Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1889-08-15

Nv tQe u6mOCTdtlC VUtc chSG IN inc N!QLO,
Fifth, Tenth and First districts, which, COM
bined, brought up the average and saved the
State.
We are on the eve of another general
election, and you have been convened to
nominate your candidates for Governor
Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General,
to serve for four years from and after the
first January next. Ia making these nomi-
nations the convention has high duty 10
perform to Virginia and to the democratic
party. 1t is especially vital that the selec-
ton Of the Candidate for Governor, whose
position usually mparts the most influence
and popularity to the ticket, should be mad 9
with the utmost care and consideration
We must lay aside all personal ambi-
lions and preferences and name that man
as cur standard bearer who has am.
pie qualifications to fill the office and
at the same time is most available
in other respects to make q vigorous and
successful canvass before the people of the
State. The present is not favorable time
to experiment with the relative popularity
of individual candidates. We cannot afford
to lose the election in November or to sur.
render the control of the State Government
to the tender mercies of the repubIi-
can party OF Virginia. General Ma.
hone is now marshaling hls forces
for the campaign. He doubtless expects.
with the question of q protective tariff, and
perhaps some backing and filling in regard
to the settlement of the State debt. to d.
vide our party and draw recruits TO his own
standard. l do not know that the general
subject of tariff is essential for consideration
now. The reduction Of our excessive feder.
| 4 ~ off 10 nd cd
by the country. In all State conventions
of late years, in all our platforms of prnci.
plea, We have proclaimed opposition to the
system of direct taxation on the part Of the
| federal government as unnecessary and Op.
pressive except In time of war, expensive
and dists steiul to the people in the method
of collection, and have demanded Its repeal.
| When we get the tax taken eff tobacco and
other products of the fields and orchards it
will be full time to spriog the qucetion Of 8
| cumstaDces,I woad ike to see Virginia first
protected and her material interests of what
ever kind promoted before giving our atten
ton so exclusively to so-called American
industries We are not making national
platforms this year in State election and
can we'll give the tariff rest. We have
l dismiss the subject of the State debt
with the single remark that, having de-
clared in al our platforms since 1883 that
we would acquiesCe in the law known as
the "Rlddleberger Act" do not see that il
now remains an open question, or how the
republican party of Virginia can, with any
consistency or good faith, repudiate their
own legislation and at this late day go back
| on their own adjustment
Our political situation in Virginia lie un-
like that in other States and it seems to me
not we'll understood abroad. Our populs-
zion is divided between the white and black
races, in the proportion of three to two, OF
thereabouts, but notwithstanding that the
white people represent the bulk ofthe prop
erty holding element Of the more Intelligent
portion or the community in numerical
strength, the negroes prefer to combine
their entire strength. as rule, at the polls
aud to cast their solid vote against the
great majority Of whites. In this way the
color line is distinctly drawn by the mino,i.
ty tlement, aud of course the white people
must meet it or surrender their civilization
and local government to the domination OF
the negroes and their allies. And behind
all this lies another question If successful ,
how long will the white people of Virginia
submit peacefully to be controlled by q
union OF negroes and small number for the
most part Of irresponsible white per
sons? And confronted as we are with the
further striking fact that with the
twenty odd years which have elapsed
since the emancipation in this country,
can 1t be truthfuly affirmed that the
negroes have made any substantial pro-
grees in civilization or the knowledge OF self
government Notwithstanding the large
appropriations which the State of Virginia
| has made for the education of the colored
race, and which amount to more than four
millions of dollars paid by the white people
of Virginia exclusively since 1871 up TO the
present time, 1t is exceedingly doubtful
whether any beneficial results have been &C
complished. Although more than genera
ton hss passed since the war, very much
doubt if the slave of former times Is not to-
day more valuable citizen and better
type of his class than bis descendant. How
these autagonisms are to be reconcilcd no
one can foresee.
To add to the complications Of our aiua'
ton we are now confronted also with a re-
publican administration, prepared, as has
been intimated, to ex end its power, infln'
ence and patronage TO our adversaries at the
approaching election. All this We must meet
with firmness harmony snd union among
curse yes, an abiding confidence in our prin-
cples, and a determination to maintain
democratic supremacy at all hazards in Vir-
giDia.
Above all, bear in mind as essential to
success the great Importance of Elective or
eanization in the cities and counties of the
State.
With proper effort and patriotic devotion
success at the election In November will be
assured, and on the first of January next
some true and tried Virginia democrat will
take the place of our present admirable Gov
ernor. Filzhugh Lee, whom we also much
delight to honor.
With an apology for having detained you so
long, l move that the convention proceed now
with its temporary organization, and for that
purpose nominate the Honorable james W. Mar
shall, of the county Of Craig, as the Temporary
chairman of this body.
Mr. Barbour said as this was the last time that
he would address State convention as the chair
man of tho State committee, he hoped the con-
vention would pardon few words of a persona! ma
ture.
He had accented the Craftsmanship of the State