The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-07-13
1For the Dispatch.l
A Vircfniu Platform.

When Governor Cameron, IN his speech
Mt the Richmond theatre accepting the Re-
adiuster nomination for the office he now
holds, declared that he would carry Africa
into The udr, suppose not one OF his au-
tience thought he meant more than TO eX-
press, with epigrammatic force, his determi-
nation to win the negro vote, ~ opposing
parties had always sought to win it since
its establishment as an element in our poll
ties. Certainly I, at that time his warm per-
sonal friend and active partisan, never
dreamed that he mcditated, far less was an
nouncing. such treacbery to the white
race. such moral treason to the
State, and such o blot upon his own name,
as Il purpose TO spur on the negroes in q
contest which they have sometimes relaxed,
but never intermitted, for equality with the
white race, even TO the extent OF marrying
white women; for that is the haven Of
their aspirations. then thought him a pa
triotic albeit an ambitious man; and
knew he deemed the negro naturally desti-
tute OF that individualism which bases the
| self-reliance that is necessary TO q self-sus-
tanning society, ard incapable, therefore,
OF an Independent social and religious eX-
istence except in the lowest forms. There
fore could not suppose that he would go
one inch towards giving him that in
fluence in the conduct of great
State government which he had vio-
lenlly refused him in the narrow sphere Of
n small municipality; where, with acqui-
escence, ii not approval, he had seen him
denied ga free ballot and fair count"
had regarded him as man moved by a
high instinct and clear understanding to
this distinct proposition: that tine one
sacred duty from this generation to the
next was 10 guard the white race from the
faint OF African blood, and, as conducive
to that end, TO insist upon white domino.
ton as a necessity OF our condition, para
mount to all other issues, State or Federal.
.. had hoped that his protested principles
and his independent Office would have
! given him the determination to check Gen.
eral Malone in his pursuit Of power over
social dangers, which he disregards, and
social degradations, which he cannot aD-
. preciate; for knew that he had predicted
the disturbances which would result from
,, undue eyaltation of the negro race as
plainly before the fac, as his clealjvision
now sees them after the fact, but as yet
only In the germ, directly resulting from
his action in removing competent white
men from important offices and filling theil
a u
Moreover, l knew that Governor Cam
eron had made no secret OF his dislike OF
General Malone, and had published his
unfayorable opinion of him on more than
one occasion. Therefore. / supposed him
on guard against his policy and his wiies.
ana ho further in accord with him than
I might be inferred from their having Ger.
tain common objects in the issues of the
ReSdluster party, now .functuS o6icio since
the settlement OF those issues.
But all hope and expectation OF conduct
; consistent with the convictions Of the Gov
ernor was dissipated when he appeared as
, the ally OF bis late antagonist in a policy
they both lately opposed. and defiantly led
the way in taking position on the color
line by conspicuous insult TO his own
race.
| But Tor higher purpose than the mere
proving his Inconsistency have referred
10 Governor Cameron's regeneration in
this particular. l wanted to show how
completely he had surrendered to General
, Malone; to whom the surrender was ne
. eessary TO enable him to yound of his
policy and strike for the control OF the
white people OF Virginia by subjecting
them TO their late slaves. That way only
lies success for him; as he knows: and
does not reluctate at It. Indeed, he NAV
prefer II; 81 some people relish their
game most when Ii Is "hiphv Re-
cent inquiries Into the character of
the negro race have drawn fresh attention
10 the fact that generally their morals are
low, and that they are largely under the
guidance Of their preachers, who have