Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-05-11

tire Eiehty-three of the one hundred
counties of the State cent delegates.
only TWO cities-Danville and Peters
rsre-vere unrepresented. Every con-
ere.sional district had a fair representa-
ton. Some were represented very fully.
some counties Of the far Southwest sent
several delegates. Tazewell and Russell
Zach had six good men present. Lee,
which is quite frequently unrepresented.
had TWO delegates in the body. Dicken-
son. as frequently without delegate in
gatherings OF the State Democracy as
lee. bad q voice in the deliberations of
The conference yesterday. over six hum
lrei delegates were registered at head
quarters Many did not report there.
Nearly eight hundred were in the hall
when the vote on the resolution was
tas.n
I1a CHARACTER Of the conference was. Of
,lr,a quite similar TO that Of any
r-ledug o. state Democrats. There
were speeches and music and boundless
er-lusiasm There were the usual earnest
debates. the usual struggles TO carry a
I0ar the usual contests over matters
which. prior 70 the final decision of the
lcry. were made TO appear OF towering
Importance
NOTHING CUT AND DRIED"
There was the least possible amount Of
the "cut and dried" about the proceed
i1ss. The conference would not have it.
There was nothing "set" in what was
done. Contests were warm and earnest
There was a common object in view. but
a diversity Of opinion as 10 the best
method by which it was 10 be attained.
The spontaneity Of the proceedings was
lot the least striking feature Of the con-
ference. The earnestness Of the dele
safes was most markedly manifest. 1t
showed itself in the speeches. Ii was
seen iu the active part which men from
every section Of the State took in the
debates It was most strikingly evident
ir Oh. close attention paid TO every de-
tal OF tae Proceedings. The enthusiasm
was warm and spontaneous.
Tile personnel Of the body was very fine
Nauy OF the men most prominent in Nir-
gaa politics were present The remark
aty AIg. number OF men present who
ars ua- in the habit Of attending State
conventions was the subject Of general
Comment Farmers. heretofore content
o. vote after others had shaped party
policy. businessmen. once willing 10 al
l.n ta..r neighbors 10 map cut party pro-
Gesture. we're there, interested, earnest
a-.ae. enthusiastic.
YOUNG BLOOD AND OLD.
Maly of the most active Of the young
III @ the party in Virginia were most
Prominent figures William \. Jones,
.ack Montague, Eppa Hunton. j. {.
Parker Walton Moore. Baby Banks
ce John r. Harris. Jr., and as many
more 0l the young blood OF the virginia
Democracy were there, and their voices
we've plainly effective in shaping the
policy OF the convention. Older men,
whose wisdom IN council and courage on
te l-s..ngs aided Ia building up the
Democratic party IN Virginia and res
e-lg ,Ae state from the rule Of the
-..H were there. called 10 the front
as.l 10 aid in the battle they had been
content 90 see fought by their sons. WI
A-n A. Auderson's voice was never clear
er ls argument stronger, his earnest
l. more marked. John Goode. his head
e. waite as snow. but his form as erect
a-4 l. speech as fiery as when quar-
i.g ., "a co,iury ago ne was a war-horsc
81 Virginia. made an address upon as
s-m.ag the chair. as temporary presiding
o1ct that compelled the enthusiastic
s1n.rauon Of every nearer.
4-e speeches were Of high oraer'
Several Of the orators We're men VINO
tste 10 supeFlors az public speakers Ia
'lg.na. They sustained themselves
&y
; la4t the conference did not nominate
candidate was a disappointment 10
Hiny. but they were greatly in the MI
l.f.'y Sentiment against making nom
~eton Was overwhelming.
LACK OF Personal AMBITION
Tie lnseifsh character Of the move
",a, i0s the popular selection OF sena-
tTa Candidates in Virginia was clearly !
otmonsuated Two Of the signers OF the 4
''.i men who have been among the most
give 90 making the movement success
90 declared in uneQu.yocal terms that
e''y we're not aspirants for seats In the .
-a'e aud would not b..
"es4roing the work Of the conference,
NS'e Is little diversity OF opinion. II is