Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-08-01
THURSDAY, AUGUST l, 1890
coyorror o.rcrraIi and Mr.. Otcy.

Governor hh'
we mentioned yesterday that Governor
O'Ferrall I'm his interview with our CORE
spondent at Allegheny Springs as pup
usbed by Us on Tuesday last, male 10
suggestion looking towards dividing the
democrats into two hostile camps this
wear. BY Implication he may be san 10
have declared for preserving the integrity
NJ the Democratic party until that party
shall have reached the parting OF TIE
roads There are no congressman 10 De
siactad In virginia this year; and, conse-
ouently. as we have often argued j
would be unwise and impolitic 10 jedu
the faithful Democracy of the Old DO
niuion into a battle in 1895 which cannot
richtfuny occur before 1895. ana may
never occur. Is there any reason Why
any pood and true Democrat in this
State should place a chip on his shout
der and dare everybody TO knock IL OF!
In Yesterdays Dispatch we published
snecial from Roanoke city, which repre-
sents Major Peter J. Otey as having sent
ont not long ago large number OF cir
culars. calling for a meeting of all VINO
concur in his views as to what poncy
ought to be pursued by the Virginia Dem
ocrats. 1t is stated that he has received
I 900 answers to his circular proposing
silver convention to be held somewhere
I'm the State. and that only four of these
answers dlsapprove Of Major Otey's sug-
gestion.
We DO not propose 10 censure Major
Otev for his determination TO follow the
Bentonian example, and say, SOLITARY
and alone / set this hall in motion" HIS
own town paper the Lynchburg Advance
represents goodly number Of Democrats
loyal 10 the Democratic party, who do
not intend 10 be found fighting either
this wear or next year under the Repub-
lican monometallist flag. but who, never
theless. purpose TO exercise their right OF
deciding for themselves whether they VIII
or will not engage just now in sowing
dissension In the ranks Of the Democratic
marty. 1T is difficult" says the Ad-
vance. a paper published, as we have
stated. In Major Otey's own town, TO
understand what good end can be ac-
complished by holding silver convention
in Virginia at the present juncture." Ii
goes on to say that TO do so would be 10
give prominence TO the silver question:
and emphasize the fact that there are
serious differences Of opinion on the SUD-
feet amongst the Democrats. Inc neat
ed discussions which must characterize
State convention and follow its proceed
ings would do harm everywhere in the
State. We quote the Advance. as fol-
lows:
1T is not a wise policy from any point
of view TO inject the silver question mo
the Virginia campaign this year. III
would have the effect OF distractlng at
teutjon from the really important State
issues, which demand consideration at
the hands of the voters"
our Lynchburg contemporary reminds
all concerned, and especially Mr.. Otey,
that they are not good friends Of Major
Daniels who seek 10 induce him TO favor
a convention, which may end In doing
him harm instead of good. We quote
again;
1T Is true tndt lNclity SthANoi'"i ~
trIcts elect senators this year. who VIII
hold their seats for four years, and who
will therefore have voice in the cleo
tIon OF a United States senator to succeed
Senator Daniel But that is not even
a good reason for bringing up the silver
question In those twenty districts. For,
II is a well-known fact. that many DEM
ocrats who do not endorse Senator Dan
iers financial views, are, nevertheless,
In favor Of his reelection to the Senate.
A heated discussion of the question might
compel such men 10 withdraw their
support and vote for some candidate
whose financial views are in accord with
their own.
at cannot be denied that there are
a great many soundmoney Democrats
In Virginia. and that many of them are
at the same time the supporters Of Senator
Daniel. Why not then let well enough
alone, and avoid heated agitation, which
might drive away his supporters and
hopelessly divide the party in the State?
I'm this year OF grace let Virglnians
attend 10 their own domestic affairs and
elect to the Legislature the best men they
can find for the work required. regardless
of their views on the silver question"
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