Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-04-28
.olitie. ana resrrxe the right 10 vote IS

politics, and reserve the rignt 70 vote as
seems 10 me best. / am Protectionisl
because l believe the interest OF the
whole country. and especially of the
New South, will be promoted there
by. II this makes me Republican,
am one. But by way Of compromise on
that question / am willing to accep!
the tariff plank OF the Virgins
Democracy as laid down in their Roa-
noke platform two years ago. IL other
gentlemen choose to repudiate and spit
on that platform, let them not charge
inconsistency on those who still adhere
to its utterances.
81 favor the repeal OF all internal
revenue laws. aud especially those on
tobacco and fruit-brandies. This was
good Democratic doctrine from 1863 to
1883. and il good Virginia Democrats
have weakened on this question in the
interest of free trade l charge them with
inconsistency.
lam in favor Of the Blair bill be-
cause the Democracy of Virginia pledged
the people TO do ali in their power to
secure its passage, and | believe party
pledges ought TO be made in good faith
and carried out in good faith.
al am in favor Of settling the State
debt upon terms which will be satisfac-
tory 10 the creditors and within the reve-
nues of the State. A speedy settlement OF
the debt question is of vast importance
TO the material growth ana prosperity OF
the State, and the hostile, uniriendly,
unjust. aud unconstitutional acts OF the
General Assembly tending TO hinder,
delay. and defraud the creditors Of
their contract rights are unworthy OF
the Commonwealth and q reproach to
her people.
81 am opposed to opening or keeping
alive the race issue in Virginia for partI-
san political purposes. All men are
equal before the law but no sane man,
white or black, believes for one moment
that large majority of white people in
this State will ever permit her political,
financial. or social status to be fixed by
the minority of colored voters. The race
issue is the last resort of desperate poll
ticians when defeated on all other issues.
1t IS a convenient appeal to the preiu-
dices OF the white people and often O
very effective one, but it is dangerous
and cowa1dly issue when used for parti-
san purposes by the stronger against the
weaker race.
LASTLY, | am in favor of avoiding as
for as possible all sectional questions and
issues and reforming party lines on eco
nomic questions, and pure State gov
eminent, controlled by the intelligence,
the patriotism, and the WORTH Of her peo-
ole. The words 'solid North and
solid South are a standing menace 10
the peace of society and should never be
heard.
"Let all Virginians agree to give Mr.
Harrisons Administration q fair trial
approving what is right and condemn
ing only what is wrong, and heartily CO.
operating with him in all measures which
tend to allay sectional feeling and give
us good government.
of the signs Of the present hour hold
good this Administration proposes TO
avoid oil improper interference in our
local affairs, and to uphold the best ele-
ments OF the South in managing their
State affairs, irrespective OF partlsan
politics.
"In filing Federal Offices it seems
disposed 10 use the very best material
available. and it would be unwise in our
people TO make war upon an sdministra-
ton which Is so kindly disposed.
They are weary and sick Of Sec
tiopai strife and long for rest and peace.
and a mere partisan war upon the red
eral Administration would be detrimental
to the best interests OF the State
"Well. General. this interview OF
yours will cause much talk among the
politicians OF the State and Souta
81 don't care, sir, % said the General,
"they are my sentiments. never
voted anything heretofore but Demo
cratic ticket in my life. / would have
voted for John a. Buchanan for Con-
gress at the last election if he would
have declared himself a protective Dem
ocrat, but instead, / voted for Henry
Bowen, the Republican candidate, who
came nearer representing my political
views.
"What was the occasion of your call
ing to see General Malone while you
were in Washington?
"Well, had been North looking after
various business matters in which am in
terested, and on my return by Washington
/ dropped in to talk with Malone about
business affairs. Nothing WAS said about
politics until Just before we parted, when
General Malone laughingiy remarked,
i suppose you will be candidate for
Governor, as / see your name has been
mentioned in that connection. My re.
ply WAS that 1 don't see why, as my po-
sition is such that 1 would not he likely
to suit either party, as ! am an indepen-
dent in politics.
Thus thc interview concluded.