The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-27

Tn ,ecent vears Massachusetts, has shown .
disposition TO support the puress JeaersonlA.
principles of government. after having useo
all its influence TO give encouragement .o."o
politicians who were engaged in consonas'ns
the power of the national ADMINISTRATORS IA
ali its different branches.
II /. true that the Bay State 10 still repre-
sented at Washington by such men a. Loago
and Hoar. who arc opponents OF all the worst
features of Republicanism. and who. II tney
could carry out thor wishes, would suborai-
nate tho States TO the General Governmen''
in the mostimportsut of their locsi annirs'
The success Of Hon. William E. Russell ~ the
last ~election. however. and the triumph OF
such aggressive young Democra'shs onetman
Hoar. Cosby and Williams. Candidates iof
Congress: Of Matthews, candidate for the
mayoralty o. Boston, and Josiah Quincy,
candidate for the State Senate. are con-
yincing evidence that the sentiment OF the
Commonwealth 30 long typifed in the
characters and careers Of Sumner and Wilson,
has undergone q very radical change.
This change seems to find a very distincs
reflection in the bold and confident attitude
tAANkNHE -
which has BEEN assumed by the young leaders
OF the Massachusetts, Democracy. They are
not content to 20 about and proclaim TO ths
people from an hundred platforms the sound
ness Of the Democratic doctrines, but they
show the eagorness Of young war horses to
meet their opponents in debate. As soon as
Charles II. Allen was nominated for the gov
ernorship by the Republicans, a communica-
ton was sent to him by the Democratic State
executive committee looking to the arrange
ment of an early discussion between Mr.. Rus
sell and himself on the questions at issue.
Much 10 the chagrin OF tho Democrats,
Mr.. Alien, believing that prudence Is the
better part Of valor even IN political CON-
bats. has declined TO enter the lists. Governor
| Russell. however. has not stopped to crow
over the cowardice Of his opponent, but has
| directed the executive committee to SEND a
similar challenge to Cabot Lodge, who. at
| the recent Republican convention, announced
that he was ready 70 meet the Democratic
nominees for State Offices ION any stump,
on any platform. on any subject MT.
Lodges answer has not yet been received.
but after this specific declaration it is hardly
possible that he, too. will show the white
feather.
If he accepts the challenge of Governor
Russell there will be a joint debate which
will attract attention far beyond the confines
of Massachusetts,. Governor Russell is as
representative a Democrat as Mr.. Lodge is q
Republican. Both arc men of great ability,
of the most extensive information on all pub
lie questions and of unusual skill and
readiness in debate. A discussion be-
tween the two would be of extra
ordinary merit. but no man who under
stands the causes which the two men
represent can doubt for an lnstsnt'that Rus
sell the advocateof free elections and reduced
taxation. will put TO Aight Cabot Lodge the
man who is universally recognized IN this
country as the author of the Infamous cleo
ton bill and as q determined supporter Of a
tariff system which constitutes as great a bur
den of tyranny as was ever imposed upon a
people.