Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-10-12
THE DUTY OF DEMOCRATS.

The existing apathy and over-coniidence
among Democrats in Virginia must be dis
sipated before election-day. if we hope to
" 3 creditable victory.
many of our men who ought to be
act..e are idle; too many who enjoy the
favors, OF our party are sitting with folded
hands
There is plenty OF work for us all to do.
our candidates and our committeeman
need help, and should have 1t from every
good Democrat, and especially from those
who have been honored by the party in
this State.
True. this is not to be an election for
county or city officers or for members
of the Legislature, but II is 10 be strug-
gle that will test the strength of our
party, and invigorate us or enfeeble us, as
results may determine.
Without a doubt a scant majority in
this State this fall would encourage the
Republicans and their allies to put up
a strong fight against us next year. And
next year we are 10 elect a Legislature
which in turn will elect a senator in Con-
gress and many OF the important officers
of our State government Between the
two elections we see a close link. Vic
tory now would presage victory in 1899.
Defeat now would handicap us for next
years contest. We, therefore, call upon
all members Of our party to cast off their
apathy or Indifference. and TO render as
sistance to those who are struggling under
the burden and responsibilities of this
campaign.
II you are willing TO help, you may easily
ind plenty of ways to do so. 1T may be
that you could be serviceable upon the
stump. 1t may be that you could make
a contribution TO our scant campaign
fund. 1t is certain that you can attend
the meetings of your Democratic club or
the public meetings where our canvassers
will appear TO discuss the issues. 1t is
also certain that If you will you may
circulate good Democratic literature and
cheer on those Democrats that are active
and jealous in party work. Ask your
self, do / owe the Democratic party
anything? DO 1 recognize that it has done
any good in this Slater If the answers
be affirmative. ask yourselves the further
question: What am L doing TO promote
its success?' Then you will know where
you are at and may act accordingly.
Yes, brother Democrat what are you
doing TO help on this canvass? DO you
sympathize with our party workers? II
SO, how are you showing il?
We wish TO warn our people that present
conditions cannot continue without dis
astrous consequences TO us. We must
rouse up. We must not only feel an in
terest IN the canvass. but we must show
that We do. The Dispatch would not feel |
the slightest fear as to the results OF this |
election in Virginia II our people were
awake 10 the danger that is present; IL |
our voters understood the insdious cam |
paign that the enemy is making.
The trouble Is that our good, easy
going folk think though we are apathetic. |
the enemy is equally so. That the Re-
pubiicans have little or no enthusiasm
We know, but we must recolect that Mr..
Hanna knows how 10 warm them M.
knows how TO interest them. Soon he
VIII be scattering his money among them.
boon we shall see a wonderful awakening
IN their ranks. and we, too. must arouss
ourselves. 1t is our duty to meet and
v'e'"ns'm them. Don't delay: begin
showing Your interest. Act