The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-04-02
IN THE RIGHT sPIRIT-THE REso
LUTIONS OF THE HARBOUR CLUB.

LaLaLNLN.A NEHH.r AA II
The resolutions of the ohn s. Barbour |
Democatic Club at its meeting Tuesday
evening, proclaiming that henceforth
that organization will not endorse amy
aspirant for office. either forithe salarled
I'posltions or for the City Councils. pre-
vious to a nomination, were I'm the right
spirit. Had this course been pursued two
years ago harmony would have prevailed
In the Democratic ranks Much Of the re-
sponsibility of the divisions that have
existed In Democratic ranks in Norfolk
was due to club organizations in the
interest of individuals. Happily such a
condition does not now exist, and the
action of the Barbour Club merits M
prevail and endorsement. and will serve
as an example to be followed by similar
organizations.
why should anyl body OF Democratic
freemen surrender their liberty of ac-
ton. by becoming the pensioners OF any
Individual or set of individuals? Such
organizations nebase 1.-THE very lfunda-
mental principles of Democracy in doing
so, and lends assistance to the growth
OF personal ownership in a few, interested
parties, Of the great right of the suf-
frage of hundreds, who feel obligated to
implicitly obey the dictum of the lew.
such organizations create factions and
divisions, and in the lend disrupt and
debauch political morals. The John s
barbour Club. by it's action Tuesday
evening, has demonstrated It's determin.
alton and purpose to- free itself from
These conditions. 1t has struck a strons
blow in the cause, of: Democratic har.
mony, and in the interests OF the prin.
ciples of true and untrammeIled De
mocracy. In this connection The, Vir-
ginian quotes with pleasure the COM
snents of the Landmark of Yesterday, in
: approval OF the views OF this paper rs
expressed Tuesday on the subject of
. club endorsements of asplrants for office.
Says the Landmarks
The foregoing paragraph should be
l. carefully read and reflected upon by
all Democrats. 1t sounds u warning and
q suggestion to whose timelincss and
=, wisdom all will bear witness who are
familiar with the politics of Norfolk
since the formation, of the Pioneer
d Club" In 1854. The sole object of poll
teal clubs. as The Virginian says,
should be to use their influence for the
election of the ticket after It has been
chosen BY the party as IL whole. NJ
o dampenS the enthusiasm of men who
S vote with the Democracy entirely be-
cause of It's principles to see candi-
dates enter Il contest on the strength
of Endorsement from this or thnt club,
and dampencd enthusiasm Is the fore
runner Of Indifference and frequently
OF direct opposition.
II The sentiment of Norfolk is over
whclmingly Democratic, and there Is
not the semblance of n doubt that, with
d n united party, we can win in any cleo,
ton. Recognizing this indisputablc
fact. 1t is important that everything
. shall conduce to the harmony which /.
Indispensable to success. Club indorse
. ment of candidates, as has been shown
repeatedly in our municipal politics
tends to produce apathy among a large
g class of voters and to ALLEVIATE others
Henceforward, therefore, II should b,
avoided by the Democratic organiza.
lions of Norfolk. 1t is perfectly proper
- for the clubs to emphasize their adher.
ence to the Democratic faith by direct.
i ing their energies TO the election OF
the Democratic ticket after 1t appears
in the field; but the practice of sup.
n porting. in their capacity as organiza.
G. lions. this or that particular candi.
n date in primary elections cannot but be
attended with harmful results.
The good work goes on-the Demo.
cracy of Norfolk IS going to present a
solid front TO the enemy, and with har.
s. mony in its ranks-a harmony that must
Is comet is going 10 win victory in the
w municipal contest of May