Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-27
ECHO THE WARNING.

In urging a full attendance at the
Democratic mass-meeting OF Charlotte
county Democrats, to be held on Septem-
Der court-day, the Charlotte Gazette
warns the Democracy of the county
against misunderstanding or misconstru-
ing the position of those Republicans who
oppose putting a Republican State ticket
In the field. Ticket or no ticket, adds the
Gazette. the Republican party is solidly
organized.
This is a warning that should be echoed
and needed in each and every county OF
the State. Our observation from
perusal OF our Virginia Democratic ex-
changes Is that the Virginia Democracy
were never more harmonious. The Roa-
noke ticket is eminently satisfactory,
and the same can be said for the plat
form. The party is in an aggressive
spirit and q feeling of confidence per-
vades it. But 1t would be well to take
care lest this feeling of confidence prove
a weakness. Certainly such it will prove
Il based on the idea that the action OF
the Republican State Committee at their
Lynchburg meeting indicates demorali-
cation, or Indifference, or lukewarmness
In the Republican ranks.
Assuming that the Republicans will
stick to the programme of not nominate
ing a State ticket-and there Is no GER
tainty that they will-the situation, none
the less. demands that we bring into play
all of our old-time energy. perfection OF
organization, and vigilance. Let us re-
member that ere the campaign is over
ere the contests the Republicans have an
nounced they will make in the legislative
districts shall have been fought to a
1inish--the enemy will have in every
county and district in Virginia Federal
office-holders and seekers after Federal
office. engaged In the attempt TO produce
discord or foster a feeling of security in
the Democratic camp. as may seem TO
the Republican leaders most likely to
help their designs. The one class will
be paying for favors received. and the
other will be laboring in the
hope OF reward. In short, granting
that the still-hunt and bushwhacking
tactics outlined at Lynchburg are adj
hered TO. the Republicans will have. In
addition TO their regular local leaders
throughout the State. an army of espe-
cially jealous organizers at work.
The fact is, the Republican fight in Vir-
glnia this fall is TO be. in so far as the
main object in view Is concerned. con-
tinuation OF the fight Of last fall, ana Is
intended TO be In the nature of training
for the final round two years hence. In
the presidential election, Hanna & Co.
rolled their barrel into the State and en-
gagged in a campaign OF education and
s'honest elections methods, save the
mark! not because they believed they had
q chance to capture the electoral vote OF
Virginia. but because they thought they
saw an opportunity to demoralize the
Democratic party to such an extent as
that they might secure some Of the State
senatorial seats In November next.
AS we have previously pointed out, the
Virginia senators elected this fall will
have a voice In choosing the successor OF
our Junior senator in the Congress OF the
United States. and to reaping in the en-
suing election the fruits of their work In
the presidential election, and to sowing
the seed from which they hope to harvest
a legislative majority in 1889. the Bepub-
leans will now chiefly address them
selves. But II the Democrats do their
duty in the way of organization. watch
ing, and avoidance OF over-confidence
little fruit indeed. will the Republicans
reap this year from their labors OF last
year. and the seed they may SOW for flu
ture harvest will fall upon stony ground.