Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1897-09-20
for revenue only principle,

when he was the third time nominated,
against the stout resistance of many of
his supporters, including the entire
twelve Cleveland delegates from Vir-
ginia. These delegates had the active
support of Gov. O'Ferrall.
1T was evidently inconceivable that
go great revulsion of feeling and con-
duct could have been induced by the
absence of principle or phrase from
platform, when, with the like absence,
he had twice supported the nominee.
"But so serious misstatement OF
democratic history, and even the charge
of 'inexcusable' offerse based upon it
against the Bryan democracy, does not
disturb the Governor in the least. 1t
is said that I favored the unit rule IN
1896 and opposed it 1892 If 30, what
of it2 We're not the Governors opinions
equally reversed, DO fsvoring it when l
did not and opposing it when favored
itp Was it not a mere question OF ex-
pediency, and not one of princlpleI Is
he not crilicisipg me for what he him
self did also? Neither is consistent.
The convention was overwhelmingly OF
a fixed opinion in 1896. 1t was a tit
case for unit rule. In 1892 the State
convention was in almost even balance.
Our chairman, Hon. Basil B. Gordon,
of one side, proposed compromise OF
equal division of delegates. l, of the
otter side, advised acceptance. Wis,
dom and harmony prevailed. Those OF
US WHO were overruled at Chicago in
1892 nevertheless helped to elect Cleve-
land. All we ask is that others follow
our loyal example.
Zone who has entangled himself in
such a jungle of contradictions cannot
distress me by saying that am not a
safe leader If any leadership could
be imputed to me may take some con-
solution that the Virginia democracy
has had a series of unbroken VIC
tories ever since I have been in
the position of trust they have given
me: and at least I have not dis
! arrayed them; that I did not reduce such
following as holds up my hands in the pubic
service from an army to an awkward squad
| in the shortest space of time ever known Tor
| such reaction and that seem much more un'
| satisfactory to the revilers of democracy than
| to its stead .ast and generous supporters who
| have Won victories even when some leaders
| SUI 1denly failed them.
"But do not pose myself as leader, and
| claim bat humble share in the achieve
ments of the Virginia democracy. know
full we'll that our triumphs have been due
| mainly and almost altogether to that patriotic,
sensible and incorruptible body of the Vir'
gnia people who stand year in and year out
| for the common veal
The Governor says he has faith in the
| people. What people? The claa that spent
| 100000 to buy the State for Mckinley last
year?
"In that class of honest election dssem=
J bers, who could sec democratic peccadillQ
afsr off, but cannot see republican mountain
of bribery and corruptionp
"In the dark, pathetic race so tractable and
useful whom not misled, but so easily played
on by the arts of d,magogue and advent
urer
Surely he has shown but little faith IN
those faithful and confding democratic masses
who bore him in 1893 to the proudest hour
| OF hi, life,' as he expressed it; but who n he
has so despitefuly used, discarded and dis
| dained."
Mr.. Carter Glass has made public letter
| in which he states that Senator Daniel was
not a member of the Chicago committee on
| resolutions aud that he served with the un-
derstanding that he should resign if Senator
| Daniel was not made temporary chairman OF
the convention.