The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-06-10
Draw.POker VS.. Old Sledge-rO the
Democratic Party OF Virginia.
HALIFAX COUNTY, Va, Jun

To the Editor of the Dispatch:
In YOUR issue OF the 4tb. which has Just
reached me, there appears letter from
correspondent signed "Old Siedge," and
also an editorial on that letter. / cordially
agree with the spirit and the tone OF that
editorial. Unless the Conservative Demo-
cratic party follows the course Indicated in
that editorial we will find ourselves in the
fall OF 'S2 having made, as the gallant Dan
lei did. glorious fight, but, alas, beaten
. New issues are upon us, and young and
new men must take the lead. VIII it be
better for the country and the party to put
up old leaders rs forlorn hope, or new
men, alive to the condition OF affairs and
with a new record? Are our memories so
short that we have already forgotten the
defeat in the Senate OF Mahone's pet
scheme! What would have been our hope
except for Mr.. Massey and the "Big
Four? The State redistricted and eight
Radical congressman elected from Virgil
nia-no possible hope for any other result.
Give no credit to the men who in our eX-
tremity saved the State! Why, in Gods
name, il we have no gratitude for these
men LET our fears make us do justice. Cam
eron is still Governor. and can and will call
an extra session Of the General Assembly
the moment there is any assurance that any
member Of the /" Big -Four" waivers.
1 yield not in my admiration TO cold
Sledge" for the distinguished gentlemen
he has named. They have been rewarded
for their party fealty. They hold now, and
some have held for many years, high posi-
tions Of honor and trust in the party. Are
we afraid that unless we still continue
them in their high positions they may go
over to the enemy? Not for one moment
ii. a a. La In,
district Wise is safe. In the Fifth district
let Cabell come to the assistance OF the
people who have for so long honored him
and assist us in electing Lybrook or Hale.
The State debt is settled, and they are good
national Democrats. Wemust put forward
men that the Readjusters will assist us to
elect The issue will be square-out one
Radical against Democrat. Let us ignore
and bury all past differences and look only
to the future. II this writer's memory Is
not at fault, Mr. Massey says he never cast a
Republican vote i'm bis life. lie has been a
Readiuster in State, Democrat in national
politics. There are thousands OF good
Democrats in the same category. As lar as
we have seen or heard, Williams is no aspi-
rant for Congress, nor is Winglield. Let
us elect for the State at large Mr.. Massey /;
from his district Captain Newberry, than
whom no purer or more gallant gentleman
liyes-hot-headed and impulsive, but man
Of high character and integrity; from the
Fifth district Lybrook or Hale, as may bC
most eXpedient-either will make Il good
representative. They are both men o
character and integrity and fair talents
Any true Democrat will vote against Ma
honeite, and these gentlemen will draw
largely from what were the ranks Of tn,
Readjusters.
"Old Sledge" says "Mr. Massey Nigh
command a small following of Readjust
ers-about in proportion OF the Big -Four
vote I'm the Legislature TO the main body
OF Mahone's strength" / accept "Old
Sledge's" dictum so far, and that is all
we want. These votes defeated Malone
In the Legislature, and let Massey carry in
proportion the State, and we are safe.
"Old Sledge" sets out with the PROPOSE
ton, 81 would not hesitate for one mo-
ment to vote for Dir. Massey" And every
true Democrat will do the same. Concede
TO others what you will do "wthout a
moments hesitation," for such assuredly
will be the case
oh but "Old Sledge" says how about
"the gallant Trigg, Wise, Cabell, Goode,
and a host Of others". Yes; how about
the gallant leader i'm the late Senate, than
NuOHi uV hiilSHtiicl illdU-
John II. Thurman, OF Bedford the able
and distinguished lawyer Francis l.. Smith,
OF Alexandria, the big-hearted and big
Drained gentleman Henry Ileaton, Of LOU
doun; that able and experienced paria-
mentarian John l.. Hurt, OF Pittsylvania;
Taylor Berry, OF Amherst; and Henry A.
Atkinson, OF Richmond, and others,
who for five long months in the
Senate OF Virginia fought night and
day against Malone and his iniqui-
tous schemes. Deserve they nothing Of
the party Shall their conscience alone
reward them for the gallant fight they
made? Is there a single one Of the num-
Der have mentioned, "Old Sledge," who
would not grace any position in the coun-
ellis OF the nation or the States Their
modesty is equal to their ability, and l
have not heard OF one Of them who has
even intimated desire for any position;
but grateful people will not forget them.
As the old-fashioned but In It's day most
excellent game OF "Old Sledge" has passed
away with new ideas and new games, Ibeg
10 subscribe myself DRAw-POKER.
II Is a noticeable fact that Of the thou
sands of men now "On strike" through