Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-10-01

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
The time has been when no city of the
South held such an exalted place in the
hearts OF the soiihern people as Rich
mond-on-the-Ja r." Yes. proud Rich
mond. grand "a nj storlc deeds and ssso-
Citations. great patriotic achievements,
glorious ia sun ng and sacrifices. peer
less In the pun VI her principles. and
pride OF her people. who, In the darkest
days Of affiction and trial and conflict.
knew no compromise with coercion or
cupIdity. She. inc ed, seems sadly
changed OF late. and the boosted prestige
OF the past is fast fading from her record.
No people can claim credit for honor or
honesty, who recklessiy betray conf
dence. and wickedly disregard written
pledges 10 their fellow citizens. 1t won't
Dc ~ set UP specious reasons and special
pleas TO ex use dishonest dealings. Every
argument that is now being used against
the nominees of the Chicago convention
was advanced by the bolting factions OF
Richmond Democrats before the Stanton
and Chicago conventions ere held. Every
man that deserts the C1use he pledged
himself TO accept and upport at the
primary last spring. To- rs the standard
OF party and patriots nl-aye, OF man
hood IL he bolts now. he casts a dark
shadow over the good name, not only OF
Richmond city, but Of proud old Virginia,
that suffered defeat ara disaster, rather
than accept peace win discredltable pre-
ferment or political power with plighted
perfidy.
The plain people OF Virginia are looking
eagerly, earnestly, and AMI 1usly to Rich
mond at this time. They do not believe
that intelligent business-m "a Of that city,
who fave heretofore called upon them TO
rally 70 their country's su ort, will be
found in November next ' ring In the
ranks Of Mckinley and lra party. They
do not heiieve that ever thilg near and
dear 70 u Nirgilian's heart Is to be
weighed and measured by money conside-
rations. They do not believe that past
sacrifices on their part for home and
country and State, are to be ruthlessly
forgotten and disregarded by the Demo-
Gratis of Richmond. and the agricultural
interests of Virginia ignored by the
moneyed men of their capital city.
Before the breach is irreparably made,
and the intelligent white people OF this
State uncompromislngly divided on all
political issues, one earnest tiller of the
tpiis WIZ iOffS HIS idAlFt CAdAt AflNtiAly
and devotedly, writes this warning APP
peal TO the city people Of Richmond, and
asks them 70 pause ere they act in this
momentous matter We are your brothers
in interest, in blood. and m inheritance.
Where would John 5. Barbour be to-
day were he called hack to counsel VIr-
ginlans what TO do? In days past all
looked to him when black darkness hung
over Virginia. No one issue was great
enough to divide this anxious people then.
Divided now, and as sure as night fol-
lows day, the time will come when new
dangers will arise, new perils threaten.
The city people may well hearken to the
mutterings of the distant storm ere tits
too late.
The time has been when a Legislature
flung its benigant and protecting aegis
over Richmond Din 1870 The time may
come when a pitiful wall will again go
up for State protection. Who can tell?
The writer only judges the future by the
past, and appeals TO all Virginians who
have heretofore stood as a band Of
brothers, to cease discord. and act IN
unity and harmony in this contest.
Whether for silver or gold, Democrats, all,
come together, bury the Ratchet and
smoke the pipe of peace" There is
danger in our midst II we divide no mat
ter how great Bryans majority may be
I'm the State. The seeds Of dscord will
be sowed surely. Nirginians-and this
noble appellation applies to all true
patriots on our soil-don't divide the
Democratic party. NO. No. Sacrifice
self for country, money for patriotism.
Don't let the people of Richmond or any
other city In the State sunder the warm
feeling OF love and attachment that binds
city and country together. There is
danger in the air. and we invoke sober,
serious. second thought on this all-im-
portant mntter, praying that an all-wise
Providence may avert discord, division
and disaster TO State interests, and 10 the
white PEG. lie OF Virginia.
II in the future political distrust and
defeat and trouble shall come to the
best interests Of the intelligent. tax-pay-
ing people OF Virginia, be IT remem-
bered that the farmers and toiling classes
OF the State have warned the money
changers of the cities OF the threatened
dangers. and appealed TO them 10 rise
above selfish feelings and interests IN
this contest, and stand for country above
self or sordld motives. II every man Is
to consider only his own individual gains
and profits in times like these, the DARK
hour of discord and defeat Is already
nigh the hearthstones Of this people.
This is a farmers warning, and an
honest appeal for unity. peace. and re.
gard for written promises TO party and
principles. VIII the citizens of Richmond
hear and heed our earnest entreaues foi
reconciliation end reunion? If not. the
errors must not be laid at our doors
the farmers Of the State. We are con-
sistent supporters Of the Democratic
party. Who shall be numbered among
the unfaithful and inconsistent support
ers Of that party?
The trade OF Richmond may suffer by
reckless action OF her citizens in this con-
tentiop. The storm is gathering. and We
have sounded the danger signal. Our duty
Is discharged TO those we love.
CAROLINE FARMER.