The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-08-04
An Omen Letter 10 Colonel F. g. Runir
TFor the Richmond Dispatch.I
ASH LAWN, Va, August /, 1882.
- ~ N DUffD

| An Omen Letter 10 SOfOnei H' O' nuinn'
rFor the Richmond Dispatch.I
ASH LAWN, Va, August 1, 1882.
Colonel +. G.. Rg6in'
Dear sIr.-For the last ten years the
voters OF Virginia have had their attention
largely directed TO the settlement OF the
state debt and other matters OF State policy.
Regarding these OF paramount importance
because they were more directly under
their observation and control, they have
given but little attention, comparatively ut
least, to political subjects.
Men of different politics, and totally
distinct political parties, combined Tor tne
purpose OF securing the passage OF certain
measures Of State policy on the one hand,
and OF defeating them on the other.
These issues led 10 the formation OF two
distinct parties in Virginia." Read!ust-
crs" and "Funders." These parties were
divided solely upon State ISSUES, each
composed of both Conservatives ana Re-
publicans.
Neither the one nor the other supposed
their thus cooperating or combining with
men OF the other political party, for the
purposes specified, changed their political
principles or affiliations.
These State issues seem to be settled as
far as legislation can settle them. Oh they
are not. their advocates and their oppOsers
can stand for and against them hereafter
Just rs they did heretofore, As State issues,
without any sacrifice OF their political prin-
ciples or relations.)
So regarding the matter, thoughtful, in
telligent, and honest men OF each political
party-Conservative, or Democrat, and Re-
publican-will stand shoulder to shoulder,
Democrats with Democrats and Republi-
cans with Republicans, forming the two
grand armies in national politics.
This course seems TO be so natural and
reasonable that should never have thought
OF different one il stern facts had not
compelled me to do so.
Greatly to my surprise and modification,
as it must have been to yours, men whom
we had trusted and honored are seeking to
convert the Readjuster party OF Virginia
into national party, and deliver it over to
Stalwart Republcanism.
Not only this, but, to conceal or divert
attention from their own periidy and
treachery, they charge every man who re-
fuses TO abandon his principles, to sacrifice
his seli-respect, and to be led or driven as
d" dumb driven CATTLE" with treason to the
Readjuster party.
Strange as it may appear, it is neverthe-
less true. that these men who sought so
earnestly but in vain to induce every Re
publican Readiuster In Virginia to vote for
| Hancock and English and against Garfield
and Arthur, are now striving just rs earn
estly to induce every Democratic Readiust-
er to support Arthuran the Stalwart wing
of Repubicanlsm, and with the same breath
are CRYING "apostatc" and traitor" to
every man who does not follow their apoS-
/ tacy and initiate their treachery. This in
consistency and the corrupt motives which
prompt it are too glazing to deceive thought
| full and intelligent men. Yet those who
have not watched closely the different steps
which have been taken to accomplish the
selfish ends of these designing leaders are
in danger of being misled by them to their
own grief. Under such circumstances ii
becomes the duty. and will doubtless be the
pleasure OF all true patriots, TO warn their
! fellow-citizens Of their danger and point
them to the path OF safety.
This, in my opinion, cannot be better
done than by plain, clear, fair, and honest
statement OF facts. The people OF Virginia
are honest and patriotic. Information dc
rived from plain and truthful statement
of facts is all they need to ensure their
| doing right. You know me too well TO
suspect me OF flattery when | say | know
no man who possesses all the requisite
qualifications for giving such statement
more fully than you do.
You are, upon principle, both Demo-
crat and Readiuster, and never wavered
or ialtered in your devotion to either.
You are a close observer, and are familiar
with the history Of the Readiuster party
and those who claim to be Its leaders. You
have watched closely their gradual usurpa-
lions, and understand their selfish designs.
You have remarkably fine memory, and
possess in an eminent degree the power OF
stating facts clearly, correctly, and con-
ciscly.
l therefore appeal to you to give the
people of Virginia the benefit OF your in
formation and your fine judgment upon
the important issues which they will soon
be called upon TO decide.
Hoping the pleasant acquaintance | have
enjoyed with you for the last eight years
will Justify the liberty am taking in thus
publicly addressing you, l am, with high
esteem, your obedient servant.
JOHN Z. MASSEY.