Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-10-13
Ohio-Virginia.

The full reports which we published last
week of the first discussion between
Governor CAMPBELL and Mr.. MCKINLEY
ought to serve to emphasize two things
which We have endeavored to impress upon
our readers in connection with the elections
which are to come OFF three weeks hence
first, that in Ohio issues are pending so
important as almost to dwarf even the
silver question: and, second. that in view
Of the fact that Virginia has held no State
Convention this year and has no Governor
or other State officers TO elect. she may be
called upon next year 20 take leading
and controlling part in framing the issues
70 be placed before the people in the
presidential election.
Perhaps the reader may think we used
too strong word wen we spoke OF
"dwarfing "the silver question-~a Ques-
zion important in the eyes of the people OF
the whole commercial world. But we
think We did not, and so we will LET IT go.
a, any rate. the fight in Ohio Is for the
covernorship and the Legislature. And
tho control of the Legislature involves the
election of United States senator and the
repeal of the Democratic law redistrictins
the State for the election of members
IF the national House OF Representatives..
as well as the fate of the Democratic inca
sure OF districting the State for the cleo
ton of electors Of President and Vice
President Of the United States. So we may
safely add that the result even Of the next
presidential election hinges upon the re-
suit of the Ohio elections Of next month.
For without tho electoral vote of Ohio
the Republicans would hardly expect
20 elect their nominee for Pres dent;
md if the Democrats carry the Legis-
lature this year they can so redis-
trict the State for the choice Of preslden-
t;al electors as TO secure fifteen out OF the
twenty-six electors Cthe electors at large
we omit just as they have heretofore re-
distracted the State for the election OF
congressman. Of coursei If they carry Ohio
this fall the Republicans will provide by
law for choosing presidential electors and
members Of the national House of Repre-
sentatives on general ticket. thus Sc
curing a majority OF such electors and
members if the Republicans get never so
small majority of the popular vote in the
State. We have heretofore explained that
every State has the right TO elect its presi-
dental electors in its own way. We can
Yecollect when the South Carolina Leeisla-
ture met on the day Of the presidential
election and chose her electors.
II is not extravagant, therefore. for us
10 say that the result of the Ohio cleo
tlons of the 81 Of November involves
the result Of the presidential election OF
next year, nor for Us to add that 1t may
involve the question of the capacity OF
the people Tor self-government; for it will
torely try the patience of the voters II
majority of them shall vote to elect one
man President Of the United States and
vet another man he elected by tho sui
fraces of a minority of them. Nay, We
shall not be chargeable with an extrava-
CANT forecast if we declare that not only Is
the supremacy Of the Republican party in
Ohio involved in the approaching cleo
tion, but the very existence OF the Re-
publican party itself. Surely, then. the peo-
pie Of the South are compelled by regard
for their highest interests to look to Ohio
with longing eyes. and buoyed up by the
hope taat the worst party that ever had
IN existence in this country may be slain
next month and buried beyond the hope
If resurrection.
Shall not Virginia be "in at che death"
II this contamination so devoutly to be
wished shall be realized? Her people
would feel Inundated if. when Ohio left
the Republican party, and the Democrats
there and everywhere were rejoicing over
the glad tidings. the Old Dominion should
be caught with Republican Legislature.
Heaven forbid, let Us all say, and then let
us all proceed to work with heart and
hand for the election Of Democratic
Iapislature