The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-15
Communicated
BUF0RD FOR GOVERNOR.
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA PRESENTS
HIS NAME.
His Sympathies With the Farmer-His Ex-
perience as Legislator and X. IL. Mana
ger Point to Him as the Man.
To the Editor Of the Times:

To the Editor Of the Times:
Four gentle men were talking on the
cars the other lay in regard 10 the APP
preaching nominations for Governor OF
Virginia. They were all from the South
west. and from different cOuntes They
were all sensible men. who Itd done
good work for the Democratic party and
inew most intimately his history. None
of them had ever held an Office but lad
frequently been delegates to State conyen-
ventions. They represented the men who
never seek anything for themselves, but
who bear tie brunt Of the battle at their
respective precincts on election day.
They conversed at length. and decided
that the situation was about this way.
For about twenty-fOur years the office OF
Governor has never been held by any one
who lived west OF Lynchburg. and that
logically the Southwest should name the
man this time. But unfortunately the
Southwest cannot agree. Some want
observation-disclosures Tyler, some want
ex-Attorney-Ge Rufus A. Ayers and
some want Hon. r. c. Kent. 1t is now
clear that they will go into the conven-
ton divided What then? Most likely
the nomination Will so elsewhere. This
being the case. the question was raised
as To who should it be. 1t was the unau-
Of Richmond, would make Governor. of
whom the State would be proud. and upon
whom all sections of the State could
unite He was considered one OF the
strongest men in the State, and in per-
sonal equipment for the discharge Of such
honorable duties he could not be sur
passed. The question then arose as to
why his name had not been discussed by
the Richmond papers. and why his friends
did not press his claims. There can be
no possible objection to him because he
was president OF the Richmond and Dam
vile railroad for twenty years. There
was not an employe Of that rail-
road from the humbliest ditch-digger up.
that did not love him. He ran the rail-
road in a clean, fair honorable manner,
ana the farmers all along the line recog-
nized him as their most valuable friend.
Ii is a keen regret 10 this day that II
passed out of such fair and considerable
hands.
As president Of the Virginia Agricultural
and Mechanical Society. he has shown
his devotion TO Nirginias agricultural 10
terests in that useful and practical man
ner which as ever characterized him. He
is known to be charitable and philan-
thropic in keeping with lis ability TO aid
and serve his fellow men
As a member OF the Virginia Legislature
a few years ago. he easily and without
effort went TO the front as one of the
leaders Of the lower house.
As having IN charge Virginias exhibit
a Chicago. ne has shown his love and en-
thusiasm for his mother State. and day
and night has worked and Travelled TO
have her worthily represented. taking time
from his private business and money
from tis Jrivate purse.
Who IS 50 clear AMI dicH;ifcd in debate.
so courteous and Industrious in business,
so pure md upright in politics?
Where will Virginia find a better man
for Governor?
Why does not Richmo1d present his
name TO me cOnventiCr2
These questions arose In the conversa-
ton between these gentl smen. and. with
out Colorel Buford's knowledge, II was
decided 10 write 10 The Times and find
out. Outside of her own fayorite sons,
Southwestern Virginia will give him a
larger vote than any name that may be
presented.
With all Of Virginia's immense business
at stake, it is we'll to have the rich eX-
perIrnce Of such a man in the Governors
chair. Is there any reason why the po-
sition Of Governor should be the pre-
empted right Of the professional poll
ticisn? This is the peoples year, and the
men who go about the counties and cities
and advertise to meet their friends and
lay the wires 10 control conventions. are
being left. Colonel Buford has not turn
ed his hand TO get the nomination for
Governor. and neither he nor any init
mate friend Of his knows of this letters
being written. II Is a voice from the
people.
If we cannot have such a superbly-
equipped man for Governor. let us know
the reason why. SOUTHWEST.
Wytheyille, Va, Feb. T. 1893.