Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-05-20
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AY 20, 1886.
Be Not Deceived.


A Richmond special to the National
Republican, which is the Washington
moutbpiece OF WILLIAM MAHoNE
and the sslf-s,yled organ OF the Vir-
ginia Republicans, says that "the Re
publicaps are quiet observers Of the
family quarrel in the ranks OF the
.Grsnd Old Democraticl Party" in
this city. "Quiet observers is
good. Family quarrel" is rich.
When were the Republicans ever
"ouiet observers "? Can the leo
pard change bis spotsg Even were
there not a number of Republi-
cans on the "Reform ticket" would
not the Republican party do violence
to its record were it under the cir
cumstances to remain quiet OBJ
server? The only quiet that has ever
characterized that party is the cat
like quiet that precedes spring
As to the matter Of the family
quarrel" the idea is not only rich, as we
have stated above, but we thank the
RepuJlican's correspondent for his use
of the words. The disinterested
,God save the mark y assurances OF Re-
publicans, the specious arguments OF
the soreheads, and the belief of some
misguided Democrats to the contrary
Notwithstanding, if there is anything
this quarrel is not that thing is a
" family quarrel" The composition
of the Reform Council ticket is evidence
prima facie of that fact. In all the
vital issues involved it is quarrel be-
tween the Democratic party of the city
of Richmond and its old enemy the
Republican party aided by some discon-
tented and misguided Democrats. From
the beginning of the canvass we have
never questioned the honesty Of purpose
of some Of the men who have been en-
gagged in the "Reform movement.
We do not do so now. But we tell
them that the Republicans have all to
gain and they have all to lose by the
movement. The Republicans, without
whose assistance their ticket cannot be
elected, have no thought Of aiding them
TO secure "reform." The boot is on the
other leg. They, by pursuing mistaken
policy, are aiding the Republicans in
an effort to get possession Of the legis-
lative branch of the city government,
which is but the first step in the direc-
ton of getting control Of the entire
municipal machinery. We doubt not
that such Democrats as may have been
fascinated by the word reform " will
at first blush be disposed to deny this,
but if they will consider the situation
calmly--if they will look beyond what
they may regard as their grievances
they must admit that we are right.
No, the Republicans are not "quiet
observers " ola " family quarrel" They
are most alert observers Of fight in
which they are deeply interested; and
before the issue is decided they
viii be active participants in that
fight. The incentive that moves
them is not q desire to help the
workingmen, but desire to help them
selves to the city offices. They are
striving for place in the race, with th'
intention Of keeping in training for al
opportunity to capture all the stakes
That is all there is in their sympath.
for the workingman. That is all Their
is in their support of "reform.
Let no Democrat, especially n,
Democratic workingmsn, be de
ceiyed by their protestations AM
alleged virtuous attitude. Let all goo
Democrats remember that to encourag
the election Of Republicans to our Cit
Council is to warm into life an asp tina
may sooner or later sting the party 4
death and poison our whole munioipa