Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1882-06-13
COMMUNICATED,
"Caution-Let MASSEY Alone"

There seems a disposition on the part of
some Of the leaders of the democratic party
Of Virginia, now a split has occurred between
Mr.. Massey and General Malone, TO take
the side Of the former 1t should be borne
i'll mind that the views Of these persons in
the main still accord in State, if not in
national politics The cause of antagonism
and separation was simply Il personal mat
ter in the conduct of the office which Mas
sey then held. If Massey's ambition and
love for leadership could have been grattied
by aifiliating with Malone he would still be
IN active associate ; no one doubts this. All
the infamous acts and resolutions of the late
General Assembly were the logical out
growth OF his teachings, more than that Of
anyone else; he has "sown the wind and
we are reaping the whirlwind."
The State has some two hundred and
eighty thousand voters. Of this number,
i'll the recent election for Governor, the
readjusters cast one hundred and twelve
thousand, of whom more than ninety tholls-
and were negroes. The democrats cast
only of their number one hundred thousand;
siXty-cight thousand not voting
The rcadjusters polled every vote at their
command General Malone controlling the
sixteen or seventeen thousand whites, and
President Arthur the ninety odd thousand
blacks.
We must look to this reserved force of
nearly seventy thousand democrats for aid,
not Mr.. Massey, however skilled he may be
in the arts of the demagoguc and shallow
mischievous thinking
The reasons for their failing to vote it is
not now necessary to discuss; they have
passed away and this element can and will
be brought into action. The sad lessons
taught by the Legislature of last winter have
opened the eyes of all that class that re-
manned neutral.
Is it not unwise then, if not folly, to be
looking to the few votes that Massey may or
may not fitch from Malone, for not one can
he get from Arthur instead of the sixty
eight thousand democrats we have already?
We have able, honest, true and tried men,
who have been and are now standing by
Virginia in these her darkest days. TO thrust
them aside and take up Massey, would be
as ii on tho eve Of battle, with victory in
sight, placing in command deserter from
the enemy Such action in war, as in poll
tics would be bad in principle and worse in
practice. 1t is as impossible to utilize o bad
man III good cause as Il good one in bad
cause-such is the eternal fitness OF rather
unlitness Of things. In this contest princi-
pie and policy go hand in hand, as they
should do. Decisive courage in speech and
action will, and nothing else can, redeem
the State from her woes, suferings and
humiliations
The enemy is shattered and almost spent.
Shall we take from his ranks discontinued,
disappointed lieutenant, who has no sym
pathy with us whatever, on the contrary,
bitter instructive antipathy and place him
over our cause and our generals?
This would be more than folly; it would be
madness. "a political blunder isworse than
crime" let it be remembered.
This question is filled with gravity that
should command, and trust will command,
the attention and reflection of eyery
thoughtful man in the Commonwealth. We
must not catch at the shadow and lose the
substance. The danger is great let the
effort be manly and worthy of Virginians.
Again say, LET Massey Alone )" severely
alone OBSERVER.