Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-08-17
THURSDAY. AUGUST IL, 1893.
The Democratic Convention.

The advancement of the monetary af-
fairs of the country will doubtless operate
20 reduce the attendance upon the con-
vention which meets to-day. but 1t will
still be very large body, and its proceed
ings will be rather magnifed than d.
minlshed in interest by the condition of
affairs which keeps numbers of its men,
bers OF home.
No State Convention, we imagine, over
met in Virginia under similar circum-
stances. Probably never before was there
so small an amount of currency In sight
never before were men with ample bank
accounts found stripped Of pocket-change
evenl We have passed through shin
plaster eras. days of Confederate cur
rency (when it required $500 to buy pair
of boots), and the post-bellum period,
when a dollar in gold would buy two dol
lars in greenbacks but such moneyless
times as these are quite unique.
So we need not wonder if some of the
more distant counties in this State should
be found TO have rather small delegations
in the convention. Currency is very
scarce here in Richmond, but it is scarcer
Sill III tno COuutIy, uLu iAiduS vi NhN WD+N-
gates who are with US to-day have made
sacrifices to perform their representative
duty, while others equally patriotic. but
less successful as fnanciers. could not ar
range 10 come as they wished to do.
Richmond welcomes the members and
hopes that their stay here may be pleas
ant, and that the work TO be done by
them shall be so wisely done as to reflect
credit upon them and be promotive of the
hest interests of the country. To this end
elaboration is necessary. II will not do to
rsd through the work. Especially must
o committees have time. The Commit
.o on Resolutions will have q perplexing
SIX imposed upon them, and are fated 10
hear many diverse propositions. and will
then be expected to put the convention on
exactly the right track. As to what Is the
right track-as to what is the best course
to pursue-there is some difference OF
opinion. Democratic congressman, who
nave long studied the currency question,
differ widely. and it is to be expected that
our delegates will differ widely, too. Our
Committee on Resolutions will doubtless
have to sit hours and hours before their
opinion can be focused into a report
ready for the action of tho convention.
Heaven grant them patience and wisdom.
The Democrats of Richmond have been
NJ me pains to provide a suitable con-
ycntion hail and we trust that their eff
iolts may prove successful. As soon as
ne convention is organized it becomes
the master of the situation and can order
any change in hall arrangements which 1t
deems proper. This it should not and
we suppose will not hesitate TO do.
Chairman GORDON is so unwell that he
will be unable to attend the sessions of
the convention. and our State Committee
at it's meeting last night designated Mr..
ELLYsoN to act in his stead and to call
the convention to order. The committee
chose MIR. BEVERLEY b. MUSFoRD, of Rich
mond. TO act as temporary chairman of
the convention-an honor we'll bestowed.
conveying a compliment to an industrious
and able party man and TO this city as
well.
The prevailing disposition, we think, is
10 go into ballotting for Governor to-
night, as it is generally believed that the
Committee on Credentials will be easily
able TO report III time to allow this ar
rangement to be made. Meanwhile the
Committee on Resolutions may. If they
choose proceed with their work. Several
drafts Of platforms, or of resolutions par
ticularly defining the position of the party
on important questions, have been pre-
pared, and though there are marked diff
ferences of opinion as to what expression
1 a.
of the hour, free debate and deliberate
consideration of the points involved. we
doubt not. will result in action which the
convention and the people will readily APP
prove.
The convention meets at IL o'clock NJ.
We think that it means to be prompt and
industrious in its work. but mot has,y.
We expect animated discussions and har-
monious conclusions and q pathway made
straight to victory.