The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-10-27

voice OF the battle-scarred court-green
harangucr as he lifts up his eyes toward
the far off heavens and pleads for party
regularity. and there Is something mex
prcsssbly touching about the beardless
boy orators about 10 cast their first
presidential votes, who are dramatically
cracking tho party lash and clamoring
with all the vigor Of their lusty lungs for
regularity in party procedure.
Let us look for moment upon the
record of the present silver movement
I'm Virginia. and see just what party re-
sularity has been observed in II.
In the first place. last spring in every
city and county men were busy arrang-
ing Tor the selection Of delegates 10 the
stanton Convention. Were these men
the regular members OF the State Com
mittee? In some instances they were.
but that was the exception. the regularity
consisted IN their being Identified with
committee. OF which Major Peter ). Otey
was the moving spirit. and which had for
It's sole object the selection OF silver ad-
yocatcs.
Then stanton was reached. and many
lifelong Democrats staIked through the
streets I'm the vain search for Democratic
Headquarters. Across the balcony OF the
hotel was stretched an enormous banner
inscribed "Silver Headquarters, ana ina
Democrat who sought a conference with
party leaders was at once assured that
the curbstone across the street was the
only roostng place for him, for regu-
larlty was silver, and only silver was
tolerated.
Then from cat the "silver headquar-
terso came a shower OF cards bearing the
name Of Major Peter J. Otey, informing
the ASSEMBLING delegates that none but
silver men should be put on the State
Committee and the committees OF tn"
convention. Years Of Democratic party
service was set at naught. Time and toll
and devotion to Democratic principles
were no credentials there. for party rogu-
larity was silver now, and regularity must
be preserved.
Then came the Second District with the
audacity to say that her two delegates
represented people opposed to silver.
and then the gem Of regularity glittereG
upon the brow Of the convention. The
INIT rule. Of course, why not? Had the
Second District not sinned past all for
giveness? The traditions OF the party
were as naught. The inyiolate usage In
virginia had but Jew defenders, for regu-
laritv was silver now. and nothing must
interpose to disturb this regularity, and
the unit rule was passed.
The talented Congressman from the
Fifth District. whose love of regularity
had not accomplished his own selection
even as a delegate TO this convention.
proclaimed from the platform as he urged
the unit rule to its adoption, that the
Second district only nominated her two
Delegates. and the convention was re-
oured to confirm them.
Then came Chicago with contest from
Michigan, where the district named sill
YER delegates. and their State convention
refused to confirm and named gold dele
gates in their stead and here consistency
gave way to this marvellous hunger for
regularity. and the Virginia delegation
voted wrong in Michigan what was right
voted that TO be wrong in Michigan
which was right in Staunton. for the pa
triotic purpose Of being regular. for regu-
larity was silver then, and party regu-
larity must be maintained.
on. blessed. beautiful regularity what
crimes have been committed in thy name.
And the first and second Childhood o.
political demagogy are calling upon thee
to-day from the Populistic stump TO blind
the eyes of an impressionable people.