Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-04-15
Communicated
THE aAy0aALrY.
The Fall or 1882. tbc spring or 1855
The Legislature Then, tho
mayoralty NOW.

mayoraity NOW.
The condition Of the Democratic party
in the fall of 1887 was such as TO alarm its
staunchest men. A campaign approached
which involved in its issue the control OF
the Legislature. the choice OF senator,
and the election OF judges for all the i'm
pcrtant centres. g.,
The State at large looked to Richmond
for presage OF victory or defeat. The
State Executive Committee had listed
Richmond ms one OF the doubtful cities
ofthe Commonwealth, and every thought
iul man felt that the approaching crisis
would determine the fate Of the Com
monwealth and fix in advance the condi-
ton OF this city. The situation de-
handed all the wisdom, prudence, and
energy which could be brought to beal
that party discussions and party defeat
might be prevented.
The fact that all eyes were turned to
Richmond increased the burden of re-
sponsibility already resting on the man
agement here. Look where they would
they could rec only schism or apathy.
The conviction rested upon all that
defeat in the fall meant defeat in the
spring, and despair for time prevailed.
The representatives, of the party saw
the impending danger. and all expressed
great anxiety 10 be relieved OF tue odium
of the apparently inevitable defeat.
Fortunately for the Commonwealth and
for this city, out OF this desire came re-
solve. 1t was determined. in the inter-
est of all, to raise the Democratic ban
ner and to wrest victory from all who
might oppose us.
Bitterness was so prevalent, differences
were so great, defe ctlOn was 80 imminent,
distrust SO universal. that by general
consent all old methods were abandoned
and new expedient adopted. The
necessity for concentration OF manage
ment and for the guidance Of some
capable manager and leader was APP
parent.
All agreed that only the directness
and promptDess of individual control
could accomplish the desired results.
There was unanimous consent to the
idea that head, "a director, n (c0dcr, was
the prime necessity of the situation. All
said he must be one acceptable to all and
offensive TO none that he must be
experienced, wise, energetic, capable,
and Of conciliatory spirit that he must
be consistent Democrat. brave enough
to assume responsibility in the midst of
encouragement and in the face OF im-
mnent defeat ; that he must toe hopeful,
calm, experienced, and determined.
The citizens who not only saw the
danger and felt the burden, bat also be-
stirred themselves to thwart the threat
ening defeat, saw in j. Taylor Ellyson
one who possessed the necessary Qualiii-
cations, aud unanimously called him to
assume the grave responsibility OF lead
ership.
Mr.. Ellyson expressed his sense of the
difficulties 10 be met said he realized
the amount and the importance OF the
work to be done that he was by no
mears anxious to take such task, but
yet would not avoid any burden laid
upon him if by assuming 1t he could help
to harmonize the discordant elements OF
the party and secure a victory.
BY intelligence and energy he imme-
diately secured an efficient organization.
Yet it was so quietly accomplished that
many doubted il there was any.
Marking ont a new line OF action he
required q thorough canvass to be made
bciorc the Primary throughout the city.
and in spite OF the declared purpose Of
the opposition to defeat it be secured a
surprisingly large vote at the party polls.
Asa natural consequence of this unex-
pected result confidence was restored,
hope Of victory revived, and the opposi-
ton began to confess the approach OF
defeat.
When the opposition announced their
ticket and took the field they were met
by complete organization. which III
creased daily in enthusiasm and strength,
and finally gave victory to the Demo
cratic party.
His untiring efforts hal secured a vic
tory from which camet the unity, harmony,
AID hopeful confidence OF to-day. Does
not gratitude demand that we should re-
ward him who so benefited the city ?
Is it not the part of wisdom to prescrre
harmony by electing him who produccd
it?
All who were familiar with the status
of affairs then, ana who appreciated the
effect OF the fall campaign on the fu-
ture, and who were engaged IN the
strenuous work of the campaign, concur
in attributingto Mr. Ellyson the credit
for mastery management, untiring in
dustry, and the great results that he
was himself the centre from which hope
radiated and inspiration TO work was
| derived.
Could a man do more, or has any ever
done bis part more manfully? Was he
not called to q work of vital importance
in which he could not fail without bury
ing himself in heap OF suspicion and
reproacl es q? Should We now. in the day
of confidence and party harmony, for
get or remember uDgrdtefully him who
led the forlorn hope? Is there no place
for gratitude, appreciation, OF reward ?
| Nav it not be true--is it not true p
that on this occasion the peace, security,
and happiness OF our people were pre-
served, iii large measure, by the ready
wit, cool Judgment, and perseverance of
! this man, who. with strong sense OF
duty, gave his time, his means. and his
nDquestioned abilities to the public well
fare?
These facts, published without the
knowledge of Mr. Ellyson. have been
gathered from different members OF the
Democratic Executive Committee, who
are familiar with them, and who, there
fore, appreciated the difficulties OF the
situation in the fall campaign.
DEMOCRATS.
The growing popularity Of the NORTH