Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-08-12
THE LOCAL CONTEST.

The appointrnent Of ex-Judge Edmund
waddn as the treasurer OF the FUNDS of
tho Republican party in Virginia, Is we
think Indicative Of a double purpose on
the part Of the Hanna-AIclSlniey faction.
Chairman Lamb (who was originally a
Reed mani. is comprised about by an
advisory committee, which takes from
him nearly all the powers which were
exercised by his predecessor, General
Malone. With this Advisory Committee
hanging about the neck Of the chairman,
and with Mr.. Waddill as treasurer OF the
campaign fund. it is not doubted that Nc
Kinley's personal ana political interests
in Virginia will be well looked after. But
the appointment of Mr. Waddili as
treasurer IS we think. also significant OF
the purpose of the Republicans to make
a break to capture this congressional
district They rely upon the organization
Of numerous Mckinley 'sound-money
clubs" among the employees Of railroad
companies and big manufacturers TO
split the Democratic vote. With these
Democrats (some Of whom tool the
pledge and voted in our last primary.
and the solid negro vote, it is doubtless
believed by the Republicans that an indie
pendent Democrat may be sent to Con-
gress from this district
But we earnestly hope that no Demo
crat Will be found to rally the combine"
against our people We do not believe
the so-caIled "sound-money" club men
will relish association, political associa-
ton even, with the John Mitchell and
Lewis Lindsay forces Of Jackson Ward.
However we may as well make up our
minds TO the probability, If not abso-
Lutte certainty, OF having to fight an in
dependent in this district And so we
think our party would do well 10 post
pone ats nomination until II is clear that
we shall be able to have an imposing
primary. We much fear that 10 have a
primary I'm August would be 10 make
a poor showing. because 50 many OF our
voters are away from the city, and be-
cause some who are not present are as
yet undetermined as TO supporting Bryan.
A four weeks canvass. We think, is
enough. especially II our City Committee
and our ward clubs meanwhile proceed
diligently with the work OF organization
Our nominee need spend little time in the
counties. He ought to make his fight
here In Richmond. and ought TO challenge
his opponent 10 discuss the issues OF the
hour before the people Of this city. But no.
thing that we could do would more sure
~ play into the hands Of our opponents
than to have a primary during this hot
weather, when the attendance woulo be
small and when the combine would be
able TO argue that the total vote was
toa small 10 bind the action Of the entire
party IN the city. and. therefore. that all
who did not vote were absolved from
obligation 10 support the nominee.
SO in view Of what is before us. our
City Committee should petition the Dis
trict Committee TO postpone the nominal
ting convention for a month. and then
the City Committee should bring the pri-
mary within the law. We ought to be in
a position 10 invoke the penalties OF
the law against any one who commits
fraud at the primary. We ought
not 10 be helpless 20 punish where
punifhment Is deserved. We much hope
that our City Committee will move In
this matter at once. but. II 1t does not
we submit that the District Committee
ought TO take the whole subject into
consideration afresh.
Let us not underrote the organized
dlsarecsion here, nor forget that the re-
suits Of tho election here on November 81
may have an important bearing upon
political affairs In Richmond for years TO
como
II a combination can beat us this fall,
Il may beat US In the next municipal
election. Ten to one. II our opponents sue
oeed in forming compact organization
IN this city this fall. that organization
VIII DO made permanent. and viii at
tempt 20 control our affairs in city and
s;ate elections as well as in this national
election
We repeat. We look upon the appoint