Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-05-09
SUNDAY................MAY9 Q, 1886.
The Primary.

II Is full time for the Democrats Of
Richmond 10 arise, shake themselves
and prepare to put forth their strength
The time appointed for the Primary is
only three days of. The Democratic
City Committee, to whom the Demo-
cratic voters have intrusted the respon-
sibls work Of managing the fight at
tho municipal elections, after due con-
sideration have decided upon a
Primary ~ wise and expedient. That
that Is tho best means Of nominating
and securing representative candidates
va have no doubt. The Primary plan
was first adopted by the party in Rich
mopd In Difference to the views Of those
who claimed that the convention plan
placed the nominations in the hands
Of the politicians, and that city
political conventions were liable to the
manipulation Of rings. So far results
would seem to justify the change.
However, whether the Primary plan is
the best or not, there can be no ques-
ton as to the duty Of the party. A
cordial and hearty endorsement Of the
action of the committee is the road
to safety. Lukewarmness and dis
ssnsion may be the beginning
of disaster. Whatever individual
Democrats may think, whatever
grievances they may have Tor may
imagine they have), let them remember
that the Republican party is always
ready to take advantage of any weak
ness, any discomfort, or any lack OF
unity that may develop in our ranks.
Organization has been the secret Of our
success in the past, and upon it we
must depend for success in the future.
That our municipal machinery has work.
ed faultlessly no one will claim; but
when we compare it with the municipal
machinery Of many other cities OF the
size Of Richmond we have much to be
thankful for. Under Democratic rule
our finances have been kept in first-class
condition, we have established an en-
viabls reputation as an orderly and law
abiding people, and our progress has been
steady, conservative, and healthful. If
any have experienced hardships, let them
consider whether it is not better to
suffer the ills they have than fly to
those they know not Of, and resolve to
redress those hardships within the
party. Let us, then, be up and doing.
We repeat that the time is short. Let
ali who feel that it would be an honor
to servo the people, either in the
City Council or in a city office,
announce themselves as candidates
subject to the Primary. Every man
who by announcing himself contributes
to the harmony Of the party will have
performed . patriotic duty and rem
dered valuable service to the city and
the State. Rally, therefore, Demo-
Gratis under the banner that Richmond
has waved in the forefront Of every po-
litical fight. Stand by the colors you
have so often followed to victory.
Be true to the party and be true to
yourselves on Wednesday. Forestall
any Republican schemes and dash any
Republican hopes in the outset. Con-
firm Wednesdays action by an old.
fashioned, rousing Democratic vote on the
regular slection.day, and then if there
bs shy differences among yourselves
agitats them in your own camp.
Honor, duty, patriotism, the fair name
Of our city, selfinterest, the obliga-
tions you owe the past and the future
prosperity Of Richmond, demand this Of
every one of you.