Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-05-19
JUDGE LEES LETTER.

Judge Baker +. Lees letter in our last
issue is the work OF true patriot. We
differ with him sometimes. but his let
ters always command our respect. lie
says truly In the letter now before us
that In all the important crises in the
life of the Democratic party, Nirginia's
voice has never been without the weight
that attaches TO wise and patriotic coun-
sells. We do not think, however, that
the charge OF Judge Lee can he Sustained
that the leading supporters Of the gold
standard. as he styles 1t. or OF sound
money. as other people call 1t, are not
only aggressive but coercive In temper.
Nevertheless. we trust that his advice
viii be followed by all good Democrats
when he lays down propositions intended
for the good of Virginia and the Demo
cratic party.
But It is not good advice that Judge
Lee gives when he reluctantly brings
himself into line with those who are adj
vocating the adoption of the unit rule at
stanton. The Democratic party is not
the party of a day, but party hoary
with years. II will need the wisdom Of
its hest men in 1900 as well as in 1896
That wisdom VIII be sure to be needed
here in Virginia, as well az all over the
rest of the Union. AS long ago as 1876
the two-t thirds rule was threatened with
repeal I'm the interest of Mr.. Ttlden;
but wiser counsels prevailed, and that
rule was left untouched The Democratic
party saved It's good name, and at the
same time saved Mr.. Tildon much to
Judge Lees gratlioaIon).
Judge Lee says that 1t seems to be al
most "indubitably foreshadowed" that the
free-silver sentiment will easily dominate
the Staunton convention. Then so much
the better Is the reason for not adopting
the unit rule. Let us stand on the old
ways-"super antiques Was" and let the
unit rule alone. Its adoption can do no
good and may do much harm, When the
constitutional method of electing the
President Of the United states in case
the people failed TO el~ci was put into
the Federal Constituto States rights
commanded the supper. OF the great men
OF this country-the fathers of the re-
public. But States rights no longer con-
troll the creeds or the teachings of many
OF our statesmen.
Judge Lee fears disruption OF the
Democratic party az Chicago, or rather
fears that there may be trouble in the
convention. We think. however. that he
"fcars too much The great Democratic
host will not be divided at Chicago. We
have fun confidence in the men who will
represent both factions OF the Democratic
party In the Chicago convention. The
sound-money men VIII probably control
that body; but If they do not they are not
going 10 desert their comrades. The free
silverites may possibly control that body;
but If they do not they are not going
20 suik In their tents from July to No
vember. nor on election-day Judge Lee
will possibly be surprised TO find how
little attention is paid TO threats in Demo
cratic National conventions. When the
Democratic leaders come together in ma
tional conclaye the end OF strife appears.
we do not expect any boilers TO show
themselves In Chicago.
What Is the unit rule? 1t is rule 10
provide for tying one county or city to
some county or city whose Democrats
10 not wish to have their hands thus
tied. Is there any necessity or good
reason for resortng to such method OF
sitting the voice OF the people? lis II
not rule for tying the upper Valley TO
the lower Valley. or TO some other section
OF the State with which 1t does not de-
sire TO hold such relations? In. word.
the unit rule. II adopted by the Stauntou
convention. will be employed in that con-
vension in the interest of the men whose
constituents do not desire them TO 90
TO Chicago tied to anybody.