Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-09-28
The Fourth District and Its Import
nnce In the State Count.
To the Editor of the Dispatch:

10 Me EdHOT OF me DtSpdICh:
think il OF far more importance 10 save
the electoral vote OF Virginia for Cleveland
and Hendricks than is is to defeat Brady or
elect a member OF Congress from the Fourth
district or ary Other district; and yet
don't think from the discussion Of the
question which have seen and ITS present
drift that the proper policy is being pur-
sued to assure that most desirable result.
The fight going on in that district be-
tween Brady aud Evans will serve To bring
out larger Republican vote than ever
before, all Of whom will vote for Blame
and Logan. however they may be divided
on their congressional ticket. In the mean
time how is that large and increased Re-
publ can vote TO be met and counter
balanced by the Democrats! Can it be
done by fighting for either Brady or Evans |!
Can il be done best with or without can
didate Of our owni
In no probable, or even possible. con-
tingency can it be reasonably expected to
elect A Democratic member, and either
Brady or Evans may be already counted
chosen. The usual Republican majority
in the district IL as great or greater than
the whole Democratic vote.
What, then, is the plain policy and duty
Of the Democratic party OF the district /!
1t is nsnifestly to copper on Erdnsi A
Democrat who VIII not come out ~ vote
for Cleveland and Hendricks could hardly
be coaxed out to vote for a Democratic
candidate for Congress just to be knocked
down. What, then, can we gain by having a
candidate Of our Ownr just nothing, while
hundreds Of votes might be made for Cleve-
land by coppering" on Evans, without
the least sacrifice OF principle, consistency,
or integrity; for what Democrat wouldn't
prefer Evans to Brady. and one vote gain
ed for Cleveland 10 ten thrown away on a
hopeless candidate for Congress-
There is no use Of anu mGuiIiB SenSi-
blity on this subject. 1t Is plainly mat
ter Of practical business politics and COM
mon sense. Have not the Democrats OF
Michigan and several other States agreed
to copper" Just this way on Butler
And are not the Republicans "coppering "
this way in Missouri, West Virginia. and
several congressional districts in other
States where the Democratic majority is
dead against themi
It is simply 6uSinesS-fair. Legitimate,
and practical business, and may change the
result Of the vote in several States and dis
tricts, and perhaps give us the presidency,
even should We lose New York. Why,
then, should not the Democrats Of the
black district " make votes for Cleveland
on this cornerI
You know, Mr. Editor, that am not a
citizen Of that district, and that | am dis
cussing the question purely in State point
Of view as affecting our electoral vote for
Cleveland and Hendricks. | heard Il lead
ing Republican Of Farmville say the other
day that the fight between Brady and Evans
would "rum the Republican majority in
the district up to as many As l2,000W That
would be a loss to u. in the State Of some
1000. Just Miak OF ~ The Democrats
Of that district should never permit such a
result as this. or anything like it, to occur.
We cant afford il in the state. and our
friends there should look the matter square
Is in tne face. :" To your tents. Oh,
IsrQe! :" COMMON SENSE.