Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-10
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. 10, 1897.
poy.T BE CAUGHT MATING.

The day of election is now only about
three weeks off. and so far the canvass
has dragged along heavily, the reason
ther efor being that there are spirited
contests only in a few. legislative dis
tricts.
The general belief is that Tyler
Echols, and Montague will have walk
over" and that we can elect a ma
iority of the members Of each House
with but little effort SO it is with eX-
IRENE difficulty that the services OF the
best speakers can be obtained and for
the same reason the contributions TO the
campaign fund are few and far between.
Really. our people are taking too much
for granted. We cannot conscientiously
sav We believe that Hoge Tyler is In
Danger OF defeat at the hands OF Pat
McCaull: but we do think McCauils cam
aidacy will bring to the polls many col
nred voters who otherwise would stay
at home on November ID. Thus we are
I'm danger Of losing the election of a
number of senators and delegates who
were heretofore considered to be certain
of victory. And so, If our present
apathy continues. we may have losses
in localities where there Is now no
dream Of danger. Hence we warn our
friends that they would better throw
more activity into their organizations.
No matter whether the Republicans APP
pear to be alternating or not, the
Democrats of each city and county ought
TO be brought together for the purpose
of hearing the issues Of the day dis
cussed punching the BAG" may seem
a very ignoble exercise for public speak
ers but ii puts ones muscles in order
for a real fight. should 1t occur.
Each county and city committee
should arrange one or more meetings.
Where possible TO do so, the State Demo-
cratic Committee, we feel sure, will pro-
vide speakers; but II gentlemen from
distance cannot be gotten, home talent
may be relied upon. Here in Richmond
we have had one meeting. addressed by
Tyler. Echols, and Montague, and others
will be held In due time. Thus our
local organizations will keep party spirit
alive. though our legislative ticket is
quite sure TO be elected without oppo-
Eition.
No. II will not do for us to take so
much for granted. The Republicans are
fertile IN expedients and experienced in
springing surprises. il we continue as
apathetic as we are now. We may have
pause to repent II on November I'd. Let
each community. led by its county, city,
OF district committee, show its entbu-
siasm and zeal by arranging for meet
!ngs, and by consulting with the State
Chairman las 10 obtaining speakers of
prominence. But let no meeting be
abandoned because members of the State
ticket. or Daniel Martin, or Jones, eau
not be gotten to speak. These gentle
men must. first visit those counties
where the enemy Is seen TO be most ac-
tive though en- route 10 them other To-
oalities may sometimes be visited. But
lf ''blg guns" cannot always be secured.
let orr friends call into their service
their bright young men. Among them
no doubt. are many who will hereafter
be known as great orators.
our urgent advice to our fellow Demo-
Gratis IL 10 be more active and vigllant
not 10 be too cocksure and TO so TO
work at once TO arouse the interest and
enthusiasm OF the masses.