Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-03-09
TW ELVE PAGES
FRIDAY. MARCH 9. 1900.
NEW REGISTRATION.

"A very general impression prevails
that the Registration books of the city
are imperfect, and full of errors; that
they contain many hundreds of names
Of voters who have died or left the city;
and some even go so far as to claim
that large number of names have
been placed on some of these books
without the formalty of APPEARING
BEFORE THE REGISTRAR, as re-
CURED by the law. The law requires
that the Registrar shall fully satisfy
himself as to the qualifications OF the
voter. minutely describe every point
upon which he MUST BE EXAMINED
BY THE REGISTRAR before the oath
is administered, and MAKES 1T THE
i REG ISTRAR'S DUTY, UNDER PEN
Atty, to be sure that the voter is en-
titled to the franchise before entering
his name on the Registra ton book. No
right is given the Registrar to delegate
any part of this duty to another \
system which permits others than Reg
istrars to secure the names of prospect
I've voters to blanks. on which the oath
is printed. and have these names enter
ed upon the Registration books, is sus-
ceptible of the grossest fraud, and is
illegal. Registrar permitting such Il
violation OF the law is guilty OF a crime
punishable by fine and Imprisonment
Whether it be true, or not, that any
Registrar in Norfolk has been guilty
of irregularity OF this character, ii is
certain that there is much ground for
dissatisfaction with the present condi-
tion of the Registration books: they are
menace to pure elections, which every
one, at least. processes to desire.
Certainly no candidate for Office de-
sres the continuance of condition of
this kind. which would seem to invite
fraud, or place one candidate in a no
sltion to take advantage OF another,
should he be possessed of dishonest
friends. or those whose enthusiasm for
success would tempt them to be care
less and Indifferent as to means and
methods.
Let us have absolutely fair methods
In the conduct OF our elections; in fact,
we should even avoid the appearance
of evil If our Registration books are
likely to reflect dscredit'upon the Dem
ocratic party. which has charge of our
election machinery, then the Party
should see to it that they are purged
and purified.
For ihe sake of party harmony every
candidate should be made TO feel tina;
the conduct OF the Democratic Pri-
mary will be fair and honest, so that
Mhen the family competition within
the party is over. and the will of the
party has been expressed, those who
have been defeated will recognizes thai
the election of their successful cumpeti-
tors Is the will of the majority: and as
true Democrats, will bow gracefully TO
that Will.
Bitter feelings and disruption of the
Party is sure TO follow. ii an impress
sion Is created that unfairness prevails
in our Party Primaries and Conven-
tions; therefore. every precaution
should be taken to avoid such an i'm
preston. Whether a choice of candi-
dates Is made by Primary, Convention
or Ward meeting, the Executive Com
mittee OF the Party canno; afford TO
allow any clique or faction to control
the machinery in their own interest
II Democracy means ANYTHING /,
means majority-rulc; and If thie r,Ie
is defeated BY unfair or questionable
methods. similar to the. three minute
ward meetings of las, summer. there
will be dissatisfaction. dsscnsions and
4 serious rebellion in the Party ranks,
and Will result in the wreck OF the
Party, or it's management
Let US have an absolutely fair prI-