Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1901-10-25
A CARD FROM MIR. LYELL.

To he Democrats Of Lancaster and Rich
m0nd Counties:
AS / cannot see many of you In the
short time intervening before the 5th Of
November. the day OF election. / take
this method of reaching you.
1t was no doubt surprise to you as
well as myself when the Convention at
Downings called me from the quiet
walks OF life TO bear the standard of
Democracy in this Legislative District.
When on my way 10 the Convention i
was expecting to witness battle royal
between the opposing factions of Ian.
caster, but on arriving there 1 was
agreeably surprised to find that spirit
of compromise prevailed.
Each delegation was endeavoring TO
find man on whom they could unite and
present solid front 10 our common foe.
Several of Lancaster's worthy sons were
named, but they failed to agree on any
OF them. They then looked TO Rich
mond county for man. The lot fell to
this unworthy servant. Under ordinary
circumstances / should have declined
the nomination, knowing as / do that
there are ADLER and more deserving men
on whom the honor should have been
bestowed. But coming as it did with a
view of uniting the Democratic party and
making victory sure. / felt that would
be recreant TO my duty as Democrat
and citizen should decline the honor
thus bestowed. Whether the Conven.
lion acted wisely in their selection time
alone can reveal. 1 shall endeavor to
perform my duties faithfully, conscien.
tiously and to the best of my ability,
and should any be disposed to criticise
any act or error of mine let them In
charity say 1t was of the head and not
of the heart.
Whenever visit Lancaster am re.
minded of early associations. OF times
of trials, of SORROWS, of heroic deeds and
grand achievements. am reminded of
comrades departed and the names of
many come unbidden TO my memory
our noble Colonel, Meriwether Lewis,
Captains Hughlett and Ball, Lieutenant
James G. Ewell, two of the Pierces,
Hubbard, Currell, Williams, Dobyus aud
many more too numerous to mention
here. They have crossed over the river
and are resting under the shade of the
trees" with the great chieftains of the
''Lost Cause"-Jackson and Lee. Yes,
they have departed; but they haye left
behind true and noble brothers, sons,
relatives and friends who are ever ready
10 battle for the right. We need the
services Of such men In time of peace as
we'll as 10 time of war, and feel sure
that every true maR will be found at bis
post of duty from now till the setting
OF the sun on the 9Th of November, bat
ting for Democracy. When the returns
come In on the night of the 9th we will
ind that the Little County OF Lancas-
ter" as she Is sometimes termed, has
taken her accustomed place rs the ban
ner Democratic county of the Northern
Neck.
In conclusion let me urge you to work
diligently for the head of our ticket.
The foot is safe. supported as 1t is by
the united Democracy of Lancaster and
Richmond counties, but Of the head we
are not so sure. We should all feel a
local pride in A. j. Montague. With an
cestors from Lancaster, reared in Mid
dlesex and wife from King and Queen,
he Is fully identified with our section.
Let us use every honorable endeavor to
place him In. the Executive chair.
JOHN M. IYKLL.