The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-01-06

Inc Nlrglnian. last week in reply 10 2
query OF the Richmond State. gave ex-
| preston TO its opinion on the recent sena-
torIal investigation, which Investigation il
considered developed the fact that a
| railroad pre- ,iminary fund was a feat
ure OF the last campaign: that said fund
was handled outside Of the Democratic
party management and distributed by
Iaiifoad agents in various legislative dis
tlcts or the State-an innovation so IN
usual, so remarkable, so menacfng 10
the Virginia Democracy, its party organi-
cation and honest and unbridled legisla-
ton, that Democrats throughout the State
We're thinking. that they would continue TO
think and that the result Of the thinking
VIII be TO the benefit Of the party and the
best interests of the State.
The State i'm reply. saws IL has talked
me matter over with Hon. j. TAYLOR
Ellyson. Chairman Of the State Demo
cratic Committee and with Mr.. J. : T.
thompson, the railroad man who collect
eu ana distributed a part OF the railroad
luhd' ana If these gentlemen are worthy
OF beilet the money was fairly and hon
estly employed solely in the interests of
the Democratic party, without reference
10 the particular interests Of any senato-
rial candidate. and without anv burmese
Whatever on the part OF the railroad au-
thorities or their representatives 10 con-
trol the Legislature or TO place any, If
It's members under obligations to the rail-
roads.
The Nirginian has not and IS not deal.
ing with the opinion of Mr. Ellvson ar
MT. thompson They are entitled TO their
oplhloh' and the Nirginian has a very
hlsh respect for the same What they
say however, as quoted by the State.
does not bear whatever upon the protest
OF the Nirginian against an innovation OF
laiIodds, corporations, or individuals
raising preliminary funds" to distribute
ulIect' outside OF the legitimate manage
heht OF the Democratic party, and vet
apparently under the protecting influence
Of the party organization. The State it,
sell says that It thinks that il was
wrong IN principle, and dangerous pre-
cedent Tor the railroads to have dis |
ulouted money direct and not through |
the regular channels OF the party organ |
izauon expressing the opinion, however. |
mat II does not believe that the money |
was In this instance. distributed with |
any improper motive"
Inc state expresses itself as "tired even |
TO great WEAKNESS Of the continuous at
lacks upon the Democratic party from
the very bosom Of it's organization" II
Is difficult to understand what the State
means by this. Where has the Demo
cratic party been attacked, and by whom
within It's bosom? Does il mean that the
state committee has been attacked The
has seen no attack upon the
committee. save. indeed. the declared lack
IF confidence In the committee as 10 the
distribution Of contributed funds by Mr.
Glasgow. the representative and distribut-
ne agent Of the Norfolk and Western
railroad. who in reply TO the question
u Mr. Mushbach as 10 why that railroad
I'D not allow the money contributed by
hat road To be disbursed through the
lands OF Mr. EllysOn, chairman OF the
state Democratic committee. said: The
'ilcial OF the road giving the money said
nat ne heard OF some suspicious on the
'art OF friends OF certain senatorial can
hdates that the State committee might
lot do what was desired in the matter"
me state Committee however. Is not
ne Democratic party. Does II mean by
ne DemGratic party the present General
'ssemDly OF Virginia or the senatorial |
stigating Committee? Surely these
odies do not constitute the Democratic
arty. What does the State mean? Would
seek 10 prohibit earnest. patriotic.
onest. indignant utterances upon the part
the Democratic press OF Virginia. and
pom the part Of thousands OF Democrats
'lthin the Commonwealth against the
-"+ - N"'AtaNipu pI llt views and sem
ment Of constituents by their represen-
NlVes! Against the violation or in
ructions on the part OF representatives,
gainst such grievous Innovations as the ,
stilDutlon of money in legislative dis
lets by railroad corporations or others
galnst frauds in the primary elections
the party? Against bossism. ring rule
ID many other abuses. which. unless ,
rrected' VIII bring disaster upon that ,
and party. whose existence is the per
'tuation and safety of cur republican
rm OF government.
surely the State cannot be tired unto
eaflness against attacks on these abuses.
"a IL Is against only these wrongs that !
e Nh'ginian has protested. against :
men an honest and independent press :
ust protest and against which the great | !
asses OF the Democracy Of Virginia are :
and this is the correct way J
man.
1