Evening star., 1901-08-15
The Virgfmia Democrats,

The Virginia democrats, we are assured
inaugurated a new order Of things at Nor
1olk yesterday. A machine which had done
party service for some years was discarded,
and one of more modern construction sub
stituted. The results are expected to be
far reaching. Mr.. Martin, it is predicted,
will not succeed himself in the Senate, and
even Mr. Daniel one Of the most attractive
men personally in the state, may have a
hard rub when his time comes. Both were
losers by yesterdays proceedings, and the
Montague men promise to inter them de-
Gently when the opportunity presents itself
1t would be well. however for the Nor
folk vfctors to take a lesson from the ex-
perience of the vanquished. When the
campaign for the gubernatorial nomination
opened, Mr.. Swansens friends with an
airy impudence, assumed that the prize
would be his practically without an effort.
They started in to sweep everything before
them. In a manner as fatherly as they
could make 1t under a fun head of con-
fidence, they warned Mr.. Montague off the
track. and notified the people Of Virginia
that the thing was settled. They were too
cocky by half. Mr.. Montague smiled at
the warning. and the people of Virginia in
sisted on having a word to say themselves
was nominated for governor by acclama-
tion. Mr.. Swanson and his friends were
there to see. but powerless to resist. AS
partisans they must applaud, and, wisely
enough. they applauded vigorously.
Here. then, is the lesson. The people Of
Virginia, when the day arrives, may insist
on having voice in the senatorial
contests. The new machine is doubtless
strong. So was the old in its day. But q
machine may be oyertaxed; and when over
taxed IT is certain to break down at a very
incOnvenient time for the drivers and the
passengers. And so, IL the Montague men
are wise, they will forbear all threats and
swasger, all haste and inciyility on the
road, and be content with fair speed. Par
ceiling out offices several years in advance
Is injudctous II not dangerous business
Mr.. Montague. the new leader, is young
and capable. and worthy of the honor he
has won. native Of the state, and am
bilious to serve her. he knows her people
and their needs, and In the governors
chair he ought to give a good account OF
himself His speech accepting his nomina-
ton was well keyed and to the point. and
this paragraph in particular shows high
appreciation of the duties of good citizen
ship:
1.-The welfare Of the state depends not so
much upon the few who take an active
part in political affairs as upon the thou
saEds OF unobtrusive citizens who never
appear upon so conspicuous field, yet
who never fail to perform with patriotism
hundreds of lesser duties; citizens who curb
their own passions. who follow the light Of
their own consciences, and who know their
own duties as we'll as the rights Of others
Such citizens form the basis of the progress
and the perpetuity Of free institutions; and
to secure their active participation in the
management Of party affairs should be the
duty of parties and of statesmen. For 1t
must not be forgotten that bad government
is due not SO much to the energy or ability
Of bad men to the inactivity or neglect
Of good men,"
The last sentence Of this quotation puts
an important truth most felicitously.