Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-04-28
.GESERAE JAMES A. WALKER.
He 10 interviewed by the Dispatch,
and shows Hfs Eand.
Especial correspondence Of tho Richmond Dis
WYTTEvnIF. ~. ApriI Is. lSS9.

WYTHEvu.LE, VA, April 26, 1889.
One OF the best-known ofSouthwestern
Virginians is General James a. Walker
and for many years he has been promi
nent figure in State politics. OF late
there have rumors of his enlargement
from the Democratic party but though
many newspaper publications have been
made on the subject, there has always
been a vagueness OF statement, which
left the reader in doubt OF the Generals
political status. A week ago it was
stated that he was in Washington, and
in constant communication and most
friendly intercourse with Gene
raj Malone. a fact which indicated
that their past differences had been
healed aud led to tho suspicion that the
two would during the coming State
campaign be found in political har-
mony. The Dispdfch wished to inform
its readers of General Walkers position
and intentions, and so in obedience TO
its mandate, | came here to seek an in-
terview with him. AT first he was dis
inclined to speak, but upon little
further consideration he SAID he didn't
care-to 60 ahead and put the questions
and he would answer them as we'll as he
could, and so | have gotten the follow
ing authorized interview
"What is the object of the Protective
convention called at Birmingham with
which your name is connected ?"
81 understand the object to be to unite
the protective element Of the South with
a view of electing Protection representa-
tives 10 Congress from Protection dis
tricts, irrespective of their past or present
party affiliations"
"What other Democrats are in sympa-
thy with it besides yourself 2"
q can't answer the question because
I have had no correspondence with any
Democrat except Judge Nowlin, for
merly editor of the Richmond Wing,
who is heartily in accord with the move
ment."
81 have heard of a number OF others
who sympathize with us, but do not feel
at liberty to give their names"
"Whst do You propose to accomplish
in political way ?"
ave propose to send many staunch
protectioDists to Congress from southern
districts who will not surrender their
convictions Oh that question TO party
expediency or caucus dictation, but
who will in all other matters be left free
TO act with the party of their choice.
We hope by this means to make pro-
lection the fixed policy OF the Govern
ment for years to come, no matter what
party may come into power, and thereby
relieve manufacturers from the anxiety
and doubt occasioned by constant agita-
ton of the tariff question.
"What makes you believe that the
whites are willing to divide on the tariff
question "
"The rapid growth of manufacturing
enterprises in the South makes it to the
interest of the manufacturing districts to
seek protection; and the men who are
building up the New South will look
to their interest, and while they are not
politicians they will make protection a
paramount issue in all elections for mem
bers OF Congress.
"ls it true that you and Malone have
made up?"
General Malone and myself have
never had any personal quarrel or diff
ference to make up; nor have we ever
had any political reconciliation. ] had
short interview with General Malone
in Washington a few days ago. which
had no political significance whatever
and very little was said about politics.
"Who will control the Federal patron
age in Virginia, Malone or Wise?"
" You will have to ask President Har-
rison that question l doubt whether
the Administration will help either fac
tion so long as they continue at war. 70
looks as ii the patronage in Virginia is
to be used to compel truce. if not
lasting peace.
baye You ever been approached to
run for Governor, either as Republi-
can candidate or as an Independent
Democratic candidate?"
~ havo not. All the information l
have on the subject Of my being a caudi.
date for Governor has been derived from
the newspapers. l am not an aspirant for
the honor, and do not want il at tins
time. have never supposed would be
an acceptable candidate to either politi-
cal party. claim to be independent in