The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-03-31
rur: LErrEn OF MIR. aooDRIDaE.

In his letter published in to-day's yir-,
ginian.explaining his, position as a Coun-,
Gilman, Mr. Goodridge asserts that the
editor of the Virginian must know that
largely, while secretly, through the In
fiuence sof the politicians who to-day con-
troll the Democratic party in this city.
The Virginian believes that prominent
Democratic politicians Of this city large
ly aided to kill the measure, but these
Democrats do not control the Demo-
cratic party of Norfolk. Indeed, every
indication points to the fact, that khe
great feature of party reform. for which
hundreds of Democrats fought for in
the party ranks two years ago, are to-
day the controlling influence that ami
mate the Democracy of Norfolk at the
present time. Honest registration, hon
est elections. freedom from hing control.
the opportunity on the part Of every
Democratic voter to express his choice
and have that expression lecognized-
are all evidences OF disenthralled De-
mocracy.
How Is it. however, In the party to
which Mr.. Goodridge Is allied He will
recollect that previous to the election OF
1894, it was proclaimed in behalf of the
| party now in power that, IL successful.
the victory would be recognized as n
peoples victory Yet, no sooner was the
result known. than the pledge to the
| people was broken and the official an
nouncement made that It was Prohibi-
| ton victory, and as such was telegraph
ed through the country at large Why
should not the leaders now have the cour-
age to stand TO their colors? Why, at
this late date. eschew the injection of
political issues into municipal politics?
The Virgnian Is not taking ground
against Mr.. Goodridge's opinion--it Us
simply pointing to the fact that national
politics were injected into the municipal
government of the city by the party now
In power, when previous to the election
they 'solemnly declared, In public meet
ing before thousands OF people-and in
communications to the press-that the
victory, If won, would be n victory of
the people and not Of party When this
wrong was committed after the election
when this fraud upon the people was
proclaimed-Mr. Goodridge should then
nave pronounced his strong opposition
10 the injection of political issues in
our municipal government"
AS to revelations of public funds mis-
appropriated and misspent, IL every
month has brought knowledge of this
fact to those In authority. the
public Will look with suspicion
on the part Of those in power, who have
during almost two years control of the
city government. in all its departments,
delayed until the eve of an election tore
Heaa these asserted misappropria-
lions and mis-spendlnE upon the
part of former officials. This
Is the criticism. and the lust
one, that as made by the community.
Why should not these evils and wrong
doings-these frauds and crimes-have
been made known earlier? Was II not
grave dereliction OF duty on the part
OF the proper officials? and was It mr.
posely delayed-this bringing of those
charged as perpetrators of crimes
ahu frauds to justice--in order
10 advance selfish ends and serve
political purposes? If Mr.. Good
ridge has had in his possession for
months. knowledge of wrong doing in
any OF the departments of the city gov
eminent, he should have instantly on
coming to an acquaintance with the
same have brought the parties charged
with the wrongs to the bar OF Justice
was 1t not violation OF his Off
cial trust 10 have remained so long ST.
lent? What he knows now should be
promptly put before the grand Jury
Should not light have been turned on
long ago?