The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-08-06
THE STATE CHAIRMAN.
NON. H<sTl GORDON REFUSES TO
sxRyg xNorHER TERM,
And Has written = Letter to That E"se''
The Richmond Delegation Tor Attorney
o.p.rat scoss-PoIiticsl Notes.

Future elections In Richmond are al
WAYS matters OF earnest interest, and ln-
less surrounded by circumstances or
peculiar nature they are soon forgotten
as past events. The primary held in this
city Friday has proven rare exception
10 this rule. and the incidents and re-
suits Of that contest were an all-absorbing
subject OF conversation on the streets. in
hotels, clubs and cafes yesterday.
The friends OF Colonel Buford were
sanguIne Of larger vote than he re-
celyed. and suffered considerable disap-
p0iutmeut when the returns came IN.
At a late meeting Of O'Ferrall workers.
a few days previous to the election, the
probable number Of delegates for that
gentleman was placed at foriy-two. lie
received forty-Gve. and az a consequence
that side was correspondi1gly jubiiant.
The impression which seemed to prevail
on the day Of election that the vote was
very small IN comparison with previous
primaries s. not well borne out by the
figures. Il was frequently remarked that
the vote pOlled was not more than one
half of the usual number. whereas the
ballot really fell bat little short OF the
4
pal primary OF the spring OF 1882. when
unusual interest was demonstrated, was
St62. but az the primary Of last summer
10 elect delegates 20 the Presidential Con-
veutiCn only 5.iSf ballots were cast Thus
A. is shown that the vote OF 5,oA poied
Friday was creditable 20 the activity OF
the workers for the respective candidates
The vote az two precincts was remarka-
bly, close, and few ballots either way
would have materially changed the re-
suit change Of four votes AT FIRST
Clay would have given the seven dele
gates there received by Brford to OFer-
rail.
The friends Of Colonel OFerrall nov
feel COMPLIANT Of his election on the first
ballot. and they proclaim that as GER
tainty whenever challenged by Buford or
Tyler men.
Very few prophecies are volunteered
concerning the second place on the ticket,
but IT is admitted that should Colonel
O'Ferrall be nominated that Mayor }.
Taylor Ellyson. OF this city, and II. 9.
Kent. OF WythcWille. Will be the most
available candidates.
should either Of the other gentlemen be
selected for Governor the geographical
considerations would effect at least one
of these gentlemen in either case.
The AttOrney-G eneralshp is much dis
cussed. and each Of the candidates have
strong friends IN the capital city, but a
careful canvass OF the delegates elected
Friday demonstrates that the able and
arduous services Of Hon. II. Taylor Scott
are appreciated I'm Richmond.
The l0l delegates from this city were
seen yesterday as far as absenteeism and
other causes would permit. out Of ninety
four personally interviewed ninety-two are
for Scott and two for Little. prominent
lawyer OF the city. when the result OF
this canvass was made known to him,
said This Is but a just tribute 70 one
who has sngle-handed and alone, with
ability and untiring zeal, for four years
successfully upheld the rights and dignity
OF the Commonwealth"
Some days ago Mr.. J. S. Barbour
Thompson and other gentlemen of this
city wrote Hon. Basil Gordon. chairman
OF the state central Democratic COM
mittee. expressing the desire that he re-
main az the leader OF the party in Nir-
ginia. Yesterday a reply was received as
follows.
Hon. Basil Gordon Resigns.
Messrs. Barbour Thompson and others:
Gentlemen:-I am In receipt Of your
letter referring TO my continuance IN the
Office of chairman of the Democratic Ex-
ecutlve and State Central Committees.
] appreciate your kindness, and believe
you are correct IN saying that there
would be no opposition If my name were
presented.
Unfortunately the long continued and
enforced neglect Of my private affairs
Jenders 81 impossible for me TO accept
position whose duties demand urlivided
attention. Hoping for a change in the
financial situation, / have postponed this
decision until justice to my successor de-
mands SIS publication. The party which
has twice honored me with fits leadership
numbers among It's ranks many whose
experience is as great. and whose nat.
ural fitness far exceeds my own. Its
success Is certain in the coming contest,
whoever may be entrusted with its or
ganization
For me 81 remains only TO express my
sincere regret at the necessity OF nv
Withdrawal and to tender 10 my many
friends and fellow-workers throughout
the State heartfelt thanks for the CO.
operation which lightened the labors OF
The past campaigns and made victory
inevitable. Very respectfully
BASIL GORDON.
August ;, 1893