Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1900-04-26
The Primary Election.

The proposition for an honest primary is popular.
Why not have it? Who objects Will any candi-
date speak publicly that he expects TO win because
his opponent is good citizen to buy Buy
ing votes is much crime stealing. And the
grand jury indict for it. Under the law of this
State convicted of bribery is diSfranchzed for
life. See Chapter IS, Section 10. Acts OF 1893.
Will any candidate speak publicly that he expects
TO win because his opponent cannot raise money 10
buy votes Will any candidate speak publicly that
he tavorS system which forever excludes every poor
man from any office We constantly hear ariStoCratS
lamentng popular suffrage. II arstocrats buy votes,
what claim do they make the respect Of unariSto-
Gratis Whence comes this active, secret opposition
to IN honest primary The men trying TO defeat II
are spotted and being talked about in confidential
conversation much more than they suppose
Nobody speaks these things publicly VINO expects to
get nomination by violating the law. those who
depend on bribery invcntnG excuses TO keep the
executive committee from holding an honest primary
One pretext is. the expense Ii won't cost anything
TO obey the law which prohibits anyone except the
voter from coming within 90 feet of the vong-place.
The booths are ready. The ballots will be printed
anyway 1t won't cost any more TO PRINT them as the
law REQUIRES and for the election commissioners to
hand each voter Is done al the regular cleo
ton. Ii is mere prctenSe. Everybody knows 1t is
easy to have honest election, and that we would
have one except that some candidates think they
can't win II the election is honest
One unspoken objection IS that many candidate s
have already bought some votes. But the executive
committee fix the resolution so that nothing will
be said about what has been done before the reSolu
The following resolution voices the sentiments of
thrceourhs OF the Democrats in this county. and It
is to be hoped that the executive committee will rise
equal to the occasion. The man who takes the lead
will at once become the recognized leader in this
end of the State, and be popular for anyone to OPP
pose for any office
Resolved by the executive committee Of the Demo
cratic party
Whereas. The Democrats of Jefferson are looking
to this committee to strengthen and build up our
party and the only way do so, is to merit the re-
spect and confidence of the people.
Whereas. The law says that guilty Of buying
votes shall be put in the county jail cannot build
up the party by putting such man in office, there
fore.
Resolved. That the primary about to be held shall
be held according law and under the law. and the
committee shall arrange follow the law as
practicable. especially in regard TO keeping 90 feet
clear about the eectionplace, and in respect to brb-
ing voters.
Resolved. That the week after the votes count
ed the executive committee shall hear charges pre-
ferred against any candidate, and any candidate
vcted Of violating the law. either in person through
friends, shall be struck off the list. and the nomna-
ton be given to the next highest against whom no
charges are proven. But charge shall be heard
As to anything which occurred before this resolution
was read 10 the committee. A DEMOCRAT.