The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1897-09-02
GOV. o'FERRALL's POSITION.
His Interview in The Washington Post
His Criticism OF the Roanoke Con-
ventiCn-As Matters Now Stand.
He VIII Not Support the Tick
ct - Bryan'S Democracy
Questioned.

= H. 49,
He VIII Not Support the Tick
ct - Bryan's Democracy
Questioned.
The Vlrginian yesterday. in its telc-
graphic column, made known that the
Washington Post or ycsleNlay would
contain q lengthy and important Inter
view with Governor O'Ferrali, in which
be talked with plalnncss as to his pres
ent position and future action. his deter
animation not 10 support the Democratic
State ticket and his criticism Of the
Chicago platform. Tho Interview is
very interesting and there can he no
mistake as to the Governors position.
as the following eXtrno, Will testify:
MY term has passed very quickly
said the Governor, but I go out of
office without regret. I return to pr!-
vate life with the knowledge that 1
nave done my duty according TO my
conscience. I have ao apologies to make
for the course I have pursued. If l
had the last four years, and especially
the last year. to live over again. l
should not deviatc a hairs breadth from
the path I W followed"
A STRUGGLE TO DECIDE.
"Did you reach your decision not to
support Bryan suddenly, or after ma
ture deliberations" I asked him.
A a matter of fact" replied the
Governor. looking far away over the
wooded hills to the horizon beyond, and
evidently recalling q moment Of much
mental strife, ut vas the hardest strug-
gle of my life. In endeavoring to make
up my mine what course to pursue I
was torn by conflicting emotions. I
had been a Democrat oil my life. l had
never voted for any other thar n Demo-
crat. I did not vote for Horace Greeley.
All the honors heaped upcur me by the
people had come through Democratic
votes. 1t was n severe struggle, and
could not q been more painful than
parting with q dear friend. And yea,
when I finally reached my determine
tion. I did not turn my face back
wards"
But you do not agree with your
critics that you are no longer a Demo-
GRAFT 2"
Il am now and have always been a
Democrat. As I said a moment ago. I
have never. In any election. cast my
ballot for any candidate who was not
a Democrat. I declined TO vote for
Horace Greeley because he was not a
Democrat and the platform was not
Democratic 1t being the same as the
platform of the Liberal Republican or
Greeley party. In that election I re-
Trained from voting FOR either Presi-
Dental candidate. both being Republi-
cans. With this exception. I have sup
ported heartily and labored earnestly
for every candidate nominated for
President by the Democratic party until
1885,.
WILL NOT. SUPPORT THE STATE
TICKET. -. .-
h was a uat!ona1 election and on
national Issues" I suggested. What
you did then may be different from
what you will do now. VIII you sup
por. 1.-THE State ticket recently nomi-
mated at Roanoke?
Governor O'Ferrall's face grew firm.
Il shall speak frankly and without
reserve" he replied. II have no con-
cealments. I answer you emphatically
that l Will not vote for the nominees
Of the Roanoke convention, unless there
Is danger Of Republican success. In
that case" added the Governor, II
would have to shut my eyes and not see
tho platform or swallow II and throw Il
OF as soon as possible. I fear Republi-
canism and Populism In our State gov
ernmeClt too much 10 withhold my sup
port in case Of Republican or Popul!stic
opposition to the Roanoke ticket, do
not say Democratic ticket, for 1t is NOT
Democratic. Personally, I like all the
nominees. They are good men. 1 am
sure that the candidates for Lieutenant
Governor mi Attorney General have
had ample evidence of my warm per
sonal regard for them"
Do the gold Democrats OF Virginia
cooperate with you in this proposed
action?"
Tbs question would suggest that 7
am the leader of the gold Democrats
In the State" replied Governor O'Fcr-
rail-. with a smile. II 40 not claim tbot
position. although ] am accused of he
ing the head and front or the gold son
t!ment. Seriously, though, those who
believe with me have talked the matter
over. We could have, and would have
supported the nominees of the State
convention If n platform adhering TO
fundamental Democratic principles and