The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-10-27
OF HON, WIN. II. wnALEY
To the Voters OF the second Congress.
sionRl District.
To the Voters of the Second Congress
sonal District of Virginia.:
Norfolk Va Oct 26 1896

40 tne NuterS OK the Second Congress
sionai District of Virginia.:
Norfolk, Va, Oct. &c, 1896.
The impraoticubility Of visiting all
November Sd seems to me to justify tho
unusual course of my addressing
through print those whose suffrages /
seek as candidate for Congress from
the Second Congressional District OF
Virginia.
Circumstances of an unusual charac-
ter nave since my nomination by the
Sound Money" Democrats prevented
either my appearing before you In per-
son or otherwise, and 1t Is now but just
10 myself, as well as TO you, that /
should not only announce my candi-
dacy. but that should also briefly state
the principles for which l stand
while l have always been Democrat
and have ever cherished the principles
OF Democracy, as they have always been
exnounded in the past, 1 have not been
SO connected with the party organiza-
ton as to debar me from exercising in
diFidual responsibility, founded upon in
dividual conscience. Since the Chicago
convention l have been forced, by ren-
son OF my preferring party principles to
party orSanizatio to refuse To act in
concert with those who controlled the
deliberations and expressions of that
body.
The issues of the present campaign
rise above party organization, for, in
my opinion, they involve the welfare of
our country and OF all classes in it.
AT the present time there are to my
mind Two main issues before the Amer
lean people, namely: The free unlimited
coinage of silver. with full! legal tender
quality without the cooperation of
other nations, upon a ratio declared by
the markets Of the world tn he false;
ana. secondly, the arraying OF classes
against each other i'm such degree as to
prevent that cooperation which can
alone bring prosperity to all classes.
anu as to cause II strain upon our gov
ernmental institutions and our social
order
To both of these policies am unalter-
ably opposed.
The one would inevitably bring such
disturbance to all business relations as
would lead to disaster. The loss would
be not only TO individuals, but to our
country as a nation. After an eXpe-
| rience of which no other country can
equally boast we must not take back
ward step in progress, development and
civilization itself.
The other policy of class hatred is
still more dangerous. If once allowed
to nave 4 place in our politics, its ten
dencies must necessarily be dangerous,
and are apt to become fatal
l. therefore. pledge myself. whether
as Il private citizen or as one intrusted
with public duties. 10 do all in my power
against both of these dangerous policies.
AS Representative. il 1 should be
SO honored by your sufrruges. my aim
would be al all times to serve your best
interests without respect tn person or
class. Carrying into public life the prin-
ciples which alone in private make for
permanent success. ! should be guided
by your wishes at al times. unless they
CONNECTED with my conscience and judy
ment. More than this / could not prom
n III (.Dr1N N I'D
ask.
Consentins reluctantly to become a
candidate upon the urgent request of
many friends. l leave The result, to your
determination TO he honestly expressed
py Tree anu fair ballot, ready 10 go
back To the retirement from which
nave been drawn if YOU so determine.
III WM A. WHALEY