Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1886-09-08
10 the editor Of the Alexandria Gazette:

CULPEpER, Sept. Tho county commit
tee having named Saturday next for the Sc.
lection Of delegates TO the congressional
convention to assemble in this place on the
23d, politicians, big and little, are actively
ut work to secure the election of delegates
in sympathy with their views. That Gen.
lee IS the choice OF large majority of the
democratic voters of this county there can
be but little doubt, but it by no means fol-
lows that he will secure the solid delegation
from the county, as all of the known Candi.
dates as well as the dark horses" who are
hopeful another earthquake may give them
chance-and nothing less would-have
pooled their chances, and united for the
patriotic purpose OF defeating Gen. Runey
Lee, who, strange 10 say, is most dstasteful
to them. The combination against him is
perfect; the friends of Barbour, Hume, Eos
ter and Meredith, who, but short time
since, were anything but loving friends, are
now in sweet communion and perfect &C.
cord, Anything 10 defeat Lee be-
ing their ralying cry. Well, as in
the late convention, the combination
may be two strong for him, but, if so,
il is very certain in defeating him, the
political doom, not only for the present, but
for all time to come. What is the excuse
for this unholy combination is it for the
good of the party, the district, the State, or
the country at large? Is it because in char
acter, in education, in natural ability, in
service to the State, in peace and war, he is
not the peer Of his rivals for the nomination L?
Ii con hardly be simply because be is the
son-and most worthy one-of the idol of
every loyal Firginan-Robt. Z. Lee. Why
then this persecution, this bitter war against
him, this cooperation with the republican
press and party in their war.cry now as 25
years back, Down with Lee" Strange in
deed If Firglnians are not aroused and in.
dignant at such unfairness, at such manifest
injustice. Any other district in The State
would rejoice at the opportunity TO call to
lis ensign one so we'll worthy it's highest
donors as Gen. w. FL. F. Lee.
AS to the demand that General Lee, the
choice of the great majority, should with
draw at the demand of minority and that
minority composed of half dozen factions,
that this factions minority of disappointed
| recalcitrant democrats, many of them might
| name or dictate the candidate, is simply
absurd and unworthy Of notice.
Papers with articles clearly indicating the
purpose Of the factions to take their chances
and then, if they fail by combinations to
defeat Lee, to support an independent can.
didate, have been largely circulated
throughout the district. AS Mr. Barbour's
name is included in the list Of those whose
friends are combining TO defeat Leo, it is but
Justice to the Hon. John S. Barbour to say,
it is not for one moment believed he would
be party to such game If nrasent Tn
good faith he declined being candidate for
denomination, and it is confidently believed
that these who are using his name and
making him party to, the combination
against Lee, not only have not his sanction,
but are doing so in the interest of other par.
ties, and not in his interest.
The contest in this county will be hot ard
bitter, and, one that will leave d wound
that will not be healed for years to come
That leo will carry the county but few
question, unless, indeed, doodle" is freely
used, as some fear will be the case.
FAIR PLAY.