Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-03-07
A Card from Mr.. Saunders.

Rocky Mount, Va, February z, 1897.
To the Editor of the Dispatch:
I was surprised to find the annexed ar
ticle in a recent issue of your paper.
The conversation with your representa-
tive, which formed the basis OF this ar
ticle. was a brief and hurried talk, which
took place I'm a car on Main street, while
I was on my way to the train.
1 had no idea at the time was talking
for publication, though nothing was said
which l am unwilling 10 see in print or
to repeat, IL necessary. Still, what /
did say was not in the form Of an inter
view, but was simply a hasty and cursory
comment upon a current political topic.
Your report. however, especially the
heading which you have given it, places
me in the attitude Of endorsing MT FL
Tyson for the next gubcrnatorial nomina-
ton.
If I regarded Mr.. Ellyson as the most
available candidate, and the one whose
nomination would give US the greatest
strength I'm the coming campaign, l
would have no hesitation I'm so declaring
at the present time. Personally. my
relations with that gentleman have been
most agreeable not more so. however,
than they have been with other gentle
men who viii be before the convention.
/ desire, In common with the other Demo
Gratis Of this State. to put forward
as our leader the strongest man in our
party-one who will be IN thorough SYM
pathy with the platform adopted by the
convention which dominates him. Pub
lie sentiment has not taken definite
shape as to any candidate, nor will It
begin TO crystalline until the candidates
are formally before the public. Con-
sequenNy, I was not able to give your
reporter the local sentiment In this coun-
". ] do not know It.
What 1 did say, however, was that, so
far as I had heard the matter discussed
with US there was some sentiment for
Major Tyler. II may prove 10 be the
universal sentiment. Time will show. ]
added that personally. I would find no
| difficulty I'm supporting Mr. Ellyson. IL
! nominated; and stated that. from what
, I knew Of the character of the Democrats
/ I'm this county, there were many others
| who like myself. would give their cor
/ dial support 10 him II he should be the
/ successful candidate before the conven-
| ton. / spoke in terms Of high appre-
| citation OF Mr.. Ellyson's party services,
and his loyal Democracy; but I did not
say then, nor have I ever said, that
] considered MI. LllySOH as our llDSl
available candidate, or that I hoped he
would get the nomination, or anything to
that effect.
Your reporter simply misunderstood
| me, and construed my expression Of per-
sonal regard for Mr.. Ellyson, as well as
what said of the cordial support which
/ would give him, as the successful can
didate for the nomination, into the eX-
! preston of a desire for his nomination.
am free to say that, while the matter
has been but little discussed in this
county, yet, so far as I have heard ar
expression Of public sentiment, that SEN
timent is in favor Of Major Tyler.
This communication has already as
sumed too lengthy proportions, and
| should not have trespassed upon your
! SPACE. save for the reason that while
in Richmond, in conversation with vari
Gus friends, 1 expressed myself towards
Mr.. Ellyson's candidacy not as 1 am re
ported as doing, but TO the same effeci
as in this letter.
This being So II was, no doubt sur
prise 10 them. as II was to me, to fine
myself reported as taking an entirely
different attitude. To put myself righ
with these gentlemen, and 70 correct ar
erroneous impression at the earliest pos
sible moment, must furnish the excuse
for this voluminous communication.
Yours respectfully.
i. w. SAUNDERS.