Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-08-20
SIXTEEN PAGES
SUNDAY. AUGUST 20, 1889.
AN HUMBLE APOLOGY.

In 1.-THE Forum" In yesterdays issue
of this paper correspondent, evil
IDENTIFY in misguided moment and
most unthoughtedly does u gross in
justice to the memory OF Washington.
jefferson and Henry and men of that
stamp.
Our correspondent brings out some OF
their services to the country, their
manner of holding office. OF seeking Of
fee and of always submitting their
claims TO THE PEOPLE, and seeks to
draw a contrast with the present Vir-
glnia statesmen.
We would willingly allow. the Incl
dent to pass unchallenged but that
these men are dead and cannot speak
for themselves.
Jefferson and Washington aud even
Patrick Henry did the best they could.
angels could do no more" They were
young and inexperienced, or they would
never have acted in such an unpolitical
manner. Why should not our present
Office holders be greater statesmen ana
act more wisely? Have they not
great leader to organize? What dd
Washington or Patrick Henry or Thorn
as Jefferson, the father of Democracy,
know about managing" They sub
mitted everything to the people and
allowed the people to have their choice
of nominees. OF course this is not pol
tiles. but Jefferson knew no better. and
II Is not proper nor becoming at this
late day to contrast him with such
men as Senator Martin. What did JEFF
ferson ever do, that his record could
be put beside that OF Mr.. Martin?
All. but it is said that jefferson ana
Washington were friends OF the people
and got their Offices because the people
wanted them. And so is Mr.. Martin n
friend OF the people. Does he not
know more about selecting candidates
for office than the people! Does he not
In fact. know better than the people
do. that he is the most suitable man in
Virginia for u. s. Senator? In fact. is
he not the only man in Virginia, no,
an office holder or dependent. that does
know he is suitable for the office OF u.
S. Senator?
AS much as we should regret To see
the memory of Henry and his ora tory.
II,
Washington and his sword dimmed by
one greater than they; as much rs we
dislike to feel our vencration for the
great men of old. falling away. we sub
NIT that the State cannot afford to
keep Mr.. Martins light under a bushcl.
in all Of which our correspondent is
wrong.
What did Jefferson or Washington or
Madison know OF "organzation?' From
whom did Henry get his strength bu;
the people!! But here is one greater
than he, for may 1t not be said OF MIR.
Martin. that he and his friends do not
consult the people. but he actually
keeps them from voting!. When he is
gone. may no scribe dim the record OF
any other statesman by unfortunate
contrasts. Let the bones OF poor old
Jefferson and Henry and Washington
lie quietly moulding away. Let their
memories. as great men, still remain
with us, and dim 1t not because they
had no such leader as Mr.. Martin and
no Organization" They did the hes.
they could with the lights before them,
and besides, the people and not thh
politicians, run the government and Sc
lected candidates in those days.
Let us still think OF their shades
with respect, although if they lived
today, they might still be childish and
understandable enough to submit their
candidacy to the people.
Although they are slow in >realizing
It, and getting into their proper places,
the people have nothing TO do with the
Offices. but to vote. OF course they must
vote or be read out of the party. The
ef1ce holders of the State, men OF ex-