Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-09-07
VETERANS AS VOTERS.

By little more provision and provi-
sion our new registration lists might have
been made complete roster of the vet
Grams of the civil war now residing in
Virginia.
The fact that man was soldier
in that or any other American war of
itself entities him to vote. One can rest
his claim upon that single qualification
and be enrolled as permanent voter
under the new Constitution Of Virginia.
But in some localities the registration is
over; in other places it is in progress;
in others still it will begin tomorrow
or next day. Therefore it is too late to
attempt to make the registration lists a
muster roll in those counties; but, pos
sibly. something of value might be done in
Richmond and in the other cities and
counties where week or more will elapse
before registration begins and where con-
sequently there is yet time for prepara-
ton.
Old Confederates when offering to re-
gister-men who have the right to claim
Or as property-holders. may, we sup
pose, express their desire to be classed
among the former. 1t would be some
Thing to our credit to have such a list
as that in default Of better one.
We cannot but look With regret, not to
say shame, upon the record of neglect
and inattention which has marked the
course of the Legislature in the matter
of securing and preserving the rolls Of
those of her sons who served her as
Such rolls as the STATE had were lost,
burned, stolen, or distracted at the time
OF the evacuation of Richmond, but there
were copies in the Confederate War De-
partment These We're removed from this
city in advance of the evacuation and
were captured down South by the Fed
eral forces along with tons of other
archiGes of the Confederacy.
In due season those captured archives
were taken to Washington and were there
classified by States. etc. North Carolina
and some other States awaited themselves
of the opportunity then open to them
and had their muster rolls copied. For
that purpose North Carolina employed a
few thousands of dollars: the acquisition
was of priceless value. In the six or
eight large. handsome volumes published
by that State. much of the information
thus obtained has been printed, and be-
come an inperishable record.
But what did Virginia do when her rolls
were accessible to her? Nothing! She
always intended to do something, but
she postponed and Acknowledged too
,ong, for in the course o. time a law was
passed, or rule adopted. denying the
public access to any Of the old rolls,
Fedsral or Confederate. What copying ia
aone now must be done by the depart
mental officials. And thus heavy charge
Is imposed.
The department clerks are highly-paid
day. But no matter what the expense
it would be $50, o0o-yirgtnia ought to have
copy OF her rolls while men yet live
whose services would be valuable in
nnnotating them. What is needed is the
Rctual roster. edited by those who were
among the officers and soldiers listed.
Under the Act OF Assembly. passed at
the suggestion OF General Bradley T.
Johnson. we believe. survivors of many
Virginia companies have held meetings
|ssnnd made up company rolls from memory
land those rolls have been entered OF
record In the otfice of the county clerks
THAT Vas the best thing that could be