Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-06-08
schoaeId for the Democratic Non'''
nation.

schoaeId for the Democratic No"'
nation.
WYTHEyILLE, VA. May H. ia''
To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
The speculations that are rife concern
ing the man who would be available, both
from personal qualifications ana apiuty'
as the Democratic nominee for the ptesi,
lency In 1896, have brought the names oi
many men. brilliant and capable, anu IN
all respects personally III for the place. 70
the view of the public; but to each anu
every one from the present incumbent
down (or up, as the point or view arc
,ate0 there is an objection urged holly by
the opposing wing OF the Democracy as
TO his total unfitness on account OF ms
heterodox views upon this or that posi-
ton OF the platforms.
The two extremes Of the Democratic
party who are making all the noise ana
doing all the rowing-to wit, the ultra
"gold-bug" and the ultra silver crank -
do not represent the great mass OF con-
servative citizens who compose the great
army of Democracy in the Union. visits
TO the South. North. and West during the
past winter have confirmed me in this
view.
The real Democrat, the man who has
no ends 10 subserve but the welfare Of
the country and the maintenance OF her
dignity and prosperity, through the per-
petuation OF her dignity and prosperity
through the perpetuation of Democratic
power In our national councils, looks as
kant upon one faction as upon the other
and is asking himself which OF these Is
the least OF evils hoping ia the mean time
that some man can be found who repre-
sents them and their ideas, aud who can
By his force OF intellect and statesman
snip rehabilitate the party and lead II
back TO its seat Of power In the hearts
OF the people.
To find such a man IL no easy task.
for at present nearly every prominent
Democrat has, by alignment upon one
side or the other upon the financial ques-
ton, arrayed against himself bitter OPP
position, and incurred an enmity which
would lead to his sure defeat and the to-
tai destruction of the Democratic party.
But there are many Democrats to-day
who think that General Schofleld. OF the
United States army, comes up 10 the stan
dard. and who would be glad TO see him
the leader OF the Democratic hosts. de-
spite the statement of an orator few
days since that the era OF rule by men OF
the sword was over in the Union. The
truth and brilliancy OF the article I'M the
Washington Post recently advocating the
candidacy Of southern Democrat in
1896 is In theory unanswerable; but all
men. especially southern men familiar
with the political temper of the times.
know that such a venture at present
would lead TO absolute defeat. We of the
young Democracy are too proud Of the
past glories Of our chieftains TO let them
volunteer 10 lead the forlorn hope OF a
political Gettysburg In the attempt TO
rescue the party from the condition in
which our northern and western brethren
have placed il. "Cest magnifque. mails.
&c nest pas Ia eueTrc" was never more
applicable. The time is coming for the
southern Democrat and in the mean time
let us hope for the man who can win. ir-
respective OF profession or section. and
who will be true exponent Of Democrat
ic doctrines and principles; a man whose
record as a patriot and a statesman Is
unassailable
General Schoneld's training and ability
as an executive IL too well known to the
nation to be dwelt upon here. His high
Ideal Of the true patriot has been clearly
exemplified In his career.
To the great mass OF voters north and
south Of Mason's and Dixon's line who
wore the blue and the gray he is equally
younger generation Of the South he IL
principally recalled by the splendid states
manship, combining firmness with mode
ration, which he exhibited in the discharge
of his duties as military Governor OF
Virginia.
General Schofed brought 70 this oner-
GUS and thankless task not only the de-
termination TO execute The duties OF his
office faithfully as a soldier; but also had
in his mind the great axiom OF a Demo-
cratic statesman, 'The greatest good to
the greatest number" How well he per-
formed his dutyl. What this true ideal
of craftsmanship and patriotism brought
forth from disorder and wretchedness
every intelligent American citizen knows.
General Schoield's ability to lead the
party to victory is agreed upon by every
one who discusses IL. and his ability TO
maintain the dignity and execute faith
fully and with patriotic discretion tho
duties devolving upon the Chief Magis-