The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-08-14

ALLIANCE. MALONE AND DEMOCRACY.
In these columns yesterday was reproduced
An extract from some Northern paper giving
certain remarks Of Mr.. John Amber Smith,
whilom Republican Congressman from virgil
mia. but now resident of Washington. In which
lie expressed surprise at the bitterness Oh
feeling that is developing between the Alliance
people and tho Democracy" Of Virginia and
in which he declares-with all semblance OF
knowing whereof he speaks-that Malone Is
intensely on the qui vive" TO foster all tho
differences between the dominant party ana
the farmers.
As we have already said. il Mr.. Smith ut
tered any such sentiments 1t was merely
case Of the wish being father TO the thought
The Tines is constantly in receipt OF very re-
liable information from all over the State
a. to the feelings Of tho farmers and 1t has
failed 10 discover the slightest evidence OF any
bitterness Of feeling whatever in them to-
wards the Democracy. True some OF the lie
publican politicians among the farmers are
anxious for third party, and this is very
natural. They see no possible hope Of ever
accomplishing anything in tho way OF
securing political spoil or place 80
long as the present status Of affairs
is maintained and they would han
with delight any fractional dissension which
would promise them an opportunity to snip
in" The great masses of our farmer element
however, are white men in every sense OF tho
word. and are perfectly satisfied with the
Democracy. They know that not only IS the
Democratic the white mans party, and us ue-
feat in Virginia from any cause would mean
social chaos, but they also know that 1t is the
party Of the people, and that il they can
not realize their desires by acting with II,
they cannot hope to do 50 by means oil
any third party movement which can be de
vised. They know that the only possible
effect of such a movement would be to
strengthen tie Republican party, ana
they know that that would result in sim
ply advancing negro supremacy and encour-
aging monopoly in the State. Nowhere IN
the South can any class of white people who
have any regard at all for their social and po
litical welfare, afford to give aid and comfort
10 the party which is the ayowed enemy OF
Southern society and Southern progress.
AS to Malone being intensely on the Qui
we" that may be. No one at all familiar
with the antecedents Of that willy schemer
doubts that he is always on tie lookout
for any mischief lie can foment from
which be can suck out the smallest advantage
to himself. But according 10 the reports
from Petersburg. the little Republican weasel
evidently thinks the time IS not yet rlpe for
any demonstration from him. Wednesday
night last he called his henchmen together,
and, after an al night talk, which was disni-
fed by the name Of conference. but which
was merely giving his instructions to his men,
and stating his reasons for his proposed
course lie made known his decision that he
would not antagonize the Democracy this
fall. This really means that Malone sees no
possibility OF breaking Democratic solidity
and that therefore he feels compelled to aban-
don even making an effort TO capture the
United States Senatorship at this time. And
if be feels that il would be useless 10 contend
for that glittering prize, which ms soul 80
longingly covets and for which he would IN
hesitatingly sacrifice every interest Of the
State TO secure. he must feel that bus cause IS
indeed desperate
This, of itself, is very conclusive evidence
that the bitterness OF feeling which Mr..
Smith processes TO have discovered between
the farmers of Virginia and the Democratic
party, is all in his minds eve and is nothing
more nor less than a myth On Wednesday
next the State Alliance will meet in this city.
and then the people Of Virginia will be Of
forded ample opportunity to understand the
exact position of our farmers and TO sec TO
what extent they are willing to antag-
onize the Democracy. 1t is safe to predict
that they Will be almost o unit IN favor Of
sticking to the old party. which has never yet
failed them. and upon which they must
necessarily rely if they hope to accomplish
anything, through politics, to promote their
welfare and prosperity.