The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-10-06
PURGE THE
GOVERNMENT
Declaration Adopted by the
Labor League.
AGAINST A PRIMARY PLAN
Declaration That It Is Subterfuge to
Keep Men of Small Means
From Aspiring to
Office.

Office.
The Labor League OF Richmond last
night promulgated its declaration of prln-
ciples and outlined the work 1t proposes
to do, or at least attempt. ms oecla-
ration, which is set forth in the form OF
[, preamble and nine resolutions Is
ringing statement of plans ana purposes,
and incidentally an arraignment OF the
city government and an appeal for united
effort in ''purging all branches of our city
government of all those who are disposed
to sell themselves and their services for q
price"
Another significant feature Of the decla-
ra ton is a vigorous attack on tho Demo-
cratic party plan of primaries ana u de-
NAL OF and argument against the neces-
sity therefor under a white electorate.
The primary plan is characterized rs
subterfuge to exclude men Of small means
from aspiring for office by reason or the
excessive fees charged for participation.
There Is also an unequivocal declaration,
in favor Of the maintenance of law ana
order.
NO TICKET LIKELY.
Although declaring in the preamble that
all classes should be represented IN the
law-making bodies of city and state,
there Is nothing else to indicate an 1nten-
ton of placing a ticket in the field. IT this
Is contemplated, 1t must be done TINS
week, for no name can be placed on the
ballot after Tuesday, the 18th.
Here is tho declaration of principles IN
full:
Whereas, those who labor are in ma
iortv In the CITY of Richmond and State
of Virginia.; and whereas, we deem 1t
to the interest OF all classes affected by
legislation that said classes should DC
represented in the lawmal1ing bodies OF
State and city, that their interest may
be preserved, without prejudice to oth-
ers; and whereas it has been demonstrated
by past legislation that there Is an ap-
solute apathy on the part or many o.
our lawmakers as to the Interest OF the
toiling classes, and, we regret 10 say,
desire manifested to serve wealth, corpor-
ations and trusts in the framing Of laws,
regardless of the burdens thus imposed
upon the wealth producers; and whereas
we have for years past used the powers
of persuasion and argument with our
lawmakers for as just recognition OF our
rights, and in almost every instance
have been ignored and our claims set at
naught, therefore
Resolved 1. That we deem II % pc the
duty of every man who labors Tor the
support of himself or for himself ana
others. to unite in one great organization
for the procurement of those political
rights and natural, rights which have been
withheld through the legislative chflnnei.
PRIMARY SYSTEM.
+ Resolved g, That we regard the present
primary system as but a subterfuge to de-
priye men of ordinary means from otrer-
ing themselves for office in State and
municipal elections, under the primary
plan, through excessive fees, placed pur-
posely at a figure which precludes the
man Of ordinary means from entering any
contest under the primary plan.
Resolved 8, That the new constitution
having successfully eliminated the negro
vote and left none but white men to con-
fest for political preferment, that we
regard the primary as a thing no longer
of necessity for the supremacy OF the
white race, and therefore recommend tnat
until such time as the supremacy OF lhe
white race Is threatened by lack or a
urinary election, that our people refuse
to sanction n system OF fees Which pre-
clude the possibility Of men OF ordinary
means to offer themselves for office.
Resolved 4, That we unqualifedly de-
clare ourselves to be hearty supporters
Of law and order. and stand ready TO
render the city or State all the assistance
in our power for the maintenance or the
same; that we are not reyolutlonlsts, bnt
do seek the good of all alike. regardless
OF condition or calling and believe tnat
in our lawmaking bodies all honorable
cla.,as of society should as near as pos
sible, he equally represented.
Resolved 5, That we regard the true
test for political prefcrment to be hon
esty and qualification, coupled with the
devotion to the good of all subjects, and
will labor for the election of men who
are animated by the high ambition OF
being of service for good TO inc Whole
people, the property Of our city and state
| and the advancement OF loyalty and hon
| esty.
Resolved 6. That we pledge ourselves tc
| the overthrow Of such shady ana dlsnon'
est methods as have been developed "
| the recent investigation In this city II
| connection with the granting or francnlse
| and pledge ourselves to a purging OF al
branches of our city government or NJ
| those who are disposed to sell themselves
| and their services for price.
| Resolved Z, That we declare our onl!
object to be the procurement ana en-
| courngnment of honest, capable men, TO-
every Office and that 1t is not our purpos'
| to oppose honest and capable men wh'
NAV he so unfortunate as not to be com
| pelled to amply themselves to manual la
Dor.
Resolved s, That we appeal to all goo
citizens to Join hands with us In seekinl
to give to tho whole people an admins
tration which will recognize the ,graa
principle of equal and exact justice =
| all.
RESOLVED ., That we pledge ourselye
to the objects set forth IN these reso'n
tons, and declare 1t to DO our purpose !,
labor honestly for their triumph unit
the day OF triumph shall come, trustin
to tho guiding hand of that prlncipi
which declare aon honest man to be tn
noblest work Of God, and we appeal t
all classes to Join us In our work OF re
formation.
| --------------