Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-30
ORR POSITION.
understood

In the course OF long cutOlldl on the
subject of the iy meeting the Char
lottesville Progress has the following:
"The Richmond Dispatch has been very
near the point several times of reading
out of the party every Democrat who
did not agree. in advance. TO endorse
whatever the May conference might sug-
gest.
This meeting in Richmond, with its
honesty Of purpose and disinterested pa
triousm. aimed at no one and seeking
TO advance no ones AMBITION meeting
simply to petition and not TO dictate-may
have no further political significance; but
will the Dispatch pardon Us il We cannot
take the same cheerful view of the move
ment that il does, and attribute our fears,
which must appear 20 IL SO foolish and
unfOunded. TO an exaggerated sensitive
ness about Independent movements in be-
half of the dear people,
The Progress misreprescnts us-not de-
signedly, we are sure; but most serious
~. nevertheless.
SO far from wishing 10 Tread OUT Of
the party any opponent OF the May meet
ing we have stated most emphatically
and now reiterate. that in our opinion
there is no party test in it. Any Demo-
crat may advocate 1t; any Democrat may
oppose it. The final reference of the
questions raised must be TO the Demo-
cratic party of Virginia. or it's representa-
tives, whose decision must be conclusive
with and binding upon all members Of
our party.
Nor have we ever demanded that
"eyery Democrat" should agree in adj
vance to endorse whatever the May con-
ference might suggest" SO far from it.
the Dispatch does not pledge itself to en-
dorse whatever the May conference
might suggest" If the meeting adopts
what we consider Just, wise. and pru-
dent course, we shall second it with all
our might; if it should not meet our eX-
pectations, it could not expect any help
from us. How very unfair, then, is it
for our Charlottesville contemporary TO
say that we wish every Democrat TO en-
dorse in advance what the May meeting
may do.
The Progress speaks OF an 'indepond-
ent" movement; but the May meeting is
no such thing 1t is a movement Of
large body of Democrats. who desire to
TO their party. The leaders in II are men
distinguished in our party. Their pur-
pose, as set forth under their own hand,
is one that commends itself TO the favor
Of thousands Of their brother Democrats.
knowing their high standing in our State,
the Dispatch can well afford to believe
that they speak the truth as TO their pur-
A. pFt n
be Judged by their works. The action of
the May meeting will speak for itself. 1t
will be an appeal 10 the conscience ana
judgment of our party, and must stand
Or fall by that test.
The Dispatch has seen with regret the
efforts made TO belittle the May meet
ing, and 10 drag personalities into the
discussion Of it. We shall assume no
share OF the responsibilities that may be
incurred thus. We are not contending for
men, but for measures. We have no sena-
torial fayorite TO boost; no candidate TO |
pull down. We are willing 10 work hard |
To secure a popular plan of nomination. |
and We trust the May meeting will be |
fruitful 10 that end; but we are not look |
ing for a plan TO satisfy the aspirants, !
but one which viii satisfy the people I
|, G.. the Democratic masses Of Virginia.
Again. we say to those Democrats who
favor the proposed change In the Federal
Constitution. and who wish our senate
rial nominations TO be made By some
popular method, come 10 the May meet
Ing. Give us the benefit of your presence
and counsel. comel