The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-07-15

To the Editor Of the Dispatch
An article appeared in your journal Of
the 73th instant, copied from the csdrfe
Courier by request, giving the writers rsa-
sons for entertaining opposition 10 me
Hon. Johh s. Barbour a. chairman Oh .ne
Democratic state Committee. lie nrst
states the grounds upon which ne supposes
Mr.. Barbour's Claims to availabllity are
nredicated. The first IL that Mr.. Barbour,
through his influence as a railroad piesi-
dent. may be able 10 control several thou-
sand votes. Another reason be gives Is
that g II IL thought that he can put large
amount OF money into the campaign,
and money Il indispensable TO victory.
And then, strange to say, he broadly al
firms that II will not be his own money,
but that OF the corporation OF which ne Is
the chief executive officer; and then with
ont entering further into the details OF
his communication be undertakes to show
that the Democratic party, II successful
next fall, will necessarily be brought under
railroad influence, and that the legislation
OF the State will be controlled by it TO the
detriment OF the public interest.
Now, let us proceed TO examine tnese
propositions and gee how much force they
Gritty WIFI tlltBi. III tuC bAst PiSSC - -
IL Is expected that Mr.. Barbour will put up
money 10 defray campaign expenses. Well,
this would be very commendable In Mt.
Barbour, or in any other Democrat, as
money Is indispensable" to success
OF the campaign. But the writer says,
moreover, that he would put up money
which belongs to the corporation OF whlcn
he Il president. All! how does the gentle
man know this to be true! Is not Tins
mos. unjustifiable presumption! Does
any man in Virginia stand higher than Mr.
Barbour as man Of character and IN
tegriIy, and has any man a right to ailirm
that he would use money placed IN us
hands in trust for his own personal or Ior
political purposes His continuance III
office for many years as president OF the
Midland road and his election to congress
two terms by immense ma1orities Is tolera-
bly, strong proof that he is incapable OF
doing an unmanly or dishonest action.
Here | might let the whole matter rest, I'M
der the conviction that l have shown the
utter untenableness and fallacy OF the posi-
ton taken by the writer referred to.
But will proceed farther and admit only
for the sake Of argument, that as chairman
OF the Democratic Committee he would use
money belonging to his corporation for
campaign purposes. Is itpossible that any
good Democrat can believe that the Lynch
burg Convention or the Democratic party,
for any consideration whatsoever, would
enter into contract with Mr.. Barbour TO
deliver over to him, bound hand and foot,
the representatives OF their party in the
Legislature? Who isthere to do it and
how is it to be done? The people OF the
counties and districts elect their own re-
representatives.. Is it possible to presume
that they will send men TO the Legislature
pledged to enact such legislation as will
enure to the benefit OF the railroads and to
the serious detriment Of themselves!
Oh, no; the Democratic party never
conceived the idea Of buying Mr.. Barbour,
If it were possible to do it; and l am sure
that they do not regard it as possible, even
il there was any accredited portion OF the
party who could deliver the price OF the
purchase. The truth is, the writer in the
Clarke Courier laid down false premises,
and hence his deductions are not entitled
TO serious consideration. 1t is impossible
that the Democratic party OF Virginia, con-
stituted. as it is OF very large majority OF
the intelligence and independence OF the
State. could submit to the dictatiOn OF a
Boss in their own party. So notorious is
their opposition to bossism that it has be-
come proverb that every man in the party
is his own leader.
The writer Of this communication pre-
ferred that another distinguished gentle
mnn should fill the important position OF
chairman OF the Democratic State Commit
tee. but recent information satisfies him
that he will not he chosen The writer is
willing to leave the decision OF this ques-
ton to the assembled wisdom Of the party
in convention. Mr.. Barbour is well known
to be a gentleman Of unusually fine cxecu'
tive ability, and OF the highest character
for integrity. II it shall be the pleasure OF
the Convention to make him chairman OF
the committee, i have no doubt that be
will distinguish himself in the position.
and will lead our forces to an overwhelm'
ing victory next fall. YELLOW JACKET.
I,,l,- "A 1900