The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-10-18


The nomination of Mr. Alexander Melon
aid "a the Democratic candidate for tho State
,enatorship from the Tynchburg district was
marked by an incident that is worthy Of aspe-
cial reference.
There had been very prolonged contest
for the nomination between Mr. Mcdonald
and Colonel Peter j. Otey-a contest how
ever. which had been sustained by the ardent
devotion Of their respective supporters and
not by any personal antagonism between the
two gentlemen. both OF whom are Justly re-
garded az among the most useful and re-
spected citizens Of the community IN which
they reside.
So firm was the loyalty Of each set Of dele
gates TO their candidate. that neither would
of their own motion in the convention give
way in favor of the opposing candidate. and
there being no disposition to yield the
claims and tho fitness of the candidates being
so evenly balanced. it was proposed in the
interval Of an ad ournment that the mes Of
the two gentlemen should be withdrawn and
a third person nominated. When the con-
vention reassembled. Mr.. Burroughs with
drew the name Of Mr.. Mcdonald. and Mr..
Glass the name Of Major Otey, but objection
was at once raised 10 an immediate ballot. and
it was agreed to adjourn for conference.
Information OF this fact having come 70 the
! knowledge Of Major Otey. he addressed
letter to his leading supporters. the tone of
which is so admirable in a personal sense
and so patriotic in a political that we look
upon it as public duty to call attention TO il
as showing the spirit which should animate
men who are seeking honors at the hands Of
their fellow-citizens. that is, regard for the
public interest should be the first considera-
ton, and to this all private ambition. however
honorable and commendable in itself, should
be subordinated.
II cannot admit" wrote Major Otey, that
the selection of either Mr.. Mcdonald OF my
self as the candidate would in the least i'm
pair the harmony in the Democratic party
because Of the divergence Of the opinions of
two factions in the delegation. Nor does the
proposed action in any way indicate it.
But the deadlock does manifest loyal
friendship which must give way sooner or
later to party interests. The day for the
general election is fast approaching. Al
ready an Independent OF Republican ticket is
in the field unopposed. Tie party manage
ment Is 10 great extent paralyzed till this
this matter is settled.
Mr.. Mcdonald has been my competitor
I have none of that feeling which prompts
qualification at his loss, accompanied by q |
feeling of satisfaction at tie gain of another
who has not been in the contest. Hesitatng, |
as / do therefore. and certainly with no de-
sire to run counter TO your feelings / take the |
liberty OF recommending that you gentlemen |
end the matter by having Mr. McDonalds |
name restored before the Joint meeting o. tue |
delegation and casting the unanimous vote
for him.
The magnanimOus sentiment which these
words set forth, and the seif-denying action
which they indicate are worthy OF Virginia
in the days when her politicians represented |
the very best elements of her population, and
when the highest sense OF political chiyary
prevailed. They are as creditable to AIr. Nc
Donald. as to Major Otey, and reflect honor
upon the community in which they were Ut
tered.
Tins is the party spirit which we should
like to see universal in our political life. If
al OF our political rivaires were as generous
and the sense Of public duty in all Of our po-
ltical aspirants as keen, the Old State would
soon be restored to that position of political
distinction which at one time made her the
most influential factor in American politics.
Lynchburg is to be congratulated on having
set an example in true citizenship, both per-
sonal and political which can be held up to
the admiration and emulation of every COM
munity and every individual in the State