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

interests OF this Commonwealth would in
spire him 20 renewed endcavor i'm her be-
hair one whose conduct In Office would
win the respect and esteem Of all who are
brought I'm relation. official or otherwise.
yyffb the legal department OF the State
government. one whose urbanlty and cor
dial sincerity would commend nlm TO the
people at large.
As CITY ATTORNEY.
"AIaior Lasslter is not uniried IN off,
cial position. During five years he was
CITY Attorney Of Petersburg. and for
moro than three years he was United
states District Attorney for the Eastern
District OF Virginia. In both positions
his administration was conspicuous for
zeal. learning ability, and fidelity, though
marked az al times by courtesy and con-
slderation-thus giving an earnest Of the
manner in which MS course would be
guided. should II please you TO conhde
new duties 90 his keeping.
III Is not necessary Tor me 70 enlarge
on Major Lasslter's political life. because
his long. active and successful leadership
in the Fourth Congressional District has
given him distinction so great as 20
mako his career known 90 every man in
the state who loves Democracy and who
keeps In touch with his party. Ii was
l.
and for those enlisted under its banner,
that. In tho fall OF 1896. led him to the
greatest political sacrifice which was
witnessed during tAat most memorable
campaign.
Everything that wealth. influence and
power could do towards the coercion OF
the people. and in the direction OF their
ultimate political ouslayement. was set
i'm motion by an unh0iy alliance Of pseu-
do-Democrats and Republicans. every
means within their control was exerted
10 deprive the struggling masses Of
their leaders. and The demand was made
from Washington that Major Lassiter
should give up the chairmanship Of tho
party. which DE then held, and should
resort 10 the base Inactivity OF an cnforc-
cd retirement
DEPRIVED OF OFFICE
Major Lassiter had fought the same
deht for Cleveland in 1892. and no threat,
however. sure and speedy OF execution,
could induce him 10 desert Bryan, or
cause him 10 forego the promulgation
from the hustings of the principles enun-
ciatcd in the Democratic platform Of 1896.
lie loved Democrncy-he despised and
defcd it's enemies. lie was deprived OF
Office. but this gave him the more leisure
I'm which TO direct the forces of his party.
All the ties which bound him 10 his old
political associates in official life were
sundercd-but an the warm affections or
his heart were more strongly entWined
about the people Of Virginia, on whose
behalf he had thrown down the guage,
and for whom he battled 10 the end.
Nothing I'm history either sacred or
profaae. presents So striking a parallel
TO this as the attitude OF Ruth to Naomi,
found recorded in Holy writ. She gave up
all and. I'm impassioned speech eXclaim-
ed: For whittier thou goest. l will 20;
and where thou lodgcst 1 will lodge; thy
people shall be my people and thy God
my God
"Honors were showered upon Ruth in
Israel and 1 trust that this convention
will show It's appreciation OF the personal
sacrifice which Major Lassitcr has made
for the good people of Virginia. Viewed
from any aspect the convention cannot
20 wrong I'm nominating him.