Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-02-20
we are relegated 70 wander in empty fields
a L.. 4 1,


we must manfully confront the fact thar
we are rclegatcd 10 wander in empty fields
for another decadeY" DC. If political
association in the same district with the
Valley was so distasteful 20 you, why
should YOU now appeal so earnestly to tho
Valley for support Whv should You want
10 represent a district whose parts are so
heterogeneous IN your opinion; for with
your IDEAS you could not represent one
without misrepresenting the other?
But | protest against this drawing OF
sectional lines in the district. protest
in the interest OF harmony in the party.
and in the interest OF both sections. and
especially the East, for she ~ the weaker
section.
A Democrat is a Democrat whether he
lives in Albcmarle or Rockingham. IN
Madison or Frederick. or any other county
OF the district his fidelity is not depend
ent upon county lines. A true Virginian
IS true Virginlan, whether he lives in the
Piedmont or Valley section; his loyalty is
not affected by the dividing SUBMITS of
the Blue Ridge.
DIsPABAGEMTNT OF COUNTIES.
Again. in various instances you have in
your writings spoken disparag ingly of
Rockingham and Page as Republican
counties, and Shenandoah as nearly so,
when each one of them is now represented
But suppose Rockingham and Page are
Republican counties, and Shenandoah
nearly so, the 5000 Democratic votes IN
Rockingham, for instance, count almost
a. much in the result as the $500 Demo-
cratic votes IN Albemarie. Counties do
not vote in an electoral college, but their
strength is represented by Their popular
vote.
No truer Democrats live than the Demo-
y of they
much 20 contend with and powerful Re
publican influences TO cont bat. vet they
have stood like Spartans 20 their faith.
Rockingham Is the home Of ex-Cnited
States Senator John +. Lewis, Judge John
Paul. Hon. Warren ). Lurty, ex-Unlted
States District Attorney ID. ohetfey Lewis.
General John t. Roller, and ex-State Sena-
tor John Acker. and many lesser Republic
can lights.
SEEKING a CANDIDATE.
Again. IN numerous instances you have
used this language: have urged that
some one Of our political veterans should
declare himself candidate for Congress
in behalf Of our county. and call rally OF
the Democracy Of Albemarle: but all of
them have declined"
Well, General. are not these veterans as
much interested IN the welfare and glory
of Albemarle as you areI Have they not
known her longer and served her better
than you | should think you would make
this concession.
Then II they decline TO oppose me why
DO YOU feel it in4lmbent upon you 10 do
sOY is u not really solely because you
want to come TO Congress and not because
your attachment for the old county has
become so intense IN the brief period you
have lived IN her borders!
CONCLUSION.
have now not only replied TO your open
letter. but to other statements and eX-
pressiOns of yours IN taking steps in the
direction Of your candidacy some weeks
before that letter was written. In con-
clueiOn. let me say that | recognize your
night 10 be q candid 90. The Office does
not belong 10 me-it longs TO no man.
Ii belongs TO the people OF the district,
and If they believe their interests can be
better subseryed by you than 10y me It Is
their duty 10 select you and relegate Inc to
the shades Of private life.
But ] am sure they VIII not make a
change for the mere sake Of change nor
simply to crafty your ambition. however
laudable, IN the face of your endorsement
of me as representative. and forgetting
that experience brings efficiency.
But your endorsement, while ! again
thank YOU for IL, was not necessary with
the Democrats of the Seventh District.
They know whether / have been loyal TO
Virginia at all tunes and adhered To her
fortunes in shadow 6s well as sunshine. IN
adversely as well as prosperity, and never
seeking other fields. however bright or
promising: whether / have been true 10
the principles Of Democracy and earnest IN
party work and faithful to the hign trust
thew have reposed III me. They know
whether | have been devoted TO the inter-
ests Of my people and have denounced
and voted against mOnopolies, trusts, ana
combinations and everything tendlng 10
depress agriculture and cripple labor and
TO enrich the few ct the expense OF the
many. They know whether ! have de-
Tended Virginia and the South against the
malicious assaults of Republican partis9ns
on the door of Congress, and whether,
while avoiding acrlmony, cultlv6tlng con-
versatiOn, and seeking peace, have never
allowed my people TO be traduced or as
sailed without resentment.
NV record Il before them, they know It,
aud am willing for them 20 pass upon II.
The old soldiers. too, of the district, 10
whom YOU appeal for support. will do me
Justice: for while / did not have a military
education as you had, was not as old as
| you were. did not enter the army with a
| commission IN my pocket as you dld, nor
enjoy your influential surroundings. nor
| secure the general wreath like you, they
| know whether / did my duty.
To my many friends in every county IN
| the district who have never lowered my
flag IN the face Of any foe, shall return
my most sincere thanks and as they know
/ that never neglect my pubhc duties TO
promote my personal interests. and that
| NV engagements rs chairman OF the Com
mIttee on Elections ana the business OF
| the people Will confne me here and pre-
vent me from visiting the counties of the
| district. east or west, while You are leisure
| ly making your canvass for the nomina-
! ton, shall appeal TO them TO take care OF
my interests. and / think they will meet
you and your friends with uphfted visors
| on every field.
Yours very respectfully,
CHARLES /. O'FERRALL.