New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-10-13
FOR A FIGHT IN VIRGINIA
REPUBLICAN SENTIMENT STRONGLY FOR
THE STATE TICKET
NrC1I TO BE LOST THROUGH LETTING THE EIEC-
TON co BY DEFAULT-wIDEsPREA
rrMOcp ATTIC ISAEEErTION
rpy TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE

DEMOCRATIC DlSAFFECT1ON.
rsY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE1
Washington, Oct. 1.-THE political situation in
virginia is exciting considerable interest and dis
ouss,on IN Washington especially among citizens OF
the Old Dominion While It is that the Re-
publican party is split so far as the leaders are
concerned. into two nearly equal parts. there IS
considerable reason to believe that the lire %
cleavage does not divide the rank and file in such
proportions. but that large ajorty Of the latter
svrnpathize with Colonel Lamb. Congressman Yost
and others who insist that II the principles Of the
Republican party were worth making fight for
IN 1895 they are worth fighting for In 1891. More
over they assert that the contest this year would
be far from hopeless II every Republican would do
his duty
The Democrats are divided also. and IN some
parts Of the state their party to be the
verge OF disntegraton from variety Of causes
Matters have gone SO far that in some parts Of
Virginia in 1897. in Maryland in 1895, Il Is idle
10 attempt to raise the spectre Of negro DONNA
ton" and the Democratic friends OF fair play In
elections. who have been steadily gaining ground
for several years. actually stronger this year
than before. What they need is a rallylng
point In addition TO the Democratic disafection
on account OF the unjust election law and the
unequal ard unfair execution Of 1t. other causes
are operating TO the disadvantage Of the party
organization. SO deep-seated and universal is the
resultant discomfort that with the official or
ganization OF the Republican party In a quiescent
state so far the Democrats are concerned, and In
an attitude of actual hostility far the Lynch
burg State ticket is concerned. the candidates on
the Democratic State ticket reinforced by Senators
Daniel and Martin and other orators. feel 1t neces
sary TO make an active speaking canvass, covering
every part OF the State.
Some things that were said to a Tribune corre-
spondent to-day by Virginia Republican about
the situation in that State will bear repetition
Among them these: IL have been Repub-
l!can for good many years. and have Witnessed
q good many ups and downs in Virginia politics
/ have always been hard fighter for tho prin-
ciples OF the party and never seeker OF office
II doesn't make any difference 10 me whether ten
men or a hundred men vote the republican ticket
IN my precinct. far as my voting II Is CONCERNED
In 1896 We all worked together in behalf or the
National ticket and our candidates for congress-
The Election law OF the state was just as bad
then as it is now. and its execution was as unfair
Why, then, should not make the night this
year? VIII the movement in favor OF falr election
down and whiniper? VIII the thousands Of decent
Democrats IN the State VINO want lair ciecuohs
be inspired by such course as that? No; the
truth Is that II the Republican party IN virginia
fOlda its arms this year and allows the election
10 go by default It Will not only suffer in morale
and numbers, but will lose the active sympathy
who are Democrats IN name. but who resent ana
condemn of the practices Of their party.
especially in its administration or the Election
our friends who ere opposed TO the running Of
q State ticket this year must have Forgotten that
the friendly Democratic sentiment 10 which have
referred is exceedingly strong IN the white coun-
ties and that from those counties also comes the
bulk Of the Republican vote which nnds true eX-
preston In the election returns. regret exceed
fngly they have taken such stand. 1t may cost
US two Representatives in Congress next year
not only this year, hut for several years TO come.
unless better cOunsels prevail.