The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-10-31
TUESDAY. OCTOBER 81. 1899.
Tile PRESIDENTS VISIT.

There IS no political significance In
the visit OF President Mckinley TO Rich
mond. Politics has nothing 20 do with
this occasion. The people of Richmond
have invited the President 20 pay them
a visit and witness the launching of
government vessel from the Richmond
shipyard and The President has ac-
cepted the invitation in the same spirit
in which it was given Our people are
not thinking about politics to-day and
they Will not think about the Presidents
politics while entertaining him. lie VIII
be received as the President Of tho whole
country. and Democrats viii greet him
as cordially and shake his hand as warm
~ as Republicans viii To-day we viii
dispense old Virginia hospitality and old
Virginia patriotism. unmixed with poll
Tics.
There IS this significance, however, In
Mr. McKinley's visit and in the recep-
ton which be will have. Richmond was
the capitol Of the Southern Confederacy,
and the people of Virginia were loyal 20
the south's cause. They had the right
10 withdraw from the Union in peace and
they had the right 10 defend themselves
when their territory was invaded by the
governments forces. They fought for
their rights and displayed the same cour-
age and heroism and love Of liberty that
was displayed by George Washington and
other Virginians who fought for Ameri-
can independence. But when Virginia
returned 70 the Union she returned in
good faith She contributed more than
her share towards the cstab. shment Of
the American Republic. and she claims
equal rights therein with every other
state in the Union. The flag of the
Union is her flag, and she waves 10 con-
smcuously to-day On token that she is
loyal 90 Il. and moreover. that she claims
an the rights and privileges and pro-
lection that are guaranteed under the
flag 10y the constitution The President
Of the United States IS her President. re-
gardloss of his politics, and while sho
feels very kindly towards Mr. Mckinley
as a man. she is doing honor 90 the cx-
allied position which he occupies. She
says 20 President Mckinley Virginia IS "a
part ana parcel OF the Union. as much
so as Ohio or New York She does not
claim more for herself but She claims as
much in the way of protection and par
ronage as the government vouchsafcs 20
any other state. We ask no favors at
D. &c Ia fr|.t.rrr.sr..r.f alr
simply that consideration which is shown
70 the states above Mason and Dixon's
Inc.
We feel sure that the President will
set proper estimate upon the reception
which he Will receive In Richmond to-
day. lie is a discriminating man. and
he understands its significance. lie Will
not Be misled by hints that have fallen
here and there Of a change Of political
sentiment iu Virginia Virginia SIS a
Democratic State and is likely 20 remain
such. a large majority OF the men who
will cheer The President to-day are men
who have always voted the Democratic
ticket and> who viii continue TO do so.
The true Significance Of this demonstra-
ton Is that Virginia has put the past be-
hind her. she holds as sacred as ever
every principle FOR which she fought In
the war between the States. but accept
ing the new conditions IN good faith she
takes her stand among the proudcat and
best Of her sister states, yielding nothing
20 any OF them in patriotism, in loyalty
70 the flag and In material progress As
such she groets President Mckinley. bids
him welcome 10 her capital and invites
him to partake Of her ume-honored hos
pitality.
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