Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1880-06-23
MEssRs. EDITORS :
AS you were kind

IL y
not interested in "empty Dreams" you
can consign it to your waste basket,
aud l will content myself in writing
articles of more value. But really
these idle and empty dreams do dis
turb me somewhat, forI sometimes
fear that after all there may be more
truth than fiction in them. But to my
dream.
L thought that 1 was elected dele
gate to the TIA of July Readjuster Con-
venhoa. felt somewhat elated Tor l
took it as evidence of the peoples APP
probation ofmyself. I was on the cars
and on my way to RicbmOndby way OF
Washington. In company with me
were a number of first rate fellows
whom | might mention by name. There
was one, a short, chubby, good natured
MANA regular New York Republican,
who had located in the beautiful Shen-
audoah Valley, close by the cedars OF
Lebanon. He was quite communica"
tive, and soon convinced me that while
be was a faithful readjustor, he felt an
abiding interest in the success Of the
Republican party. Opposite my repuo-
lican friend sat tall, raw boned, good
naturcd fellow, who had excellent lungs.
and, as he said, was q roadjuster from
the solos OF his feet to the top Of his
head. A closer examination however
would soon develop the fact that 1t was
only q thin vaneering on solid demo-
cratic wood. He was a democrat and
intended to vote the Democratic ticket
IN spite Of Grant and all The rcadjusters
combined, but he was going TO the
Readiuster convention, because he was
. delegate and wanted to know what
they were going TO do.
On reaching Washington, imagined
that we were the special gsests ofthe
managers Of the Republican machine
and that we were soon in the council
chamber with Don Cameron and other
Republicans ofnote.
The chief seemed to recognize my
friend from Shenandoah, and hastily
inquired, "Where arc yen going?
I
Dclegate.-To the Convention at
Richmond.
CheE-Why l thought you were a
Republican.
Delegate,-I am, and l know Of no
better way of advancing Republican
interests in Virginia than in fomenting
discord in the Democratic ranks. We
intend 10 nominate a ticket with the
names Of Tie Democratic nominees on
it, which Will be preached to the people
as a pure democratic ticket.
Chief.-Do you think the Democrats
Of Virginia will be weak enough to al
how division at such a critical time?
Deltgatc.-We hope so. Party feel
inc runs very high. The Readjusters
and Funders are rather bitter towards
each other, and If we can succeed in
drawing any support to our Indepen~
dent ticket, it iusures the success OF the
lponnhlicons IN tbn State.
Clif.-Good, that's an excellent
plan, but fear they will see Your OBJ
iect.
Deleqqte.-I think not. We call our
selves the pure Democracy, aud de-
nounce all others as Funders, Bourbons,
Chques, &c.
Chlcf.-Your scheme is good, but
would it not have been better to have
formed direct coalition with the Re-
publlcans and have fought an open
fight?
De7eqate.-O yes, that would have
been better and every effort was made
to induce the Republicans not TO put an
electoral ticket in the field, but they
repulsed our advances, and if we wish
to maintain our organization we must
keep It up now.
C1ief.-I believe you arc right. Go
ahead and do everything possible t.
keen the Virginia Democracy divided.
This interview impressed me uniay-
orably. but as 1 was in for the round
trip, l determined TO see 1t all, and
soon found myself iD the Convention
hall. 1t was composed OF delegates
from all parts Of the State, OF all
shades OF color, and Of all political
afinities. l could there recognize the
burly negro of the most pronounced
radical politics sitting close by the
white brother whose democratic princi-
pies were never doubted. The chic
occupied the throne and from all guar
tiers the greatest Difference was palt
him. The ball soon opened and among
the first who occupied the attention o
the Convention, was red haired, rec
whiskered delegate from South Western
, Virginia. lie was about ) feet, IL hi
, ches IN hight and his voice easily filled
S the large hall. He was fluent spea-
ker and commanded universal atten
ton. He commenced by addressing
the most worthy chief and fellow labor
, ers in the great cause. lie said that a
n he looked over this large audience ant
, recognized the curly locks and pearl.
: teeth of the Ethiopian and the iai
: face and straight hair Of the Carcaslon
q and saw the Northern Republican il
- close communion with the Southern
5 Democrat, his heart burned within bin
and he felt that the political milleniui
}. had dawued upon them. "While
rejoice" he continued sat these thing