The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-08-13

SENATOR THOMAS ,. MAhllN'
CWnom the Defeated Primary Resolution
Would Have Afected1
because Of her nlustrlous sons.
Can obltvion's night obscure the bril-
liant galaxy of men whose names anu
deeds shall shine "a the stars forever.
AS Virginians, we meet to-day. Men
from the Valley. from Iidewater' rom
Piedmont. we gladly lose our locality IN
that name Virginia.
There IS but one word added 10 that
name Virginia that can improve it. Ihat
word Is Democrat.
Then as Virginia Democrats we meet
to-day. permit me to present to you the
name of one who has deserved well OF his
country and his party.
THE SACRED FIELDS.
Around his home stretch the sacred
fields rich with the blood of Southern
chlvalry. and from the sublime story.
they tell Of deathless heroism, he learns
a deeper love for his native state and
our beautiful Southland.
Educated at Virginia schools he studied
law and the reason thereof under John
b. Minor, the greatest teacher OF this
century, and in the shadow Of Month
cello. where the Jefersonian ideals still
linger, his inherited political convictions
were strengthened.
An earnest party worker, a wise coun-
selor. Il successful organizer. his ability
and his untirnc efforts for Democracy
received wel-earnod recognition, and In
the important position 20 which he was
called he displayed those high qualities
OF intellect and character which justified
the hopes Of those who knew him best
While pursuing his official duties, an
urgent cry for help came from his dis
trlct a life and death struggle was az
hand and every Democrat was urged 20
stand by the party. In the midst OF the
battle this Democrat wis informed that
he was not 10 fight shoulder 10 shoulder
with his fellow citizens and friends. he
must either retire from politics or else
be removed from official position 20 re-
tire from the struggle. TO be inactive
when the great battle was fought for the
supremacy Of his party, his race,.
HE RESIGNED.
To be spectator when the great war
OF principles ragged around himi But %
resignl All That meant TO sacrifice
personal interests, his very livelihood.
upon the altar Of patriotism.
Did he hesitate2 Did he argue that I'm
his position he was justified In obeying
the powers that be?
All Of you know the course taken by
him. The same spirit that animated an
other Vrginian 10 cry. "Gve me liberty
or DEATH" glowed IN his breast. and, with
dauntless zeal. he led the Democratic
hosts in his district 10 triumph.
dare assert with Cicero that nothing
IS more honorable or more excellent than
10 deserve well OF ones country. and
/ declare that this man has deserved
well OF his country and that no State,
no party can afford TO ignore such splen-
did service. such noble self-sacrihce.
The highest place I'm the gift OF this
convention IS not above his deserts, the
lowest is far beneath his merits. yet
.we are content to ask that this conven-
tlon will honor itself by nominating
Francis Riyes Lassiter for Attorney
General
Fellow -Citizens.-W need not natter
ourselves that our work IS done when
we nominate our candidates. We are
doubtless on the eve Of fierce struggle
We are TO meet old foes with a new
face and, perchance. old friends who
have become foes We want strong, fear
less men, who will do and dare 10 lead
MS TO 20 victory We want for one Of
our standard bearers this able lawyer. this
tried patriot. this gallant gentleman.
II gives me pleasure TO second the nomi-
nation OF Major Francis Rives Lassiter.
Of Petersburg, for Attoney-General of
Virginia.
MR.. DODSON'S SPEECH
The speech Of the convention was made
! by Mr. podson. OF Buchanan. Mr. Dod-
son is an orator Of hercuean build
lie possesses a voice that one would
imagined 20 he owned boy John J.. Sull-
van. Mr. DOdson wanted TO make a
speech and the crowd wanted TO hear
him.
lie wended his way 10 the front. and
with a majestic wave OF his ponderous
| hands he in stentorian tones. command
| ed. Keep peace. country
men" lie drew himself 10 his full
height. and with the pose OF Roman
senator. he began an impassioned appeal
in behalf OF Francis Lassiter Rivcs."
4 roar OF laughter followed this ship.
and without losing hts equilibrium he cor
rected the error and thundered "Francis
Rives Lasslter"
lie narrated that Colonel Lassiter had
made a gallant soldier and was a splen-
| aid lawyer The applause began wren
| Dodson appeared. and during the delivery
| Of his few remarks the audience was con-
| vulsed with laughter Mr. Dodson calm
| ly rested himself on the speakers desk.
smiling with a complacency born OF the
| knowledge that the crowd was "wid him"
| he bided his time. while Mr. Saunders
! beat a tattoo with the gavel and. wearing
| himself oyt. he called Mr.. Howard Hath
away 20 the chair and he himself at once
went into training. and finding that he
| could not quiet the crowd. they were al
lowed 20 wear themselves out. During
the uDroar Dodson made his escape.
BILLOTING BEGINS.
Nontague Only Eighteen Votes Ahead of