The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-08-20
THIRD DISTRICT CONVENTION


The selection Of Congressman George ID.
Wise by the representatives of the Third
district Democracy to reclaim their seats
in Congress, was the honorable work Of the
convention which met in Richmond yes
terday.
IL is customary for the usual Congression-
al convention to adopt some series of reso-
lutions expressing the sentiment OF the
body about National or state issues. This
convention had no need to do this.
Its platform may he expressed in ten
words: George Wise is to be given his
seat in Congress" In that sentence much
is embodied however, and from it an able
deyiser Of platforms could deduce great
deal. That Captain Wise is not occupying
his seat in Congress is due to the fact that
party Of corruption and partisanship, find
Ing itself in a majority in that body, but
fearing that that majority was insecure,
proceeded TO strengthen itself solely by
force Of majority by unseating members Of
the minority. OF course where negro was
the contestant his claim was not
needed. When the time came TO act upon
the case of Captain George ID. Wise the
arrogant aud strengthened majority refused
to refer the question I the people, as was
recommended by the minority OF the Elec-
tons Committee, and exercised their self
assumed and self-sustained power Of elect
Ing their own people. They were afraid to
refer the election to the people. And so
Captain Wise returned TO his district and
asked for vndicatiOn.
lie shall be indicated. only by electing
him Democrats Of the Third district may
free themselves of the disgrace they have
had to endure since he was deprived of his
seat.
II George Wise had been in that seat he
would not have held it and voted for the
Force bill. His character and courage are
too well known 20 give anybody any reason
To think that he would not have been fore
most in raising his voice against that iniqui-
tous measure. Ii was concocted against the
south particularly. 1t was aimed at the
South, because in that section of the coun-
try has always been found pure Democ-
racy. Pure Democracy has been the
untiring enemy Of those who would
assault the Constitutional liberties of
this country. The Force bill is but the
doubly condensed essence of enmity to the
Constitution. Speaking in general it means
this: In particular ii means for Virgin
ians control of the white race by aliens
sustained by Federal bayonets. 1t means
no true representation Of Virginia in Con-
gress, no power OF true Nirginians to levy
taxes for themselves, TO choose their own
officers in State or municipal government,
or to exercise the right of pure and free
suffrage.
1t means that the old Commonwealth shall
be, IL the Republican party is able, turned
into military district-No. l, probably
that the bench shall be occupied by tools OF
the Federal military authorities, that the
bayonet shall CLEAN in halls Of legislation,
at the polls, and in private homes.
Should the Force bill be forced through
the Senate and become a law by the sigma
ture Of being in whose veins some littleNir-
ginian blood is disgraced in flowing, the
Radical party will continue in its career OF
reckless disregard OF the rights of the
farmer, the laborer, and other citizens. 1t
will continue 10 obey the behests Of the
trusts and monopolists.
such is the possible situation. To pre-.
vent it's being actual Democrats must re-
gain control Of legislation. The election OF
George ID. Wise is a means TO this end. No
stronger man could be found in Virginia TO
vindicate Virginia's honor and TO fight TO
the end any measure affecting for i'll the
happiness and prosperity OF Virginia
with the rest Of the South. The
line has been drawn with the
bayonet. The Third District Convention
has named Captain Wise TO be the bearer TO
Congress- OF the intelligence Of what the
wishes and determination Of the Third dis
trict are. Let every white man In the dis
trict prove now that he is a virginian, not
only by birth or adoption, but by devotion
10 the interests OF the old Commonwealth.
The convention has done its work well IL
10 10 lie congratulated upon the good feeling
shown In II at the close OF spirited family
campaign. As the field OF action now
broadens. let all Democrats prove that the
work OF the convention was not In vain.
A few months ago the people were re.