The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-09-20
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER %. 1899.
THE DEMOCRATIC REVOLT


Following up our remarks Of Sunday
concerning the so-called 'mutiny' in the
Democratic party. we direct attention TO
tho fact that those who are crying out
against boss rule. bribery in elections and
against the ways and means generally Of
the Democratic organization. or as they
call it. the machine. are not those Dem
ocrats Who in 1895 refused to support the
chicago platform.
We do not mean 20 say that all the
gold Democrats are satisfied with the
political situation iu Virginia. but we do
say that the men who are now making
trouble are largely free silver party reg
ularity men. from Governor Tyler down.
This Is a matter which the party leaders
cannot fail to have noticed.
There was talk at one time that the
gold Democrats in Virginia were going 20
unite with the Republicans in an effort
10 overthrow the Democratic rule ia this
state That was q mere dgment OF the
imagination. Gold Democrats So FAR as
we know anything about them, never for
one moment entertained any such idea.
Their revolt in 1896 was against the chi
caco platform and none OF them changed
views on the question Of State politics.
They are as much interested as any In
white mans rule IN Virginia, and that
they'would unite with the Republican par
tv. asat present constituted TO put that
party in power in Virginia is simply abb
surd.
No. no this revolt is not the revolt Of
1876. r is not the revolt OF gold Demo
Gratis. but Of silver Democrats, who I'm i'.6
we're hurrahing for Bryan and denouncing
the gold Democrats as boilers and rait-
ors II is not a revolt against the national
Democratic party. but against the Demo
cratic party Of Virginia as now organ
lied.
What are the party leaders going 20 DO
about &C.? Are they simply going TO make
an EFFORT 10 stlhe the cry? If they do
they viii make great b.undor II they
attempt 20 stine that cry they WIN simply
make it louder and turn protest into in-
dignauon. The only way that they can
oulcf these latter-day boilers IS by Tee
forming The ways OF the party manage
ment. ~ We can read the signs of the
times the Democratic masses are deter
mined that boss rule shan cease and that
bribery and jugglery in elections shall be
abolished
But We would throw out another hint
We d. not mean 90 charge corruption
against the Democratic party OF Virginia.
so FAR as the administration OF state.
county and municipal affairs are con-
cerned. But I'm the very best temper and
without meaning 20 cast reflections upon
any. and without having any hidden
meaning whatever in our words We ask II
the Democratic party Is ready and willing
10 make an exhibit I'm every department
Of state county and municipal govern
ment? Suppose strong opposition party
IN Virginia should spring up and call for
a reckoning with the Democratic admin
isirauon Of affairs throughout the length
ana breadth o. Virginia. Is the party
prepared 90 make an exhibit? Would e
he willing for representatives Of such par
~ 10 Investigate AN the affairs OF govern
ment everywhere? DO tho party leaders
know that State and county government
IN Virginia has been honestly and correct
iy and efficiently administered? Are an
our officers OF government honest and
capable. and are they giving the State
and counties honest and efficient service?
For fifteen years and more The Demo
cratic party has been Ia power ln Virginia
and has had practically no opposition from
any other party This is AN anomalous
condition and is contrary 10 the fun
damental principles Of Republican gov
eminent We say that a party which has
been 80 long IN power and which has
never been called 70 account Is apt 10 be-
come careless n no worse. and we think
Il good time Tor the managers OF the
Democratic party 10 call their own officers
90 account and make Just such an inves.
tigation as would be made by any oppo-
sition party which should spring Up az
this time and put the Democrats out Of
power. We commend these suggestions
70 the Legislature.