Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-15
"SWEr.T ON LEE Z"

'sN LEI ON LIE
The political situation in Virginia con-
tinues 10 be a matter of interest in Wash
ington. and few of our men of promi-
hence who visit that city escape the
newspaper interviewors. The last TO fail
into their hands was ex-COngressman
George d. Wise, who was at the national
capital on Saturday and who is quoted
as follows in the columns of the Wash
ington Post:
81 notice that some of the Virginia
Republicans are getting very sweet on
General Lee said Hon. George ID. Wise,
who represented the Richmond District
so long and ably in the House. to a Post
reporter at the National. The object
they have in tossing bouquets at the
General is too obvious. They want TO
use him as the wedge TO split the domi-
nant party I'm Virginia by having him rrn
SIS the candidate of the sound-money
wing of the Democracy. I have had no
conference with General Lee. but do not
believe for a moment that he would be
willing TO lead one faction Of his party
against another.
For my part, while not in accord
with the platform made in Chicago.
felt in loyalty bound 10 vote for the tick
ct I do not believe in family discord;
the only way to re-establish Democratic
supremacy Is for the believers in the
gold standard and the silver men to cease
pickering and work together as Of yore.
So far as Virginia is concerned, I feel
certain that the efforts Of those who
plead for harmony and reunion will
prevail TIE day has not yet come in
the Old Dominion when Democrats will
allow division OF sentiment on purely
economic question TO destroy their organ
ization and turn the government over TO
the opposition A few may fan out of
line and some may desert permanently.
but the great mass will remain firm and
united. and Virginia will continue in the
list Of States about whose political stat
us there is no question
Yes; some of the virginia Repubn-
cans" have been getting very sweet
on Fitz Lee but their purpose is perfectly
plain. and. of course. Fitz Lee sees it.
Republican leaders used TO say that John
ny Wise was elected Governor. "but Lee
is drawing the salary of the office" In
this way some of the very men who are
now tossing bouquets" at Lee used to
charge that Lee was elected by force
and fraud Lee was the first victim of the
'honest-elections" cry, and he therefore
knows precisely what value to give to
It. And now they wish to use him "as
a wedge" to split our party. But they are
reckoning without their host.
SO far as we know, with all with whom
he conversed on the subject while in Vir-
rinia. General Lee left the impression
that he would continue in the future.
81, ir
cratic party of Virginia. 1t is not 70
be supposed that a man Of Lees sense
would mistake the 1900 Palmerites in
Virginia for the Democratic party.
We think Mr.. Wise is correct in assert
ing that the day has not yet come in the
Old Dominion when Democrats will allow
q division on purely economic question
20 destroy their organization. "A few
may fail out Of line. and some may de-
sert permanently. but the great mass
will remain firm and united"
SO far as we have heard expressions OF
opinion from businessmen Of Richmond,
the action OF the League here In send
ing out the circular Of date OF December
81 is strongly disapproved. In the first
place, our DuSlutSS~iAN4i WioA az lDAN'NN--
agitation at this time They long for
peace, and for the restoration of business
and kindly relations between neighbors
IN the second place. they do not think that
white men ought to divide in the Virginia
Elections OF next fail. They understand
very well that Honest Elections" may be
made shibboleth for dividing us In 1891.
lust as "Readjustmcnt' was used for
ike purpose. Nor are they ignorant of the
troubles that North Carolina has suffered
because of the division Of the whites OF
that State. Moreover. the Honest Elec-
tions League. being the successor.
Or surviving partner OF the Sound
Money party In Virginia, could
only hope for success In the
cities and towns OF this State The re-
suit might be that the country people
might become Infatuated with the towns
people. and, being in the majority in the
Legislature, might visit their condemna-
ton upon us. SO far as the businessmen
II Richmond are concerned. we hope that
they viii have nothing more to do with
the League. Nothing but political erup-
don OF volcanic proportions San put an