Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-01-26
SAYS IT WASN'T TRUE
Colonel Lambs Genial Of a Statement
Credited TO Mr.. Allan.
He Analyses the Letter of the State
Chairman to show That He Prac-
ms to Combinations.

published in Friday mornings Dispatch,
in connection with the exclusive report of
the Republican meeting held al the coun-
~ courthouse the night before. and at
which Colonel Lamb made a speech in
dica,dng how Mr.. Allan might be deposed
as city chairman for Richmond, Mr.. AL
Ian gave the substance of some rather
pointed correspondence that had passed
between him and the State chairman
and added that later on he might give QUIZ
these letters. Since then there has been
a good deal in the papers about the dill
ferences between Colonel Lamb and Mr..
Allan. and late last night the latter gem
tleman consented to allow the correspond
ence to be published.
COLONEL LANES LETTER.
The letter Of Colonel Lamb is as fol-
lows:
Norfolk, Va. December %, 1895.
General Edgar Allan. Washington, ID. c.:
Dear sir.-A friend has sent me the
following item. published in Virginia
newspaper:
washington correspondent Of the
Alexandria Gazette: General Edgar Al
Ian, Of Richmond, talking to-day about
Colonel Lambs assertion that the two
honors recently conferred upon him by
the Virginia State Committee had come
TO him unsougnt said il was a we'll
known fact that the Colonel had solicited
for each Of them with an urgency that
was most unseemly; that he obtained them
-. D. Of Huf
Qamb) had previously objected to-that
of turning out committeeman opposed TO
Lamb and putting in others in favor Of
him. and that he only succeeded by a
combine with the late General Mahone's
most inveterate enemies in mis- own
party"
The above statements are absolutely
false, but / have the charity to believe.
on account Of the kind personal relations
which have existed between US. thal yot
have been msed by misrepresentation
URGED TO TAKE BOTH.
Immediately after the death of General
Malone, leading Republicans from DIFF
ferert parts Of Virginia wrote TO me
asking me If l would accept the position
made vacant by his dntimely death
wrote, positively declining the great re
sponsibility involved principally on ac-
count of my health and large bushes
interests, which lerL me little time fOl
leisure or recreation. After | had writ
ten the replies [ was invited North by
some distinguished Republican leaders.
and was entertained at a banquet. They
then informed me that our great leader
General Malone. had indicated to them
that when he retired he desired me 70
take his place, and they requested me,
fa q
by General Malone, and they would as
sist me in every possible way TO place
Virginia in the Republican column. I told
them that it would be at great sacrifice
OF time, money, and personal comfort but
that l did not feel that l had a right
TO refuse TO accept this offer to redeem
my native State from the misrule Of
Democracy.
/ came home and wrote to friends these
facts, and that / did not care 10 accept
the positions from the State Committee.
as il might be considered n put-up job,
but | would wait until they were Ten
dered unanimously by a Republican State
Convention. However. my friends insisted
my accepting. stating that it was the
almost unanimous wish Of the party,
and / consented.
Before the meeting I'm Petersburg l
had the assurances in writing and by
verbal messages from a majority OF the
committee that they were in favor of
my holding both positions. IL was my
first intention not TO so 10 Petersburg,
but upon the earnest request of mem
bers of the committee from the Ninth
District, and some distinguished Repubn-
cans not members of the committee, 1
went there.
HE CHARGES INTRIGUE.
After arriving there and before the
committee assembled, / found that
through intrigue and influences still I'M
known 10 me. that members of the COM
mttee who had voluntarily picdgcd them
selves TO give me their support, had
changed and were meeting in caucus
with those who went so far as TO say
that / should have ne'the~ pace.
Some Of my friends became so alarmed
on the eve OF the meeting Of the COM
mittee that they came 20 me and sug-
gested that ] had better reuse TO al
low my name as candidate but for one
place. ! told them that not through any
wish of mine, but through their per-
suation. ! was there and that having
gone into the fight 1 should
"As victor exult CT in death be laid low.
With my back 20 the field AMI my face
TO the foe"
I then went into the committee, took
charge OF the contest. ana during the
recess COR the Committee on Credentials
10 ac' made combinations vi ich utterly
DESTROYED the intrlgues against me; and
when the fignt yCu led came on your
forces Were whipped, demoralized. and
routed and you were so speech ess with
surprise that If you desired l. you neither
made a nomination against me or voted
against my election by reclamation
HE WROTE THE PLAN.
I wrote the present plan of organization
of our marty and l understand the use
OF the English language, and what 1
intended 10 express I'm every article OF
that plan. and the decisions of the COM
mittee as to contested seats were in ac-
cordance with the law, and advised by
me regardless Of the opinions OF the
contestants and contestees, none of whom
were for me when my positive decision
was announced.
| have gone into this fight against the
Democracy 10 win, and ] do not intend
TO leave any enemies in my rear; and
/ propose. as chairman Of the party in
Virginia. 70 call a public meeting Of the
Republicans in the city of Richmond,
where you are our party chairman. and
have these grOundless charges OF yours
by distinguished witnesses
from different parts Of Virginia, and
now ask you TO indicate the earliest
day. after the Christmas holidays. when
YOU can meet me at this meeting in
Richmond?
A prompt reply to this letter Is So
licited. Your sincerely
WILLIAM LAMB.
THE REPLY OF MIR. ALLAN.
Mr.. Allan did not have a complete copy
Of his letter TO the State Chairman. but
referring to the correspondence. said: