Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-10-02
ADDRESS OF THE STATE EXECUTIVE COM
MITTEE

mittee, in view Of the general interest con-
nected with the pending political canvass,
and the important results involved IN .he
approaching national election, are impelieo
TO invite the serious attention OF the demo-
Gratis of Virginia to the status of its political
affairs, and respectfully to urge the full
recognition of the patriotic duty which
rests upon them to perfect that thorough
organization and earnest preparation Tor
the conflict which always constitute the
most certain guarantees Of success.
The confidence which has been created by
the signal victory of our party IN the election
of last wear is q legitimate consequences OF
the knowledge Of its capacity to produce
similar results in the future, but at Inc
same time this sentiment must not be 100
much relied upon, and is SUBJECT 10 tne
qualification that these favorable conditions
can only be maintained by the employ ment
of the same effective agencies: and the eA'
ercise of the same unceasiDg efforts on the
part of our political associates.
I'm politics, as in war, too much conf
dence is source of danger, and often
onens the way TO surprise and unex-
nected defeat. The democratic party OF
Virginia has too much at stake, both
in the ureseut aud future conduct of
uublic affairs, to relax its efforts to carry
the State for Cleveland and Hendricks,
aud the Congressional nominees 10 the sew
etul districts of the State, at the November
elections: OK to permit the victory to be
sua;ched ANONYMOUSLY from its grasp
through apathy or indifference. 10 para
nhrn,r the remark of Thomas Jefferson,
Continued vigilance is the price OF safety.
The position of Virginia in the demo
cratic column of the Union must be retain
ed or the old State will reverse its past ira
ditions, and imperil TO great degree It's
present and future prospects Of moral, So
cial aud material prosperity. Our very civ
ilization is at stale We cannot afford To
give the State up to party whose whole
stock in trade consists Of two elements, viz:
the negroes, whose support is claimed for
the republicans as of rig ht, and the white
otiice-holders who owe an allegiance 10 their
superiors which no argument can reach.
| Not content with the platform and prin
ciples OF the national republican party, the
management of that political organization
| in Virginia, through its chosen chief, has
descended to the low plane of attack upon
the democratic party in the allegation that
| the result Of the last election was brought
about by plecuncertcd plans to intimidate the
colored vote!s by violence and bloodshed,
as manifested by the unfortunate riot be-
tween the races at Danville. This malig-
| napt charge is not only without foundation
| in fact and in truth, and unsupported by
any evidence which could influence an i'm
partial public sentiment, but is brought for
| ward only to inhame the passions and pre-
| Ia 1t,f,
! them to throw their votes at the polls in
mass against the democratic party, and to
excite sectional animosties elsewhere. II
is but repetition of the policy pursued by
| the carpetbaggers of past years, in which
| the negroes were sought to be used by con-
| centration to dominate the majority ee-
meut Of the white population of the State,
| aud some of the old leaders are now part
and parcel of the present movement, with
new associates IN the game. The whole
thing, in substance and effect, means that
| q minority of the white people propose to
combine with the united negro vote to con
troll The voice of Virginia, and make it IL
republican State. 1t means, also, if success
full, supp emscy hereafter in both State and
federal all.lirs, aud the restoration to power
of party whose capacity for future mis-
chief will be ouy partially measured by its
past transactions and history.
The representations to the committee are
! that the opposition are actively at work
throughout the Stale organizing their forces
aud preparing TO carry Virginia in The Presi-
dental election. Fore warned is fore-armed
We appeal with confidence 10 the democra-
tic party of Virginia, which accomplished
such glorious results in the last campaign,
to look TO their laure!s and to stand by the
cause No question of Tariff or of Federal
policy must be permitted TO divide our
party at this time; more important and
vital Consequences to the peopeof Virginia,
aud 10 the country, are involved.
The success of the democratic party and
the election Of Cleveland aud Hendricks
will ensure reform of the federal govern
ment, the arrest and change of corrupt
methods Of administration, and the restora
ton Of the Union as founded by the fathers
of the republic. TO attain this result there
is every incentive TO eXertion on the part
of the democratic party of Virginia, and its
failure to respond at this crisis of our poIit
ical fate would be 81 source Of iucalculabe
future loss, and of permanent State and
national injury.
The county committees throughout the
State are appealed to in the most earnest
manner TO organize the party thoroughly
| and to adopt such measures IA will best
promote success at the polls on the 4th OF
November next. 1t is especially recon-
mended that the brief intervening period
from now to the day of election be devoted
to strengthening the party lines, and to
devising such arrangements and facilities
as will enable every democrat to cast his
vote in The great national political struggle
now pending. The supreme effort made
by the democrats Of Virginia saved the
State last year-a similar effort now may
save the nation.
By order of the Democratic Executive Com
mittee of Virginia.
JOHN S. BARBOUR, Chairman.
ALEXANDRIA, Va, Oct. 2, 1854.
CHINESE HARVEST MooN.-There is quite a