The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1897-09-12
O'FERRALL'S ANSWER
concluded from Seventh Page.)

z. He denounced the unit rule in the
State convention OF 1892, when leading
Hills minority and demanded It in the
State convention of 1896 when leading a
silver majority.
8. He fought Populsm In 1893 and 1895
coalesced with 1t in 1886 and at the
Roanoke convention In 1897 quietly sat
by and heard a Populist put in nomina-
'tion and receive 29S votes for the place Of
Lieutenant Governor on the ticket
Inconsistencies Why, I might CON-
tinue the list until / had wearied the
public with 1t, I am sure in this respect
I need not fear comparison Of records
with our distinguished senior Senator.
May not say he Is "a bundle OF marvel
Gus inconGrutties and Inconsistencies? 2"
It IL even reported that he is changing
his mind on the subject OF selecting
United States Senators by primary, and
the friends Of the proposition are look
ing forward hopefully for his support.
THE SENATOR'S APPEAL.
In the conclusion of the Senator
letter we find an urgent appeal in his
own behalf. and think we discover in
1t the anlmus OF his publication.
Our State ticket cannot be defeated"
he declares. / agree with him. / am as
anxious to see It elected as he Is. But he
Is stirred as to his own safety, It seems.
In spite OF his iron sway at Roanoke he
appears to be alarmed. He thinks there
may be combinations against him. What
combinations /? He Is as strong as Bry-
aniSm and Populism combined, and they
were stronger than Republicanism last
fall. Is he afraid Of the gold Democrats
coalescins with the Republicans If 50
let the Senator Danish his fears. Oil and
water would mix as soon as gold Demo-
Gratis would mix with Republicans or
Populists.
I am confident that the doctrines of
the Chicago platform Will not much
longer masquerade as Democratic prin-
ciples. Free silver is retreating before
the returning tide of prosperity. 1t can
only live on ''hard times" 1t Is be-
ginning to pant for breath already under
the pressure of the advance In wheat and
the reopening of mills, mines and fac
tories. The free silver campaign slogan
of last fall. "as silver falls wheat falls
as silver advances, wheat advances" Is
no longer heard, and the people are fast
learning that It Is the law OF supply and
demand. and not the price Of silver that
controls the prices OF the farmers pro-
ducts and the laborlng mans wages
free, unlimited and INDEP ENDENT
coinage OF silver" is doomed, and no
strong political party of the present, or
future. will ever put itself to death by
declaring for 1t In national convention.
The Democratic party Will return to
her 1nooring5. In 1872 she was led off
Into Liberal Republicansm," but she
soon returned to her faith. In 1896 she
lost her bearings and drinted against the
shoals, and Is still flounderlng in strange
and dangerous waters; but give her time
and her compass will direct her Into
safe and familiar seas.
I have faith In the people. I have
trusted them In the past, and I trust
them now, and mark my prediction, the
day Is not far distant when praises will
be turned into condemnattons and con-
formations into praises.
CIAS. T.. OFERRALL.
September II, 1897.