Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-09-05

INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES WILL
CUT LITTLE FIGURE.
DBS0CRATS NOT AFRAID OF THEM.
They DO Not Think the Free Lanccs
VIII he Able To Draw Any Strength
from the Regular Party Orgnni-
cations.

Every Democrat thus far nominated for
the Legislature. whether he be for Mar
tin or for Tyler for the Senate. will be
elected
That was the statement OF a we'll
known Democrat to a Dispatch writer
last night. He has been keeping a care
full watch of the nominations. He said
he felt sure there was no reason TO fear
the defeat Of one. He did not think there
was any likelihood Of the success of an
Independent in a single county in which
one has been announced.
DEMOCRACY Is SOLID.
"Of course" he said. ian Independent
in county in which the Democrats have
a slight majority might stand a chance
10 slip in. But he has no such chance In
the average county. / do not think a
candidate opposed 10 the regular Demo-
cratic organization. whether he be Re
publican, Independent, or what not. will
draw much strength from the Democ-
racy. lie must look chiefly to the regu-
lar opposition for support"
Though there is no fear expressed as to
the danger of anything like a general
success Of Independent candidates: or.
indeed OF many being announced, II IS
realized that in addition TO those who
have already come out there is proba-
bility Of more Of them being put up. The
hight Of the Democratic organization will
be against these independents
Although the friends OF Senator Martin
now claim eighty-two votes I'm the Demo-
cratic caucus. II was stated yesterday
that IT Is mistake 10 suppose there will
be any letting up in the work 10 secure
votes for him. Headquarters here Will
be kept open, and work will continue as
usual.
ADDRESS TO REPUBLICANS.
The Republican State Executive Com
mittee gave out the following address for
publication yesterday:
To the Republican County and City
Chairmen and Republican Voters of
Virginia:
Some weeks ago there was addressed
10 each member of the Republican State
Committee a circular letter asking their
views as to the proper policy TO be pur-
sued by our party in the present legisla-
tive campaign.
There are twenty-eight members Of the
State Committee. and replies have been
received from twenty-fOur of them.
Twenty-Five Of that number agree that
we should not make n nomination for the
Legislature in any county or district Of
the State.
In obedience, therefore, 20 the senti-
ment thus expressed. and i'm accordance
with the firm convictions of each and
every member Of your State Executive
Committee. this day met in the city Of
Richmond. we concluded 10 advise coun-
y and city chairmen and Republican
voters that no steps should be taken
looking to the nomination Of Republican
candidates for the Legislature.
With the present election law, and eX-
perience Of It's practical application and
the working thereof. in the hands Of the
Democratic machine we do not suppose
any Republican voter in Virginia believes
that we could be a factor in changing
the existing election laws.
Under the blightng auspices Of the
present regime the great name II our
time-honOred Commonwealth has been
brought into disrepute. and the disgrace
that mantles the check of every honest
Virginian as the result Of our sO-called
elections is TO be laid at the door and
charged TO the methods Of the party in
power.
For years our elections in this State un-
der the pretended forms Of law have
been miserable farces, and the honest
voters OF Virginia who are opposed 10
unfair elections and dishonest methods
have been powerless to give expression
to their will. The dice have been loaded
against them; they are simply hound
hand and foot. and II relief is to be eX-
pected il must come through honest
Democrats who may revolt against the
infamy of the present system.
It is hoped that dissatisfaction with TIE
present law is more widespread within
the Democratic ranks and among men,
bers of that party than IS known to Re-
publicans.
The Republicans OF Virginia have long
suffered by the practical application OF
this infamous law. and are convinced
that the future welfare and the material
interests of the state demand the re-
storation of that old-tinie freedom Of the
ballot when it expressed the ill Of the
legal voter, and it is believed 20 be good
policy on the part Of the Republicans not
10 make nominations or run candidates
anywhere. but TO unite as one man in
throwing their strength 20 such candi-
dates as will pledge themselves TO work
and vote for a fair. honest, and hoA-par-
tisan election law.
1t is conceded that the making Of nom
nations for the General Assembly j. 10
be finally decided by the several district
and county committees for themselves.
and this letter Is TO be regarded only as
a recommendation or suggestion.
Very respectfully
PARK AGNEW,
l. .....