Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-09-11


be the nominee OF tho Democratic con-
vention or nothing.
REPORT OF RESOLUTIONS COM
MITTEE.
The following report OF the Committee
on Resolutions was adopted:
Resolved, by the Democrats OF the
Fourth Congressional District OF Vir-
ginia. in convention assembled. That we
cordially endorse the candidates nomi-
mated. and the platform adopted by the
National Democratic Convention at Chi
cago. and especially the planks OF the
said platform favoring the free and un-
limited coinage OF silver and gold az the
ratio OF l6 70 ]. and that favoring an In
come-tax; and we cordially invite all
voters Of the district, irrespective Of
past party affiliations 10 unite with US
in support of our ticket
The convention then went into the nomi-
nation OF a candidate. Sidney r. Epes. Of
Nottoway, was nominted by Hon. w.
Il. McIlwaine. OF Dinwiddie. and A..
r. Hobbs, Of Prince George. By J. j.
Cooke. After seconding speeches the
roll was called. with the following re-
suit: Epes. l0i l-2; Hobbs. 10 -. and
Mr.. Epes was declared the nominee.
MR.. EPEs'S SPEECH.
Mr. Epes was then presented to the con-
vention, and, after thanking that body
for the honor conferred upon him, and
placing himself squarely upon the Chi
cago platform, said:
ITO those who are now disposed 20
leave the standard Of Democracy | shall
make special appeal. / will ask
them, VIII they desert me2 All these
years they have been in control I'm this
district They have written orr plat
forms, nominated the candidates. and
never yet have they sounded their bugle-
call TO battle but that have az
swered them from the other hill. The
night has never been too dark nor the
way too long for me TO 90 70 meet the
enemies Of our civilization. / shall ap-
peal to our wayward friends by the ira
ditions OF the party they have fought
for so long and professed 10 love So well
10 let the two-thirds' majority ~ the
Democratic people OF the land now
crystallize their convictions into party
law.
Now, my friends, 7 want 70 remind
you that we have an unscrupulous enemy
10 fight. BE not deceived. The forces
against us I'm this district are powerful:
they are cunning; they are watchful
they are alert. But. with the earnest
and enthusiastic support OF the Fourth
District Democracy. 1 am as certain Of
victory as though IT had already come
10 US. The people are with us, and we
cannot lose this battle. which is waged
here for home and hreside. II we go
shoulder 10 shoulder. | shall DO my part
with a hope that your confidence I'm me
may not have been misplaced. Again l
thank you"
SKETCH OF THE NOMINEE.
Mr. Epes was born I'm Nottoway. In
1865. and is now 81 years old His father
removed with his family 70 Kentucky in
1sI9 returning TO Virginia IN 1884. MI
Epes. while still under the voting age.
did splendid work in redeeming his coun-
ty from Republican and negro rule
and I'm an the conflicts with Malone was
one Of the most efficient Democratic
leaders. He made an admir- bic record
I'm the Legislature. as a representative
Of Nottoway and Amelia, IN the sessions
Of lSel-'e2-the first Democrat they had
to represent them since the war
Governor O'Ferrall appointed him Re-
gieter Of the Lanf-Ofice. 10 succeed the
lamented Major Gaines. and the last Le-
gislature ratified and approved his ap-
pointment By electing him with practical
unanimity.
Mr. Epes IS gentleman Of quiet and
pleasing address ardent in HIS devotion
10 silver. the Democracy. and the rights
of the people and is immensely popular
IN his district