Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-16
FOR PURE ELECTIONS
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE PASSES
THE BARKsDALE BILL,
It Makes the Use Of Money in Elec-
tons Almost an Impos-
ability.
Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.

Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.
RICHMOND, Va. March Is, 1908
The concurrence Of the house yesterday
in the action Of the senate, passing the
Barksdale pure elections bill, means
a good deal more to the state than
would appear on the surface. Here
after no person who uses money to
further his political ambitions by un-
dertaking to influence support in his be-
half can hold office. Nor can any friend
of such candidate use money. Not that
alone, but no promise Of reward or loan"
Of money will be recognized or coun-
tenanced. The Barksdale bill is very strict.
It's provisions, in brief. are:
1. No candidate is to spend any money,
loan, promise any valuable thing or to al
low 1t to be done by his friends for the
purpose of influencing voters in his behalf.
2 Thirty days after an election for any
office all candidates are to file a written
statement, sworn to, showing what money,
If any, was used in said election by the
candidate, the amount thereof, to whom
and when paid, which shall embrace all
knowledge Of money used by any friend
or adherent and for what purpose.
3. No certificate Of election shall issue to
any candidate until such statement, duly
attested and sworn to, shall, be filed.
4. Such sworn statement Is to be on file
at all times and open to public inspection;
candidates shall not enter upon office or
receive pay or emoluments thereof until
such notice Is filed: violations of the law
shall make such persons as violate the same
liable for fine Of from $500 to 5000 and
Imprisonment from one month to year; II.
In cases Of contest, 1T shall be shown that
contestant shall have complied with the
law, and 1t shall be proven that contestee
has violated the law, then such Office is to
go to contestant
The law is the most rigid as regards cleo
lions that has ever been proposed, and is
far more stringent than those at present
on the subject. The bill will go to the gov
ernor, and there is no question that he will
sign 1t promptly.
There is a deep interest In the law. The
present party plans of the dominant party
provide for a state primary to nominate
candidates, and some believe that the use
of money might have been contemplated.
The new law will make 1t impossible to use
money In the campaign. 1t will be a great
factor In the coming campaign, and will, 1t
is believed, put stop to the reports that
offices In the state have gone to the high
est bidder. In view of the fact that the
number Of candidates for governor are at
present large, and the election of a sue
cessor to Senator Martin is to be held in
1908, the effect Of the law on the candi-
dates is being discussed In all sections. The
demand for the law is broadcast. The
chief fight In the house against the meas
ure was by Col. r. E. Lee, jr., member of
the house from Fairfax.
The general assembly has agreed upon the
causes for removal of Judge Campbell, the
gentleman who chastised the Rev c. H.
Crawford last summer, and notice that the
charges will be taken up by both houses
will be served on the defendant at once.
The case will probably come up the first
week in April. There is considerable doubt
as to whether the necessary majority of
both branches of the general assembly will
be recorded against the judge.
movement is on foot to have the gen.
eral assembly take a recess about the last
Of June, refer the code revision to a COM
mission, and to reassemble here the last of
September to complete the work
The death of Geo. w. Lecato Of Accomac
was announced in the senate. Resolutions
expressing regret at his death and naming
committee to attend the funeral were
adopted. The funeral will take place at
Grangeville.
In the house the Jordan oyster bill was
taken up and a substitute was adopted pro-
Viding for a commission of five to examine
the barren area within the Baylor survey
and to report recommendations upon the
matter.
The commission is TO be composed of two
senators and three delegates, and is to sit
at any time it may see proper.