Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-06-30
Tho Present Campaign In Virginia.
fNorfolk landmark

The old Commonwealth Is trying to get
back to her ancient mooring. For many
Years, almost half n century, she has been
burdened with debt and harassed by
political misfortunes to the point OF despe-
ration IN one shape or another. She became
more involved by every succeeding ad-
minstration. We do not mean that there
were not always some of her sons who
were endeayoring TO defend her. and who
would not wifully make use of any public
position for dishonest purposes. but some-
how or other. up To within the last few
years, the end of each administration
found Virginia in less favorable shape
than when il began. At last the old ship
has gotten INTO what promises 10 be safe
harbor, provided she keeps safe crew.
The election this fall will be one OF ex-
traordlnary interest and importance. and
the people should reflect upon il seriously.
They should begin to think now and not
lose sight of their responsibility TO them-
selves and TO each other until they have
selected representatives who are honest
and able to take part in the next General
Assembly. First, there Is Governor to
select, Lieutenant Governor. and an
Acknowledgement. These are to be chosen
by direct vote of the people after a nomi-
nation made August 18th next. With them
are 10 be chosen the entire membership of
the HOUSE Ol ltltkhlfS dBl Oilp hulA W bhc
members of the Senate. In turn, the Gen.
eral Assembly has imposed upon 1t the
duty. by the Constitution. of selecting the
entire membership of the Court of Ap-
peals. These judges are to serve for
twelve wears. Their influence and power
over the interests of the Commonwealth
will be incalculable. In addition TO these.
are To be chosen the men who compose the
subordinate judiciary of the State. the
4 -. 81 ho inf IEYppnf IN
fill vacancies county judges are not to be
elected this year. Nor are all OF the corpo-
ration Judges to be elected this year.
Briefly. the judicial fortunes of the
people will be in the hands of this General
Assembly, and there will be many con-
testants OF high and low degree foc the
places. There will be chosen also a
Treasurer. an Auditor, Secretary or the
Commonwealth, a State Superintendent
of Public Instruction, and other less i'm
portant officers. There never was an
election in Virginia of more importance to
the people than this one. and how vital 1t
is therefore, that the very best men who
can be found in each community. should
be sent to Richmond to perform the great
public duty of forming q State executive
and judicial government. Further than
this. but of not inferior Importance, comes
| the duty OF choosing senator W IopIc-
sent the State in Federal legislation.
There are several candidates already in
the field for this high position. IL will DO
incumbent upon the Legislature TO choose
a man not for the abundance of his self
the seeking. not for his personal traits, MS
popularity, his smartness, nor for any OF
minor qualities which may recommend
him to this member or TO that; not for his
political pull. nor for his supposed iniiu-
ence in given directions not for the
promises he may make to advance the In
| terest of office-seekers. but for high
character, steady butiness sense, ability.
| thorough acquaintance with the needs of
| the Commonwealth, and proven devotion
| to her interests.
The next General Assembly must not be
| a kindergarten; 1T should be a body OF
mature and experienced Virginians. having
| for their chief purpose the welfare and
honor of their State, the safety of her in
stitutions, with her material and intel
| lectual progress. They should have no
selfish ends 10 serve except those which
are achieved through the common good.
| Their only favoritism should be that
which springs from knowledge OF the
value and integrity of men. The only re-
ward they seek should be the advance
ment of all the interests OF the Common
| wealth and the increasing glory OF her
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