The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-06-04


PRACTICAL sIG,iE>tIoS
There are number Of prominent
Democrats in the State who have been
acknowledged candidates for the Gov
ernorsbip. but beside these there are
several prominent Democrats who are
identified with the sentiments Of the par
ty.and no represent tho traditions Gifts
party, its principles and personal AID
public character, too, that command T..
soect. Now. In view Of these facts, and
recognizing the important influences of a
fair and open Gsbi for The nomination in
the convention. We think ihstth friends
Of the respective candidates should an
neuuce them subject to the action Of
the convention or state positively thst
they will not run. II the convention
meets with full understanding OF
who the candidates are to be there, can
be no trouble then OF Afterwards, and
whatever the platform or whoever the
nau we can harmonic tho party.
We are apt to be lulled into false
sense Of security. because we are told
that President Harrison will follow a
90 lservaiivo policy towards The State
Of Virginia. OF course President lar
rison cannot harm the State with any
unjust acts, because lie has taken a
solemn oath to support the constitution,
I'D being an honest man, he viii con-
slider the Southern States as entitled to
tn. protection Of the constitution as
wei as any otl or States.
There was once a theory in the Re
publican party, and prevailing in the
public acts of party leaders, that there
were occasions that justified legislation
"outside Of the constitution, or, in the
familiar phrase, inter drma silent
hJe,."
Bat happily that time has passed., and
the party would be carried away 10y a
20 )ular nood that would daro 20 pre-
claim that Iolicy.
OF course Mr.. Harrison will not at
tempt to override tie constitutional
rights Of Southern State or euthrono
the carpet Dagger and negro. The in
telligence and character Of the North
are ashamed Of any sach violations Of
enlightened justice.
But the fact remains that the Repub-
leans Of this State are the same people
that they were some twenty years ago,
and the question in local politics is still
between the rule Of intelligence and the
rIlo of ignorance ADD corruption, aud
that question cannot be avoided. Ii
the Republicans have kept any Of their
promises, We would like 10 hear from
sone Of their own leaders, whose per
sonal exle iences proclaim habit to
the contrary, even in their own houses
and temples.
We do not believe that Common
wealth is cafe ia the hands Of the or
ganized ignorance, ruled by the organ
lied corruption Of which the first chap
ter was recorded and illustrated by
carpct-baggers and scalawags, and the
next one written in tlN memorable
eharlc;ers o, the trade between the
republicans aid Readjus'ers, which
was TO bad that the sections ca
which the game had been played |
with stocked cards turned their
backs on the leaders who had managed I
it even when they believed in the idea .
that had been exploited. Or, to state
tin other terms, the people of Virginia
awakened - the startling fact that
thousands Of them had been led captive
into the Republics camp by Repubh-
eaus masked as Democrats.
Can any body forget how the ssest
Soulhwe,. turned its back on Malone
in 1888. with 5000 Democratic majority
rs soon as they found out the tfick?
With that record TO carry. the ques-
ton will be no. Is to the quslily OF the ,
Republican promises which may be .
prettier than adding perfume to the
rose or painting the lilly.
The question is will such 4 party ,
keep any promise
Aud echo answers, hardly ever
And hence We say. that If ,be Nir-
ginia Democrats aill hold harmon s
ious convention, without any personal S
sn,moSities about the nominee, then ;
We can 70 before the people, aud news
papers. and speakers can condeln the &
Republican party on its record. p