Henrico County’s Degradation
June 8, 1895
Summary
The Planet discusses the various ways that Henrico County has “taken a step backward’ since the Democrats gained control.
Transcription
Henrico County has taken a backward step since the Democrats secured control of her. This statement hardly admits of a question.
Crime is rampant and corruption everywhere apparent.
The Smithers’ Precinct election cases where dead men were voted and others who never lived in the county made to cast their ballots showed a deplorable condition of affairs.
Then came the Democratic Primary a few months ago where men were openly bought and sold and Confederate veterans were put up and knocked out to the highest bidder, and one lot bringing $3.50 per head.
They voted as per contract. The gold brick case was another addition to this category of crime. It was openly claimed that the jury that tried Parker, alias Frank Lockwood Smith was tampered with. The grand jury investigated the matter, made a white-washed report and Judge Wickham fined the sheriff $50, and the deputy $25.
Then came the election; ex-sheriff J. W. Southward had the temerity, with some other liberal-minded associates to run for county offices. The fraud practiced in the Democratic primaries was thrown into the shade alongside of that practiced in the regular election.
The tickets were printed contrary to law, and were exposed in violation of the provisions of even the infamous Walton Bill.
The special constable openly deceived illiterate voters and caused them to cast either worthless ballots or those in favor of the Democratic nominees. Ballots of Republican voters who could read were changed before their eyes, others being substituted and placed in the ballot-boxes.
Thus indeed has come about he decay of white supremacy. In their effort to relegate the Negro to the rear and deny him the rights guaranteed by the constitution, bribery and perjury have been brought into play, and the condition of affairs now existing is ten fold worse than it ever was charged to be during the palmist days of Republican rule. The question is, what will the end be? Can corrupt government long continue and if tolerated, what will be the effect upon the rising generation?
Crime is rampant and corruption everywhere apparent.
The Smithers’ Precinct election cases where dead men were voted and others who never lived in the county made to cast their ballots showed a deplorable condition of affairs.
Then came the Democratic Primary a few months ago where men were openly bought and sold and Confederate veterans were put up and knocked out to the highest bidder, and one lot bringing $3.50 per head.
They voted as per contract. The gold brick case was another addition to this category of crime. It was openly claimed that the jury that tried Parker, alias Frank Lockwood Smith was tampered with. The grand jury investigated the matter, made a white-washed report and Judge Wickham fined the sheriff $50, and the deputy $25.
Then came the election; ex-sheriff J. W. Southward had the temerity, with some other liberal-minded associates to run for county offices. The fraud practiced in the Democratic primaries was thrown into the shade alongside of that practiced in the regular election.
The tickets were printed contrary to law, and were exposed in violation of the provisions of even the infamous Walton Bill.
The special constable openly deceived illiterate voters and caused them to cast either worthless ballots or those in favor of the Democratic nominees. Ballots of Republican voters who could read were changed before their eyes, others being substituted and placed in the ballot-boxes.
Thus indeed has come about he decay of white supremacy. In their effort to relegate the Negro to the rear and deny him the rights guaranteed by the constitution, bribery and perjury have been brought into play, and the condition of affairs now existing is ten fold worse than it ever was charged to be during the palmist days of Republican rule. The question is, what will the end be? Can corrupt government long continue and if tolerated, what will be the effect upon the rising generation?
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Cord Fox
Citation
“Henrico County’s Degradation,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed January 18, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1416.