The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-08-03

than $4,000 voters in this State absolutely con-
troll population of over two miiHons! by
what 6tiier means coufd revised ana sarDico
constitution containing odious election laws
loaded down with arbitrary restrictions tnat
blind fool could see were intended soely 70
prevent the masses from voting. either through
neglect forgetfuness disgust) be rammed
down the public throat without even being SUD
mitted for ratification the polls to the handful
of voters who had qualified by paving $l.bo Tor
the privilege twelve months In advance
This miserable little pocket handkerchief full
OF voters thinly scattered out over hundred
counties in great State, are usually referreo
the people. They are so Few in NUMBER
to he known personally to the ring managers
or their bondmen In every voting precinct. Ihey
are composed almost to n man OF those inter
ested in the rings success at the polls ana It's
continued hold upon public office and public
funds To this crowd in comic opera elections
from time to time submitted some OF the
most vital questions affecting the welfare OF Two
millions of people. And yet we are giloiy IN
formed by public speakers and the public press
that we live under democratic form or gov
eminent Democracy is the rule of the people
not part of them. but all of them. AWNING
less Is oligarchy, a ring pollticai coi,iliu
nifty of interests. "maliRn influence, III you
prefer that wording. For what less imam som1
malgn influence some hidden power could nave
yoked together such opposing political elements
the Antsaloon league the liquor ih ,,.es
! the prea chers. the Democrats and prohioltioh-
lists In the election of our present governor,
Now, II you want names, you can start win ms
You can continue your list with the name OF
our present ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 'ahd chronIo
holder of that office well as the chairman
Of he State committee, which latter party
Of gentlemen when, upon being politely re-
ouested by members OF the press--n the H.
terest of the public-to formulate PLATFORM
for their guidance. were bluntly informed II WAS
none of their business'o.
Senator Martin is usually credited with being
the "boss' Of the political community or interests
in Virginia, and has ever hearo MN
DENY the soft impeachment. Ex-Governor
Swanson IL an able understudy--but why go .ur-
Their? Simply follow the list OF once noiuefs
all the way down through county coulthouses
and city wards and you will get list or names
sufficient to warrant extra EDITION OF youi
paper. "A
Now lust one word regarding your esteemed
Econtemuorary the Supreme in Virginia IL
IS at least making effort to fulhl lis oes.ins
rs a newspaper; credit It up with good lhtem-
itons Newspapers are supported by the puoiie
iirrespectiye of politics parties. The peopie
have right to look to the newspapers TOT IN,
structfon. guidance. and, above all Tor ihil
and accurate information upon pubic aHails'
The office of editor Is second TO none on eartn
IN Importance and power. An able cream anu
fearless editor is potential force IN lnouiaiis
nublic opinion What a magnificent audience
he daily addresses, He reaches all classes ana
conditions Of society. he can make ana uhmake
cabinets dethrone despots, change poiicies re-
form parties, crush wrongs. raise the iate.i'
defend the oppressed. demonstrating dairy 10
the world that great truth, THE pen Is mgh.aeI
thap the sword" But ne can never fuinl thls
nobIe destiny If he allows his paper to be bound
neck and heels to any political party or Iaclloh'
iiecN anu "'N'' r n. FREY.
700 South Pine street, Richmond Va