The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-03-22
DINWTDDIE.
These EXPRESSIONS of Opinion Contain Very
Little that Ia Positive.


Hon. Charles F. Collier. mayor OF Peters
burg. was asked by The TIMES correspond
ent the following questions;
Have YOU any choice as to the Democratic
candidate for tho Presidency at the next ma
tional election.
Mavor Collier: principles, and not men,
should be the main motive Of the Democratic
party in this election: and the man, the expo
nent of these principles, should be sec
ondary consideration
What are the leading principles which 10
your Judgment should obtain!
Mayor Collier: "A revenue tariff with Incl
dental protection. and due regard TO the IN
terests of the farmers, who with the Leading
classes constitute the true wealth of the ma
ton, free coinage Of silver at least Until the
experiment should demonstrate its wholesome
or baneflil effect upon the country. ana the
autonomy of the States, not inconsistent WIN
the Constitution Of the United States.
What is your view OF civil service REFORM
Nevor Collier. Civil service reform as
practiced is a deusion and and snare. The
party in power should select honest, capable
and faithful officers from its own ranks rs
no party organization that bestows It's patron
ace on It's enemies can maintain sucoesstul
organization hugwumpism. IN practice a.
we'll as in name. is an unsavory thing. Such
men as Governor Hill OF New York, Senator
Palmer of Illinois, Senator German OF Mary,
land Congressman Crisp of Georgia. and
O'Ferral 81 Virginia. have the ring OF true
metal. And many others, their equal IN the
party, ! could name"
What is your opinion Of Mr. Cleveland
Mayor Collier: Il think well OF Cleveland,
but his views Of silver coinage initiates
against his chances of election. Besides this
nothing is SO successful IA success. and his
failure of election at the last Presidential cleo
ton should relegate Mr.. Cleveland to contin-
ned retirement especially as nm the RANKS OF
the Democratic party may be found others
his equal in everything constituting ntneS-to
the exalted position. | honor him as % man
with the courage of his convictions and as
President with clean administration.
Should locality influence the choice OF can
didatess
Mayor Collier: 81 think it should now. It
ought not, however be general. The states
man must view the situation as It IS, and not
as it should he. Prejudice is senseless. out
there is in the North prejudice that Is pc
tential in elections against the South. ana NJ
though more than a quarter OF century mas
elapsed since the late unpleasantness, YET
the root of bitterness still hourshes ana the
wise man will cschew the net spread IN ms
sight Give the Presidency and Nlce-Pre.i-
dencv 10 the North and West. and the Speak
ership % the South IL true statesmanshlp as
well as practical politics at this luncture.'
Do YOU favor instructing the delegates 20
the National Convention!
Mayor Collier: II do not I would have
the delegates 20 the National Convention un-
trammeled so that the convention. after full
and free interchange of views from every
State. may wisely nominate the candidates
with the best prospect of success. The good
of the party rises superior 10 all personal "a
well as local considerations and as the good
of the party il SYNONYMOUS with the good OF
the country my chiefest concern - for the
. HTpel-
dental office, and not in the success OF the
person in securing the nomination. In q
word. as a true and loyal Democrat. my choice
for the candidacy IS the nominee of the con-
vention. Scramble for the spolls 10 tho bane
OF the party"
the Democratic Committee OF the Fourth Con
gressional District Of Virginia. when asked
"a 70 his preference for the Democratic nOml-
nation in 1892 said Il have no decided views
as 70 who should be the candidate but feel
confident that tho Democratic convention
will not make mistake when the time comes.
rely upon its wisdom. and Its choice Will be
mine"
What about instructing the delegates 10 the
convention: was asked by The TINES CORE
spondent.
gates should be instructed Nv idea is that
they should go 10 the convention untram-
meled so that, with fuller information, they
could act wisely for their constituents"
What have You 10 say, Captain Lasslter'
about civil service REFORM
Captain Lassiter Il have really nothing 10
say on that subject"
Mr.. J. f. Mcllwaine, chairman Of the Dem
ocratic City Central Committee, when asked
for his views about the Democratic nomina-
! ton for President. said: Senator German has
more political acumen than any. | might say
the balance. of our leaders. | would De vii
| ling for him to write our platform and name
our candidate: and if he should decide u
| leave New York out of the question, would
| he very well satisfied