Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-08-03
THE VIRGINIA DEMoCRACY,

The meeting OF the Virginia Demo-
cratic State Convention, which takes
place in Richmond tomorrow, will be
an event OF much interest.
The Readjusters have been in the
field for some weeks, and the Democrat
ic committee have been severely criti-
cised for naming so late day, but to all
appearances nothing has been gained TO
the Readjusters or lost to the Democrats
by the delay. The former do not appear
to have gotten up much interest IN their
side of the campaign. The music will
begin when the Democracy have named
their ticket.
No reliable indications as to the choice
of the Convention for Governor are yet
perceptible. 1t seems to be conceded
that Gen. WIN. II. PAYNE,of Warrenton,
could have the nomination il he desir-
ed it, bat he has thus far discour-
aged the use OF his name, on
the ground that his legal practice. and
his lack OF fortune would not admit OF
his serving. 1t is understood, more.
over, that Gen. PAYNE has Senatorial
aspirations, and, should the Legislature
be Democratic, will be q candi-
date for General JoHNsoN's seat.
Although the vacancy does not occur
until 1888, an election will be had next
winter, inasmuch as the Legislature will
not be in session the year after. The
Readjusters will make even greater ef-
forts to retain control OF the Legislature
than to elect the State ticket, it is said.
Among those named as possible Demo-
cratic candidates for Governor are ax-
congressman GoODS, HUNroN and HAIR
RVS, Hon. JOAN W. DANIEL, Lieut. Gov.
WALEEI, and Congressman ]. RANDOLPH
TUCKER. A platform that will take some
OF the wind out OF MAHoSE's sails is
talked OF, and some OF the Democrats
boast of walk over" for their State
ticket. They are united and enthusiast
tic, while all the descriptions and dL-
fractions are among their opponents.
In this connection, the following in
teryiew with Gen. FiTzHUGH LEE, of
Virginia, published by the Chicago
Times, is interesting. Being asked if the
recent attempt T. assassinate Mr.. GAR
FIELD had wrou sht any marked change
of feeling, and ii so, to what extent, he
replied:
$50 far as my observation extends, |
there has been no marked change in po-
litical feeling in consequence of the AT
tempt to assasSinate the President. The
sympathetic heart of the whole South
has been touched, and the universal
feeling of sorrow for the distinguished
sufferer has been manifested by pubic
meetings. addresses and resolutions,
coming from all sections and from all
colors, classes and parties. But Demo.
Gratis are Democrats, and Republicans
Republicans still, aud / know of no
change from one party to the other AZ
result OF the assassin's crime"
What effect il any, has it produced
in popular views on our administrative
arrangements?'
"The effect produced on our admins
tTatlve arrangements seems 10 have
largely increased the number of tho
who would like to see q genuine civil
service reform which would keep COOL,
honest men in Federal office, irrespec.
tive OF political feeling, aud would bury
the political dogma of to the victor be-
long the spoils.' The quadrennial strain
on the imbers of the ship of state
would be much lessened, and the per.
petuity OF Republican institutions more
nearly assured"
"Has the designations OF Senators
Conkling and Plat, and the subsequent
contest in the New York Legislature,
produced any effect upon either party |
that will probably be felt in the next |
general c1nlestT
No effect, 80 far as know has been