Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1888-05-23
DEMOCRACY!
THE STATE CONVENTION.
ONE MIND AND ONE PURPOSE.
Unanimous for Cleveland.
MIR, BARBoUR's REVIEW OF THE PAST
HE WILL LEAD THE PARTY AGAIN
TO VICTORY.
ORGANIZATION. OF THE FORCES.
The State COmmittee-DeIegat to the
National COnventiOn-Elect0r DC.

Hospitable Norfolk had made every
preparation for the assembling of the DEM
ocratic State Convention on the 10th inst,
and to the good old ''City by the Sea" the
chosen representatives of Virginia-of her
political faith, her progress, her stability
and her great future-repaired,a and, taking
counsel together, rounded up their work
for another contest with the factions that
would dethrone the Old Commonwealth
from her true position in the administra-
ton of her own affairs and her place in the
National Government.
THE CONVENTION CALLED TO DEL1BE-
RATION.
When it comes to the work Democrats
propose to accomplish, there never has been
in the history of political parties in this or
any other State one who sustains closer
relations or who inspires more implicit con-
fidence and united and enthusiastic sup
port than John s. Barbour. 1t was the
thrill of the old feeling which pervaded
that large body and sent its pulsations to
every corner of the State, which all felt
when that veteran leader rose to invite it
to deliberation.
/ MR.. BARBoUR's SPEECH.
1 thank you from the bottom of my heart
for the cordial reception given me kere TO-
day. Again the Democracy of Virginia is
assembled in convention. We are not here,
as understand it, to look after State
policy, to regard any special local interests
of our party. We are upon a broader
theatre. We are here as part OF the great
: national Democracy, and our duty and our
obligations are in that direction only here
today. l will have to throw myself on the
indulgence of my friends, as l didn't sup
pose would be required to make any re-
marks. A friend suggested that as | was
not an expert or my feet l had better
write out what had to say and l did SO
this morning. 1 will read it, then, rather
than speak it.
Gentlemen of the Convention Again
the representative Democracy q had al
most said the people, of Virginia has as
sembled in convention-nOt this time to
consider special State interests or to pro-
mote only State policies. We have come
together today will not say for higher
purpose, because there can be no higher
aim with me, or am sure with you, than
the consideration of what may concern our
own beloved State. We have to survey a
wider or more extensive field OF obserVa-
ton. We are part and parcel of the great
organization known as the great Democratic
party, and as such have obligations to meet
and duties to perform. This is the presi-
Dental election year, and the national
Democratic party has, through its accredit-
ed organs, called convention of the party
to assemble in St. Louis on the 9th of June
to nominate their candidate for President
and Vice President of the United States at
the election in November next.
NO DIVISION.
Upon this head, fortunately for the har-
mony of the party, there does not seem to
be any division of sentiment in the coun-
try. The Administration of Mr.. Cleve-
land as a whole has commanded the ap-
probation of the Democrats Throughout the
country, and his denomination at st. Louis
has already been virtually made. 1t be-
comes your duty to select delegates to the
National Convention and see that Virginia
is properly represented in that body. You
are here also to name the twelve electors
who will cast the vote of Virginia in the
presidential election and to recognize the
party machinery for the approaching cam
paign. do not see that this convention
should worry itself about a declaration OF
principles commonly called platform. 1t
is national election, and the National
Convention is the proper forum to discuss
and decide upon platform of principles
The platform adopted by the party in 1884
at Chicago, which refers to the internal
| 70 cal c n
reduction of the revenue, ought to be suf-
ficient for all present purposes. When the
National Democracy at st. Louis shall an
nounce its platform of principles l am sure
the Democracy of Virginia will stand by its
provisions and give TO it a cordial support.
CONGRATULATIONS, sc.
| cannot let the occasion pass without Of
fering my congratulations at the improved
condition of the prospects of the party in
the State. In the possession of both the
State and Federal Governments, united,
firm, and confident of success, we meet the
army of our opponents divided, discouraged,
disorganized, and amazed. If true to our
selves and our party and we choose to WELD
the power and resources we undoubtedly
possess, ! am sure that after the next cleo
ton these Virginia allies of the northern
Republicans will practically cease to exist
as important political factors, and as this
seems to be the prevailing sentiment of
our friends both in and out of the State,
would like in that connection to submit a
remark personal to myself. In view of all
the circumstances l would like to be re-
lieved as chairman of your State Commit
tee. I have served you in all the cam
paigns since 1883 save in 1886, when l had
gone abroad for my health, and have car
ried the flag successfully through them all.
| think that l am now entitled to a dis
charge. Let some younger and more eff
ficient man take the position, and while
do not feel that l have the right to turn
my back upon those who have trusted and
honored me in the past without their con-
sent | must earnestly ask that may be al
lowed to retire.
TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION
The great county of Bedford had sent
: down one whose eloquent utterances are
not unknown to the people of Virginia. He
never fails to respond, and always scores a
victory for his cause, and the ffercer the
contest or more determined the adversary
he meets on the hastings, the stronger his
party comes out Of the ordeal. Mr.. Bar
bour called W. W. Berry, Esq, of Bedford,
} to the chair, and W. W. Sc,tt, Esq, of
Orange, was appointed Temporary Secre-
} tary, and Mr.. J. j. Brimmer, of Norfolk,
J Sergeant-at-arms.
MIR. BERRY SPEAKS.
Gentlemen,-I rejoice that am only the
temporary chairman. If we are not to
have platform stand as if upon q tabled
dream. The little office you have here
given me is magnified by the convention
which has bestowed it, yet it is an honor
TO be remembered by any Virginian. l do
not deem it appropriate for me to thrust
upon the convention any opinion of my
own. If there were any EN- barrassments
here to-day l would be glad to be relieved
of this duty. AS Mr.. Barbour began to in
troduce me felt for the first time in thirty
years stage fright. felt that if the duty
was not specially enjoined would like to
be let off. l have not had time to write a
line in the way of speech, but / always
feel at home in an assent y of Democrats.
J, We csn talk heart to heart. We are BIO nd
together, as no other people on earth, by
common suffering and common sorrow, by
the glorious past, as referred to by Mr..
| Bnb mr. | feel safe in SAVING IN him Mr.