Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-05-20
THE BODY CALLED TO ORDER.
Mr. Enyson Opens the Session with G
Short Speech-Tribute to Harbour.


The hands of the clock pointed to
12:45 when State-ChaIrman Ellyson
came forward upon the platform and
called tine meeting to order with yigor-
ous rap OF the gavel. He said
AS come into your presence to-day
am oppressed with a sense OF loss for
which | can find no fitting expression,
for am reminded that l stand in that
place which in all of our conventions for
nearly decade another was accustomed
TO occupy, whose presence Will no longer
greet our eyes. and whose voice has
been forever silenced by the relentless
hand Of death. realize this morning
az never did before what was meant TO
the Democracy Of Virginia when the
electric wire carried to every hamlet IN
this Commonwealth the tidings that John
:. Barbour was no moro. Mr.. Bar
hour during long and eyentful public
career was ever a faithful representative
Of mis- people, and more than any other
one man the sagaciOus, trusted, and sue
cessful leader of his party. 1t was my
privilege during several OF our most
eventful campaigns 20 have enjoyed close
political relations with that distinguished
Virginian. and whatever differences OF
opinion may have existed among TIE
rank and file Of bis party as TO his merits
as a leader those who enjoyed intimate
relations with him knew that the Demo
Gratis of this Commonwealth never had
n more faithful, a wiser. or a more self
facrifcing leader than John 5. Barbour.
His memory will always be cherished as
that of Virginlan whom his State loved
TO honor, and who was in every position
Of public trust always "in action faith
ful and il honor true.
An IMPORTANT Trust.
You have assembled to-day, my fellow
citizens. 10 discharge an important trust
committed to you by the people. ! am
sure that you have come together with n
full appreciation of the importance OF
this occasion with just sense Of the
difficulties that confront US, and with an
earnest appreciation OF the grave respon-
sibility that devolyes upon youas the rep
resentatiyes Of the Democratic party in
this Commonwealth. / believe that you
will enter upon your work animated
by common desire 10 do that
which shall best promote the high
est interests of the people OF this
state. / trust that whatever differences
NAV have divided rs in our choice oil
delegates to this convention that when
we crossed the Threshold OF this hall
al factional feeling was put behind us.
and that we are here this morning AMI
mated 10y a wish not merely to honor
ourselves by the display of wisdom in
our deliberations, bur, what is far more
important, 10 manifest III our actions
that lofty patriotism which ignores sell
in the desire to promote the highest IN
terests of the Commonwealth and the
best interests Of the Union. Applause.
THE CHAIRMAssHIP.
Three years ago in this very hau you
elected as chairman OF your State Com
mittee Hon. Basil Il. Gordon, who.
after one of the most brilliantly success
full campaigns IN the history OF the De-
mocratic party of this State, was en-
forced by reason of ill-health to retire
from the position to which he had been
called bv your unanimous choice. The
State Committee did me the honor to
elect me as his successor. / lave always
thought that ii would be my
duty TO retire whenever Mr..
Gordon was able to resume
the duties of the chsirmsnship, and
have so informed him. l have regarded
the leadership of the Democratic party
Of this State as the highest honor that
could be conferred upon any Nirginian.
/ assumed the duties OF the position with
full appreciation OF its responsibilities
and cares. | have discharged its duties
for the past two years to the very
best of my ability. l have realized
in that service many OF my highest
measures. for | was taught to believe
that next to feality 10 my God and my
family my highest obligation was to the
State that gave me birth , and believing
as have always done, that the DONNA
ton OF Democratic principles wouio
bring to my people the highest measure
, of happiness and prosperity L have
sought 10 the very DtSt VI ny "'h'.. ~
do what | could to promote the welfare
of that party which is so dear to the
heart of every member of this conven
tion. and whatever may be my position
in the future, whether as one OF the
leaders Of your army or as private IL
your ranks, / promise you that no maj
in all the State shall surpsss me IN m,
devotion 10 the cause or IN my readiness
to work increasingly for the perpetuatioI
of the principles OF the Democrati'
party. Great applause.
MIR. Ellyson, in conclusion, named the
temporary officers as designated by thu
State Committee at their meeting Wed
nesday night. These were Hon. Johl
Il. Ryan. of Loudoun. chairman Dr
James Il. Fisher, secretary, and Thoma
Killingham, Of Augusta, sergesnt-at
arms.
Mr. Ryan Assumssshe Chair
Mr.. RYAN. Who vAs racoanizad b'