The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-07-13
TUESDAY. JULY IS. 1897.
WOUNDED IN THE HOUSE OF HIS
FRIENDS.


rial article, said:
Now that it is certain that MI Ely
son will not be the candidate Oh INC
Democratic party for Governor scnVNIo
ma. been set on foot 10 secure Tor MN
The nomination for Lieutenant-Governor:
ON the political principle that hair Ioal
&c better than no loaf and, in accordance
with Democratic politics as eNemplihed
under the management Of Mir. Eliyson'
this might be well enough, but Wheh II
Is remembered that the nsht WaBeu
against that gentleman in his cahuludCy
for Governor has been on account OF MS
financial views and because he is a ma
chine politician, the whole plan falls 10
the ground as utterly Incompatible WIN
the wishes of the majority OF the peo-
pie of this State, and wholly at variance
With the demands Of the situation.
Against the personal record OF Mr.. Ely
son the Times has not a word TO sayi
but when he comes before the people or
Virginia asking them 10 elevate him 10
the highest or second highest Office IN
the Commonwealth il must most strenu-
ously object. Consistency is a jewel OF
such rare value in human nature ana
human conduct that We are willing 10
allow for many lapseS of this virtue
among those in private and public me-
but when a man can deliberately reverse
an opinion OF to-day with the hope OF
obtaining n benefit on tomorrow, we
naturally regard with suspicion his sud-
den change of faith. AS a Gold Demo-
crat and n man Of excellent personal
qualities Mr.. Ellyson had our respect,
even when we were opposed 10 his imam
cjal Views; but when, at the dictate or
marty policy, he subsequently subscribed
10 the views which he had but lately de-
nounced. we wondered at the change, ana
while we wondered, our confidence in his
political sincerity was blown TO the
winds. A man who can change his views
upon n vital principle of government
when paramount issues are at stake is
an unsafe guide under the most favora-
BILE of circumstances; but when he swal-
lows the dose and pronounoes II palata-
bic and pleasant, we must either con-
clude that he is not himself or that he
never really had any opinion on the
subject worthy Of consideration. Such
IS the condition in which Mr. Ellyson
has placed himself. either as a candidate
for Governor or Leutenant-Governor he
IS unworthy OF the support OF the people
OF the state, and for the Democratic
party to give him place on the ticket
would be evidence OF lack OF SIN
cerity and earnestness on their part
which would seriously weaken It's candi-
dates before the people Of Virginia.
Mr.. Eiyson is one of a large number
OF Virginia Democrats who last year
were opposed TO the free and unlimited
coinage OF silver When the Chicago
Convention met and adopted a free sill
yer platform, some Of them declared that
they would not support the ticket and
did not support IT, But others said that
the party platform was law and that
they would bow TO the dictum Of the ma
dority. They believed in party regular
ity' and that with them was the guiding
motive.
Among these latter was J. Taylor Ely
son, OF Richmond. His judgment was
against free coinage because he did not
believe that II was practicable in this
country. independently OF the cooperation
OF the other great nations Of the earth.
But after the convention had spoken
Mr. Ellyson accepted the platform as.
superior to his own opinion. lie did not
complain, he did not sulk, but pulled on
his coat and went 10 work for the ticket.
As chairman OF the party III Virginia,
ne made the best campaign possible and
the party seemed TO accept his services In
good faith. Jie did not roll up the old
time majority. it is true, but he made
good fight and was by all odds the most
effective man in securing the Virginia
ciectora, vote for the Chicago nominees
and without him we doubt very much II
the State would have gone for Bryan.
Now he is accused OF insincerity and of
having gone with his party only for the
hope Of reward. The Roanoke Times Is
not the only source from which. this
change has come. II has been persist
emily urged against Mr.. Elyson that the
was not the man TO be Governor Of Vir-
cinia, because he was not in fun SYM
pathy with the silver plank Of the plat
form. and at least one other paper has
intimated that II elected, It feared that
he would be treacherous.
We are not Mr.. Ellyson's apologists and
are not undertaking 10 defend him as we
did not approve his course. Besides he
Is abundantly able TO take care OF him.
oelf But We employ the incident 70 point
Il moral. Had he refused 10 support the
Chicago platfogm, he would hsys been de-