The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-10
Too Much Suffrage.

Editor of The Times-Dispatch:
Sir--It will not be denied that the care
fui selection OF county assessors" is one
OF the most important duties incumbent
upon every citizen of the State, Yet
when any thoughtful business man takes
a serious view of the manner in which
this important work is too frequently per-
formed, there Is little wonder that sat
rical grin broadens his phiz as he sums
up the net assets, growing out of either
appointment or election.
Our salem Tax-Payer,' through The
Times-Dispatch, suggests as remedy
against ineffielency or favor. election of
TINS officer by popular vote. instead of APP
pointment hy the judges, and hopes
that The Times Dispatch will oppose the
latter" With great Difference, we dare
TO hope that 1t -iilI not.
We are not suffering from lack of suf-
trage. rather from a surfeit of 1t, and
OF two evils. we are convinced that we
choose the lesser. through appointment to
this Office by competent, conservative and
independent authority, and which nray.
or may not be judicial. Taxpayer"
pie elected By the people, from President
to constable Not in our day, let us
hope. will such a danger overtake the
country. as 1t will be up against" when
last landmarks of conservatism swept
away by the nenaclng force of unre-
stricted franchise, dashed into blind
thoushtless fanaticism on the subject of
times eloquent, often frantic and urgent
appeals that will be heard from our pub
lie platforms; to end. as many patriotic
citizens fear, by driving from its moor
ings this last real bulwark erected by
the wise Trainers OF our republican sys-
tenn. by removing forever, this sturdy
breakwater against the overwhelming tide
of misdrected enthusiasm and eloquence
| that unhappily may be let loose against
1t through the medium of self-seeking
and dangerous demagogism.
No! no. We have suffrage in plenty
white~ black and colored; male. female
and mixed: native, foreign and cross
| bred; broad enough in all conscience TO
satisfy the demands OF the most radical
republicanism. or. accomplished dema-
sogue. in his patriotic eagerness to save
| the dear people. Let the old Senate stand
as a partial break. at least, to the pace
with which we are going. Conservative in
action, sober and patriotic in though, and
independent In character, with pro-
vision, the attribute only of great and
noble minds. gifted to gaze into the future
they have left to our keeping a repub-
ltcaH form of government, which hasYno
parallel in history that shoud and we
oclast has had his little day and gone to
merited oblivion. Let this old oak
stand" my fellow taxpayer. thine axe
should harm not, dig about Its roots that
1t may take deeper and firmer hold in its
native soil. being e1abled thereby to with
stand all storms that may break upon It,
Do you ask me how? BY discharsing the
highest duty of free American citizen
| by allowing no engagement of nrinor
grade to dampen your interest in the
| government of our common country
| Vote always, and vote for men for the
| Legislature safely to be trusted, tried anG
| true. to I'LL the senatorial seats allotted
| to our State. In 80 doing we have mnct
! torial electorate OF the State government
the unworthy. the incompetent and self
/ pnr DOnbtleyS there Ia
and viii be. many errors and faults
growing out Of the apopintive plan, bu
| Instead of holding his office, thus con
ferred by an intelligent, independent. up
| right Judge. This important officer, un
! der the elective plan. in the ardor ant
Of holly n srsassr ha
| lesser degree to his supporters, who's
property If elected, his duty It. Will III, b
/ himself ,proportionately handicapped II
the impartial discharge Of y his duty ty
| beg 10 dissent from some Of the view
/ our "salem Tax-ayer.' A. j. T.
Tozewell, vn. February g. 1896.