Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1899-12-13


an ignoble scramble between corruption
funds, unless the illegal use of money in
elections is punished by disgrace and
imprisonment
The accuracy and fairness of our elec-
; non returns should be above suspicion.
After the votes are deposited the citizens
should have mistaken confidence i'm the
truth and accuracy of the returns. Such
returns should be. like Caesars wife.
above suspicion. IL is largely in your
power 10 accomplish this by the selection
Oh the men you put in charge of the law
and OF the conduct of the elections. |
doubt very much il il is in the ingenuity
of man to devise plan for secret bal
lot which. in the hands of unscrupulous
men, may not be subject to abuse and de-
ception. IL largely rests in the individ-
usl character in the separate judges of
elections, and any complaint or indict-
ment against the accuracy and fairness
OF the election returns is complaint
against the integrity and honesty of the
citizens in charge of the same Here
again you can provide for the taking of
testimony and can grant by your enact
ments ample opportunity for vindication
! or conviction
while | am aware the question of
electing United States Senators by direct
vote OF the people is, primarily. a nation
al one and that the most satisfactory
means of obtaining this would be through
amendment to the Federal Constitution.
still experience has shown. and the be-
lief is firmly fixed in the minds of the
| people, that there is but little ifanv hone
Tor change through Congressional &C
ton, and relief, if it comes, must come
through the State Legislatures. That
there are large majority of the people
OF Virginia In favor of some mode where
! by they can give expression of their
choice on this important office "a they do
in the case of all other OF their represen-
tatives, both State and national, is so
manifest that do not suppose il will be
controverted, and as the election of 8
United States Senator is so intimately
interviewer with our State affairs | feel
that II Is not improper for me To call the
attention of the Legislature 10 this cues.
ton
IL Is certainly more i'm keeping with
our republican institutions that the peo-
pie choose directly their representatives
Then too, if the election of q Senator
were removed from the Legislature tbe
representatives would he chosen moro
especially because of their known views
on matters of State interest and impor.
lance, and not, as there is danger of nm
der our present system, because of their
preference Tor certain candidates forthe
nited States Senate. thus subordinatinr
! and preventing an expression of the neo.
pie on matters of importance TO their
Ina.eriai interest which may come up for
legislative action.
While | am glad TO say thar VIRGINIA
IN the past has been free from some of
the legislative scandals that have attend
eel the election of United States Senators
IN recent years in some of our sister
states, still we must realize that there j.
danger of such occurrences. since Ike
causes produce like results.
The reasons are so manifold snd con-
vlncing' and it is so evidently the desire
OF our people, that | earnestly recon-
/ . "A
primary law, whereby the peonle can
vote directly on their choice for United
states Senator, and have the same safe.
guards and assurances that they have in
other general elections that their wishes
will be properly recorded.
i feel sure that the wisdom of the
Legislature can devise a law thar Will
give entire satisfaction TO all of our peo-
PIE NO doubt the experience Of our sis
Ter states that have resorted 10 this
method will be of value in FRAMING The
bill" '"s
The Governor alludes to ,be efforts
made Tor marking the boundary line he.
tween the two States in Tangier and Pc
comoke sounds He renews n recon-
mendatlon he had the honor to make IN
the last Legislature, suggesting an an.
preparation OF $500 TO plainly and ner-
manently mark the boundary line st tho
points mentioned The CAPTURE Of sev.
eral Maryland schOOners is referred IN
ana the Governor adds: If the oyster
men of Maryland who were i'm The bsbl,
OF coming 10 Virginia to fish and oyster
could he made 40 feel that they were In
danger of detection and surrender tbe,
would, OF course, not be so bold i'm their
uepreuatlons. l regret to saw that The
plan dld not work TO full fruition "a the
Governor OF Maryland failed TO honor
the hrst requisitiOn I made upon him
under this agreement; but wholesome
influence mas been eXerted on account of
fear OF being arrested. The ANNOYANCE
has almost ceased and but little com
plant has been heard since this troublc -
The Governor states that general good
order has prevailed throughout the State
and no military has been called ont
In conclusion" says the Governor.
Il will invite your attention TO a subiect
which, in my judgment, is the most i'm.
portant one that can engage your atten-
tion at this session, and which deserves
some action at our handf.
The present Constitution, foisted m.
on a conquered people at the conclusion
OF our civil War by an alien Govern
ment, is expensive and cumbersome II
should be amended and rewritten. We
should meet the question courageouslv.
hKe Vlrginians should, and meet it for
All time. There are several plans omen
for your consideration-one is to suhmit
call for constitutional con
ventlon to the people; another to amend
the present COnStifutiou