Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-12-06
Communicated
The Senatorship.
DANvILLE, VA, Dec. 1, 1885,


To the Editor of the Dispatch:
My devotion to the State in all of her
interests prompts Inc to ask for space
in your columns to say few words t.
the Legislature of Virginia, and espe-
cially to the young Democrats in that
body, with reference to the election of
senator Of the United States. | have
seen it stated in many Of the newspa-
pers of the State that the young Demo-
cracy have taken this matter in
hand and have proclaimed their deter
mination to elect Major John W. Daniel
to that high position. Having been
once a young man myself, can we'll
understand the sympathy and mutual
attachments which bind this class of
fellow-citizens together and prompt
them to support each other for office,
but it should be borne in mind that the
younger members OF the Legislature
who have been honored, many OF them
for the first time, by election to
responsible trusts, were so honored
through the combined votes Of all
classes Of the Democracy, and
with the material aid, wisdom,
and able management and leadership of
the older members of the party. This
letter is not written in any feeling of
hostility to Major Daniel. On the con-
trary. my feelings towards him are
most friendly. | appreciate his fine
talents, and hope he may make such
use Of these talents in the popular
branch Of Congress, to which he was
recently elected, as will prove his fit
ness for the graver duties of senator
and bring him the undivided support of
the party for this exalted position at
some future election.
But for the present the Legislature
should elect as senator a man who,
while he has broad and comprehensive
views of public questions and has been
successful in the management Of respon-
sble and difficult public duties, has
also had some experience in congress
sional legislation. Such a man the peo-
pie have already found in the person Of
Hon. John S. Barbour. No one enjoys
in higher degree than Mr.. Barbour
the confidence Of the people Of Viz
ginia. lie spent many of the best years
of his life in successfully developing the
material resources Of his State, and
was thus engaged when the people of
his district elected him to Congress,
where his efficient services, together
with wise management as leader OF the
Democratic party Of Virginia, have
given him a national reputation. At a
tine when the fortunes Of the party in
this State were on the wane, and no
other competent leader could be in
duced to assume the difficult and ar
duous labors, Mr.. Barbour was placed
at the head Of the Democratic organi-
zation, and by his skilful management
and untiring energy led lately-de-
feated party to triumphant success.
Twice since has the Democracy achieved
brilliant victories under his leadership.
| do not claim that he should be
chosen Senator as a reward for these
services Though others may do so), but
| do insist that the possession of the
qualities exhibited in the various posi-
tons which he has thus successfully
filed eminently fit Mr.. Barbour for a
seat in the Senate. The Democrats of
Virginia will have important battles to
fight in the future as they have had in
the past, and will need wise leadership
to insure success, and under all the cir
cumstances and in view Of the past
services and eminent fitness of Mr..
Barbour Che young Democracy will IN
hict a great injury to the Democratic
party if they fail to elect him senator.
In conclusion, permit me to say that
am actuated to write this letter by
DO personal consideration, but by the
interest | feel in the continued success
of the Democratic party and the pros
peIity Of the State.
" Il STTHERIIN