Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-10-09
A Wound that win Never Heal.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
Nothing csuld be more painful to the
friends OF Governor OFerrail than the
step he has recently taken. His friends
were tried true, and constant. They
gave him all he ever asked, and helped
TO make him all he ~ except his
apostacy. When a member or Congress
and free-silver man he was borne WIN
patiently by those friends who dinered
with him on that question. When 10
,rroye his loyalty 20 the cause OF free
silver. he pointed with so much pride 10
his various votes In favor OF silver at
any ratio from 16 10 q. they accepted his
votes as an evidence OF his earnest en-
thusiasm In its support. Democrats did
not for reasons like these withhold their
support from him or charge him with a
purpose Of debasing the currency OF the
country. or attempt to break up the De-
mocratic party because Congressman
OFerrall was trying to restore silver to
It's former place In the currency OF the
country.
If sold-standard Democrats could then
bear with him when he so enthusiastical-
ly gave his votes in Congress for free
silver ought he not 70 show some charity
and patience when they, and the great
bulk OF the party, come TO him and 70 MS
This would seem reasonable. AZ Mr.. Cleve-
land. who. in all the years Of the past has
been standing strong and constant, HAD
found fault with us, We would not
have half so much right TO complain.
but for our friend. Governor OFerfali'
our countryman, our representative IN
Congress for ten years. our strong free
silver advocate at almost any ratio, 10
say I'm a public speech In Richmond tnai
those Of MS who support Mr.. Bryan have
been seduced from the faith and are
wandering IN the wilderness Of Popu-
ism" comes with mighty poor grace
/ Governor O'Ferrall is very much Ike
other men: when he does a foolish act he
il likely TO say great many Iooiish
| things. To read the wild rawlings OF the
| Governor at the Palmer and Buckner
ratification In Richmond, we might con-
clude that all the severe criticisms Oh
himself that have since then been made
I had been made previous 10 that time
and that he was bravely defending
himself against them. The truth is he
became a bolter in the eyes Of the De
mocratlc party when he announced before
/ the Palmer and Buckner ratification
meeting that he would not support Mr.
/ BRYAN He said i'm the Palmer and
| Buckner ratification meeting held II
Richmond September "a. 1896. that up &c
| that time "he was seriously considering
what to do, but finally reached the con
| cluslon after more serious thought. not
TO support tho Chicago platform. &C.,
Thus il seems the balance stood very
evenly poised. IL took time and seriou.
thought 10 know just on which side
to go. Now. IL that was true. and WI
take It as true. for he said so himself
and certainly he ought to know his OWL
mind; then a little modesty and little
moderation would become him in dealing
with his wandering brethren" who are
supporting Mr.. Bryan and the Chicago
platform. The Governor parts with his
| old friends with much regret. and hopes
10 see them soon return and unite with
him in fighting together, as In the past
for real Democratic supremacy" JUS
here we will say. for the benefit or the
! Governor. that II he expects ever Il
| realize his hopes he Will have TO come
10 US: that II the Democratic party Is 4
survive. II will survive as now organized
and led by William j. Bryan, and sub
stantially on the Chicago platform, an'
supported by millions OF voters To init
mate that this organization and this ARM
NJ freemen will ever tack themselves 4
n little squad OF boilers and assistan
Republicans Is too ridiculous to be seri
! ouslv considered. The Governor may no
he pleased with all who are supporting
Mr. BRYAN. but ali were not saints
politically or morally. who gave IN
covernor earnest support In his variou
sa,nnaiens. ROCKINGHAM