Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-06-10
Richmond Congregational District.
Richmond, Va. June 9, 1896.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
In your issue Of last Sundays paper you
have an editorial, under the heading OF
THE Richmond District" that has no
doubt attracted the attention Of very
many in this congressional district. You
then stated some very pertinent questions
and plainly set forth how much force there
was In some OF the arguments used at the
Staunton convention for the adoption Of
what is known as the unit rule" Whether
that article gave rise TO it or not there
seems TO be some discussion going on In
the Democratic party as to the adoption
OF the unit rule" in the congressional
nominating convention to be held I'm this
district Some Of the gold wing Of our
party. probably feeling a little sore be
cause Of the action OF this rule In our
late State Convention, desire to give our
brethren dose OF their own medicine. as
we'll as thereby 10 secure a possible adj
vantage I'm the district convention; while
the silver wing" OF the party fearing
that their peculiar interests might not be
so well served by the rule in the district
convention. would carefully avoid its
adoption there. 1t is 10 be regretted eN-
ceedingly that there IS now a gold wing
and a silver wing In the Democratic
party, but since such appears 10 be the
case, we must look the facts squarely in
the face and deal with them cautiously
and wisely, as it behooves men OF the
same political creed and faith While Z
would dictate 10 none. nor suppress the
principles OF no man, yet since our state
Convention is over and its work has been
done, IL would seem far better that our
acknowledgements fall I'm line and work
together, I'm unison and entire harmony.
for the success OF our common cause the
triumph Of the State and national Democ-
racyl And hence 1t becomes the duty OF
all of the prudent and conservative men
of the Democratic party. whether in favor
OF one particular kind Of currency or an
other, 10 do all within their power and
influence TO accomplish this greatly de-
sired end. The importance Of this matter
may be seen at a glance. In the nomi-
mating convention to select our candidate
for Congress IN this district richmond Will
be entitled to a majority of fifteen votes.
Could any one wish to array the city or
Richmond against all OF the remaining
portions Of this congressional district In a
friendly contest as to who shall be our
nominee? A Republican might devoutly
desire such state of things, but could
any Democrat seek it? Such a course
would be deplorable And such an idea
should be discountenanced and discour-
aged by every well-wisher Of the Demo-
cratic party in this district.
To avoid some just such course OF ac-
ton as this. which seems TO be accredited
TO the gold-standard people of the dis
trct, IL has been stated in one OF the
daily papers OF this city that the advo-
Gates of the unit rule Will not ind IL an
easy matter to carry out the proposed
scheme. In the first place. the silver
ties have the district committee, and can
order primary throughout the entire
.t at will he %
for directly, instead OF electing delegates
TO a convention" As much as / depre
cate the course above mentioned. l must
protest against the last method OF pro-
cedure. The district committee has no
such power to order "A primary through
out the entire district" and any such at
tempt on their part would only arouse
the indignation OF the Democratic voters
OF this district, and cause trouble ana
confusion in the party, because OF their
usurpatlon of the authority. by tho
plan Of the Virginia Democratic state
Organization" 1t is expressly declared
that, THE members from each congress
sional district shall constitute "A commit
tee for that district, who shall designate
the time and place for holding conyen-
tious for nominating candidates for Con-
gress." And by the same plan IT is fur
Their provided that In the election OF
lrltRditS 10 Sutu a ttiNtuAlDn the AoAii-
~ and city committees shall prescribe
whether these delegates 10 the convention
shall be appointed by district, ward.
county, or city meetings. or by primary
elections, within the county or city. as
the case may be. Let us follow the plan
OF organization We have until some other
plan has been provided by those who
have the right and authority to do so.
Thus, and thus only. will we secure and
promote that peaceful and harmonious
action within our party that is so essen
tial to our complete success. The Re
publican party can hope tor nothing IN
this district except from a division in
our ranks. Therefore. let us stand to-
gether and work together for the Demo-
cratic party, which preserves and controls
the governments OF our cities and coun-
ties for the best interests and highest
good Of our people L."