Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-10-06
POLITICS HERE AND ELSEWHERE.

Taking the country over, politics are not
lively. Here and there. as in North Caro-
lima and New York, the people are
wrought up to a considerable extent but
as a rule, all the dulness of an off year
prevails.
Here in Virginia the only exciting con-
test that we have is in the Ninth District,
where the reelection of General James
A. Walker is opposed by the Democrats,
led by ex-Judge w. f. Rhea. These two
candidates have met in joint discussion
more than once, and have discussed one
anozher's records quite freely. The re-
suit is that wherever they are announced
10 speak crowds gather. Excitement runs
high in the Southwest, and if not allayed
by the day Of election it is certain that a
very large vote will be poled in that dis
trict.
Our party has reason to be proud Of the
ability, energy, and decision of character
displayed by our nominee, and we rejoice
to hear that the prospect of his election
is fine.
There is absence of excitement in the
other congressional districts of Virginia.
Indeed, Democrats and Republicans alike
seem little inclined TO attend public speak
ings; but we hope to hear of an improve
ment, so far as our party is concerned,
from this time on. There are signs that
public interest is increasing. At first the
war and its results overshadowed every
thing else. But they are now not so
prominent, and attention is being CEN
tired upon those States where the contests
are closest. When Virginians begin dis
cussing New York and North Carolina
politics they will soon become interested
In those OF their own State. By rights
they ought 20 fix their attention upon
home affairs before bothering about those
of their neighbors, but that is not their
practice always. and we must take things |
as we find them. However the Democrat |
who concerns himself about New York's |
or North Carolna's political affairs is !
pretty sure 10 do his duty by his own |
State and party.
The contest in North Carolina reminds
US very much of that mighty effort the
Democrats OF Virginia made in 1883 TO
throw OF the yoke of Malone; that cam
paign when Mr.. Barbour accepted the
of our party. and which
was followed by Fitz. Lees becoming
Governor and Daniels and Barbour's
;oing 10 the United States Senate.
The North Carolinians are engaged in
lnotlfe' such struggle. They are trying
o overthrow the "fusionists," ana are
lopIDg to regain power for the Demo
rats. We see so much of earnestness.
biliiy, and determination in their cam
align We cannot but believe the days of 70,
he Fusionists are numbered
The North Carolina press is doing glo-
ious work We don't believe the enemy r.
an stand before the batteries they have
pened upon them, 10 say nothing OF the
p'endid stump-speaking 10 which the
oierS OF the Old North State are being e,
-eatcd.' -"
The campaign in New York commands :,
''sn'ion because of the great influence :
mat state In national politics, and be- :,
a"se Roosevelt is the nominee OF the
epuoiicans Roosevelt has become a
's@' nero with many. Perhaps never be-
ne IN this ccun;ry's history has any
IAN risen 10 such prominence In Al sbor, y
u'he' we fail TO see that his military =,
'''eNs"ehu have been marvellous. but !
'efse section Of the public thinks other
re ana VIII have It's own way. I'm. :,
~ HooSeveits boom collapscs on No. q
''npef SIN II seems very likely indeed -. -,
'at ne win become Mr.. McKinlev.s 49,,
opponent for the mex, nros,s w
initial nomination OF the penu,,,aaa vi
'l,y. however. at present he is prc.
'I'ax 1or desperate struggle 4 80
onf suSsrnatoriai nominee. Judge van ~ ~,
~ - man Of ability ana blasneless a.,