Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-10-04
ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE.

Saturday evenng MARI A. Hanna
closed a weeks sojourn in the national
capital and then HE'D 20 New York,
whence he will proceed 90 Ohio. We are
told, however, that his stay in Wash
ington was not one of rest and recrea-
ton. According TO the Washington
correspondent Of the philadelphia Eve
ming Telegraph, during the time that
Mark honored the city of magnificent
distances with his presence, he was as
busy as a bee IN a tar barrel He de-
voted many hours TO talks with promi-
nent Republicans of various States re-
garding the congressional elections, went
over the field with them, land gave adj
vice and suggestions" touching many of
the contests He exhibited special IN
terest," says the Telegraph's CORES
pendent, "in the congressional contests in
the South, and had frequent consultations
with leaders in Virginia, Florida, Missi3-
sippi, and other States where there has
been some friction in the Republican
party In conclusion. the Telegraph's
correspondent says that one result of
Hanna's visit to Washington has been
a stirring up of the National Republican
Congressional Committee; that word mas
been sent 10 influential Republicans all
over the country 20 take off their coats
and work. and that 1t is expected that
from now on the congressional campaign
will be waged with all vigor.
ol-
OF the States named in whose contest
Hanna is stated TO have shown especial
interest, and with whose Republican
leaders ne is said 20 have had consulta-
lions. Let the Virginia Democratic lead
ers stick a pin here 10 the end that It
may be proved that forewarned is fore
armed. Let them not lose sight Of the
fact that Hanna is an exceedingly prac-
teal politician, and that his interest I'm
contest generally takes very practical
20 influence voters in Virginia it is affirm
cd he resorted TO in the last. presidential
campaign.
That there is friction among the Re
publicans in Virginia is not 20 be denied,
but II would be worse than foolish for the
Democrats of the State TO count on that.
Ii is no secret that Hanna has a big stock
of lubricant left over from 1896, and
no one doubts his ability 20 increase that
stock 10 almost any amount the exie en-
cies of the situation may demand. More
over. No one questions that Hanna is
master of the high art of political lubri-
eating, and has trained a number Of apt
pupils TO proficiency in said art. We doubt
Hanna, with all Of his modesty,
would deny the soft Impeachment HIM
pretty much the same they were in the |
OF 1896. and therefore so far as |
Republican methods are concerned, we |
may expect the history OF the last-named |
10 repeat itself In the present |
one.
SO. we repeat. let the Virginia Demo-
cratic leaders stick pin at the revela-
tons OF the Telegraph's Washington cor
respondent. and profit by experience and
the warning contained I'm these reyela-
lions. Let them accept the challenge to
pun OF coats and wage the campaign
from now on with all vigor, not neglect
Ing to keep constantly before the people
Hannaism. as exemplihed IN the State
TWO years ago. And while the speakers
are pressing the fight in the open. let the
local heads and workers OF the party he
counting noses. disciplining the Demo-
cratic voters. and beating the bushes for
'he Republican bushwhackers Hanna's
interest In the Virginia contest justifes
Is, ~ believing will be sent out. This
eohey should ohain. and unusudl efforts
sho"'d he made. TO bring out the ful
Democratic vote in every congressional
district In the State; for should the next
House Of Representatives be closely Re-
publican the majority will halt at no sub. !