcrs: the office no
longer seeks the man; the will of the
people is seldom expressed: the self
appointed leaders are loud IN their dis
cussion of men and measures: the
rights of the people are denied: and In
some instances men guilty OF NAL
fensance in Office are leaders and are
followed by the little band of heelers
who do everything for themselves and
| nothing for the people.
1t is boldly asserted by those inter-
ested that no machine exists in Nansc-
mond county and that n spirit OF fair
ness is always manifest in our local
politics. The absurdlty OF the state
nent is apparent. 1t is a we'll known
fact that about a.dozen men, who hold
office or expect to hold office, domino tie
I county politics and map out their
plnps In advance OF the meeting of
| conventions. The machine with we'll
laid plans controlled the late county
convention and by the distribution OF
ballots and a hasty vote the people
were defeated and Martin delegates
were chosen. Such action is unfair
| and .un-Democratfc and merits n stern
rehuke from the people. The "oId wai
horses the old rinsstcrs and their fol-
| lowers were conspicuous as leaders, but
when the Senatorial convention assem-
bled and 1T was found that the people
conspicuous for their silence. Is IT. not
time for the brave people who constl-
tute the Democratic marty of Nanse-
mond to call forth leaders, who are In
! sympathy with the people and are will
ing to do their bidding? Who can shy
we have no machine?
We believe In the Democratic faith,
We have the old time principles and we
favor purity in public life. In our To-
cal affairs we must cry down trickery
| and dishonesty and always strive to
elevate our standard. We have to-day
Tyler and the people on one side and
Martin and the machine on the other
side. If Martin wins the high standard
! OF this grand old commonwealth will
be lowered and the followers OF Jcffer-
son Inundated. Let the people arouse
from their lethargy buckle on their
armor and fight for honor, honesty and
| good government.
FAIR PLAY.
| Improper Behavior.