Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-05-10
10 elect delegates 10 tho State convention elected
ton delegates instructed for Cleveland.
THE STATE COMMITTEE.
Correspondence between Messrs. Eilyson
and Gordon About tho Chairmenship.

The following letter, written and mailed 20
Hon. Basil u. Gordon by Hon. J. Taylor Eliyson
on April ION, was published IN the DISPATCH Of
the 9TH OF May, and tho reeponse " Il, sub
Joined, WAS received yesterday evening from sir.
Gordon by the editor Of this paper:
"APRIL -, 1892.
Zion. Basa b. Gordon,
NY Dear Sir,-~When yon werc compelled by
reason OF ili-healih % resign the position OF
chairman Of the Democratic State Committee
and was elected "a your successor entered
upon The work vita the expectation that would
retain the position only 40 long as the conditlon
OF your hcalth prevented you from the active
ulscharge OF tho duties Of tho chairInansnip'
have always felt that when your health was re-
stored you should again rcsumo the position 10
which you were unanimously called 10y the con-
vent!On OF 1850. AZ member ~ your Execu-
tive Committee IL was my privilege TO Know
something OF your fidelity 10 duty. even under
the most painful physical conditions, ana the
success that crowned your efforts confirmed The
most ardent expectations OF your TRENDS az 10
your possession % eminent qualifications for
leadership ia our party ranks. shan always
gratefully remember the cheerful and cor
dial support you have rendered me as
chairman OF the state Committee, ana shali
endoEvor, when yOu resume your duties, 30 De
- loyal % you as you have ever been Kind
20 mc. The convention meets in this clty
on the ION Of May, aud have thought II pro
per 20 give you In advance this expression OF my
nation for the chairmansnip. aud | have no doubt
OF your election with a unsninity that VIII De
most gratifying 90 you. / would be glad II yoi
would regard this letter az confidential until !
have received your reply, for | should prefer 10
make the Erst public mention 81 10.
with the eiDceTost esteem, am, very truly
your friend, j. TAYLOR ELLis)S.'
BALTIMORE, May &, 1892.
Hon. J. Taylor EllVson, Chairman Democratic
Ixtcufire Committee:
My Deay Sir.-Owing 20 Illness IN my family /
have only Just soon your open letter IN tho Dis
PATCH, ia which you state your intention OI WIN
drawing from the ch1irmanahip OF the Demo-
cratic Executive Com nittee and are KIND enough
tOmentl0u my name In connection with the same.
Ii would DO more than premature 20 discuss
tho requirements Of an ONCE for which nave
not been placed In formal nomination. J con
only say that my experience would tcach me
that a position whose responsibilities 20 greatly
exceed ifs powers - not 70 be lightly assumed.
Whoever your successor may be the Democracy
of Virginia cannot hope from him a greater de-
yoilon 70 its interests or the achievement Of
more splendid results than those won under your
leadership.
Asking sou to pardon my apparently inexcusa-
bic but really inevitable delay in answering,
am most sincerely. BASIL b. GORDON.
Mr.. Gordon, in a private note 20 the editor,
says that the cause Of his delay I'm answering
Mr. Ellyson was the death Of his sister, Mrs. De
COuTcy ihOm.
ie was here IN response % the above letter
from Mr. EllysOn O. confer with him In reference
90 the chairmauship when be was called 10 Balu-
more by the announcement Of Mrs. Thom's III
ness.