New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-09-11

\ good deal Of unfavorable commenf mas been
eVcitod hv tho recent recommendation OF the Re
nuhIican State Central Committee III Virginia
that no Republican candidates be nominated Tor
tho Legislature this fall This somewhat aston
ishing advice was given in circular letter
issued last week TO county chairmen by the
head of the regular Republican organization,
Park Agnew Mr. Agucw and his associates Oh
the State Central Committee seem 10 think that
Ronuhlican interests IN the Old Dominion VIII
no best served this year by a programme OF
mastorlv inactivity In the present election
law they contend the Democratic managers
have cnuinped themselves with veritable gam
bler's dice box and rather than struggle from
vear IN wear against loaded throws the RepuDll
can leaders prefer 10 retire from the game with
q formal protest against its chronic and hope
loss unfairncss. Irritation ut such a policy OF
massive surrender Is. Of course. wholly natural
and the indignant criticisms aroused In many
ouartors by Chairman Agnew's abstenton cir
cular have an undoubtcd basis Of justification.
closer look at conditions in Virginia may
oua,fy. however. the censure visited so freely
on the state Committees denomination project
, LEGISLATURE alone is 10 be chosen this fall.
and under the most favorable circumstances
normal Republican activity could assure but q
feeblo minority representation in either branch
of the lawmaking body. As the great political
disability under which the party labors is the
outra ceous PARTISAN character Of the State cleo
ton law. and as the sole chance of securing the
repeal or amendment OF that law lies In the CO.
operaton Of those more public spirited Demo
Gratis who dcplorc the abuses Of the present eiec-
ton system. il Is perhaps the not unreasona-
m
ago the growth Of better public sentiment by
throwing all possible support 70 such opposition
candidates rs favor return to a free ballot ana
an honest count. Being convinced say MT Az
row and his associates. that "the future welfare
"and material interests OF the state demand the
..restoration Of the freedom Of the ballot 10 the
legal voter" they freely advise the Virginia Re
nublicans not 70 make nominations OF their
own. but to give their united strength 10 Such
"other candidates rs will pledge themselves 10
work for a fair. honest and non-partlsan cleo
"tlon law.
Nor IS the policy outlined by the state Com
mittee intended 10 have the absolute force OF Il
party ruling for the committee explicitly adj
mitted that il did not seek 10 restrain the Ke-
publicnn voters OF any county from putting
straight out legislative ticket in the field On
this point the circular OF September says
nlaInlv: at is conceded that the making or
nominations for the General Assembly is to be
finally decided by the several district ana
county committees for themselves, and THIS
letter is to he regarded only as recommended
"tion or suggestion. Acting on this under
standing, the Republicans Of Kockbridge County
have already called convention 10 nominate
delegates TO the lower house Of the Legislature,
and this example is likely 10 be followed IN
other counties In the western and southwestern
part of the State.
Two years ago, when the Republican Com
nittce tried to prevent the nomination OF n gen
eral State ticket The Tribune was among the
first 10 protest against the weakness and folly
Of such a programme In refusing TO conduct
or sanction a State campaign the Virginia Or
ganization, it was then pointed out, was aban-
doning the very functions for which it was ere
ated and its political powers might even DC
held TO lapse through such perverSion of parii'
san duties and obligations. In its recent action,
however. the committee does not seem to have
stepped beyond the conventional limits of It's
authoritv nor can its advice 70 the Republican
voters Of the State he seriously assaied on any
other ground than that of mere political ex-
pedency.