The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-22

OLD DOMINION DEMOCRATS.

NORFOLK, Va. May I6.-When Chairman
Barbour called the convention to order the
Academy Music was filled with one of the
largest and most representative delegations
sent to n Virginia convention for years Mr..
Barbour was received with great applause w.
w. Berry, of Nelson, was made temporary
chairman.
While the convention was waiting for the
committee on permanent organization Gov
emor FitZhugh Lee, who was in the city, was
invited to the convention. His presence was
greeted with great applause. In addressing
the convention, Governor Lee said in reference
to the state debt:
at is true that one of the great questions have
had TO deal with governor of The state the prob
lem OF the state debt is not yet served one OF the
difficulties we have lahored under is that credi-
tors holding obligations of the state known bonds
of ISL are separated from us by the Atlantic ocean.
TIE affairs of foreign bondholders have been COM
mitted to n syndicate of gentlemen who reside in
London and whose business II is TO make settle
ment between different countries and being their
creditors, the Virginia committee Of that council
has had charge of the cases called Viz
giuia bonds, and some Of the members
of that committee themselves have been pur-
cnasers of coupons and have sent them over to
this country by an agent for the purpose of giving
them to our taxpayers upon such conditions win
net them handsome profit. II can be, III relore,
readily Comprehended that their advice to hold
ers OF bonds of that description would be agant
funding them into bonds of either DESCRIPTION, so
long as they can make money by handling cou-
p0ns. The state of Virginia demands that the
public schools shall receive all they are entitled
to by the law ana constitution: thai he insane and
those who are not able to wait on themselves shall
be provided for and cared for and that her state
government shall be carried on. After that is
done whareVer represents the balance will be,
think il may be safely stated, used in some form
OF settlement for the purpose OF eXtinguishing the
state debt
Senator Daniel and John Goode also adj
dressed the convention. Every reference to
President Cleveland was received with warm
applause. The convention permanently Or
gained with y. Il. Caldwell, OF Hanover, as
chairman.
After recess the convention elected Richard
Il. Beime, editor of the Richmond State, and
John Harris, of Staunton, electors at large
and John s. Barbour, John w. Daniels
Phil w. McKcnny, of Farmville, and Il. c.
Marshall, of Portsmouth, delegates at large
The committee on resolutions made report in
substance as follows, which was unanimously
adopted:
The simple and plain duty of the people is,
in the language Of President Cleveland, to re-
duCc taxation TO the necessary expenses of an
economical operation of the government and
restore 10 the business of tho country the
money which We hold in the treasury. These
things can and should be done with
safety to all our industries, without dan
ger to the opportunities for remunerative labor
which our workingmen need and with
benefit 10 them and all our people by cheapen-
ing their means Of subsistence and increasing
the measures Of their comforts. That while
we remit 10 the national democratic conven-
ton, about 10 assemble ut ST. Louis, the forma-
ton of the issue between the democratic and
republican parties. we reatlirm the time-hon-
or1d principles Of democratic faith upon which
Grover Cleveland was nominated and elected
president Of the United States. We indorse
his wise, conservative. honest, fearless and eco
nomcal administration, and pledge our hearty
support TO his denomination and reelection.
The administration of the state government by
Governor Lee and his associates has been Judi
ciouS, conservative and patriotic aud entities
them to the lasting gratitude Of the people OF
Virginia.
Scnator-eloct John s. barbour accepted his
reelection 10 the craftsmanship in a speech in
which lie predicted n democratic triumph in
this state in November.