The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-05-05
THE STATE CHAIRMAN.
MR. ELLISON DESIRES TO wITHD8Aw
And 1t 10 Probable that Basil Gordon Will be
Elected by the Conventional
Letter tho Subject.

The Culpeper Exponent published the fol.
lowing extract a few days ago:
The rumor is that Chairman Ellyson is to
resign and Basil Gordon. our present State
senator. IS to be chosen in his place. There
is no danger in this appointment. Mr.. Cor
don has level head and clear record. IT'S
man Of this kind who should be put at the
helm
called on Hon. j. Taylor Ellyson yester-
day and showed him the clipping. He was
busy at the time making preparations to leave
this morning for Atlanta, where ne goes to
attend the Baptist Convention.
Reading the article carefully Mayor Ellyson
stated that he had recently been IN CORE
spondence with Hon. Basil b. Gordon. and
that ne had no Ob ection 10 giving The TIMES
copy OF the letter which he wrote 10 Mr.
Gordon on the 18th OF April. and to the pub
LEGATION of which Mr.. Gordon does not object,
but 20 which as yet he had received 40 for
hear from Mr.. Gordon IN 4 day OF two.
The following Is copy OF the letter
"ApRIL 10, 1892.
Hon Basil b. Gordon
MY Dear Sir.-When you were CON-
PEELED by reason of Ill health TO resign the
position OF chairman OF the Democratic
state committee and | was elected az your
successor | entered upon the work with
the expectation that / would retain the
position only so long as the condition Of
your health prevented you from the
active discharge of the duties of the
cnairmanshIp. ! have always felt that
when your health was restored you should
again resume the position to which
you were unanimously called by the conven-
a A. al
tive committee 1t was my privilege TO know
something OF your fidelity to duty. even
under the most painful physical conditions,
and the success that crowned your efforts
confirmed the most ardent expectations OF
your friends as 10 your possession of eminent
qualifications for leadership in our party
ranks. / shall always gratefully remember
the cheerful and cordial support you nave
rendered me as chairman or the state
committee. and | shall endeayOr, when
you resume your duties, TO be as loyal
10 you IS YOU have ever been KIND
TO me. The convention meets in the city on
the 18th OF May and ! have thought It
proper 10 give YOU 10 advance this expression
Of my views. / will most cordially support
your nomination for the chairmanshlp. and
have no doubt of your election with una
nmIty that will be Most gratifying 10 YOU
would be glad If you would regard this letter
as confidential until have received your re-
ply Abl NARuiu iAc4ct ~ lAAhhp VIC hAoh fNtS-
lie mention of II.
With the sincerest esteem. | am. very
truly your friend. j. TAYLOR ELLYsoN.'
HIS STATEMENT.
While talking with me on the subject Mr..
Ellyson said that his letter contained his
frank and explicit statement rs TO
how he telt IN regard TO the chair
manship. Mr.. Gordon had been called 10
the chairmanshlp by the unanimous voice
OF the convention or 1889 be had served
the party faithfully and well. he had been
forced by reason OF i'll health to resign.
ms health was now restored. and it seemed
g. him that every consideration OF justice
aud right makes IL proper that Mr.. Gordon
should again be made chpirman. II may not
be improper for me TO add that during my
service rs chairman have enjoyed TO the
fullest extent the cordial cooperation OF all
the party leaders. and that in retiring from
the position hope / may feel that | have the
esteem and confidence If the Democratic
people OF the Commonwealth.