The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-06-08
A Hint to Democrats.

Representative Democrats from all
parts of Virginia will soon assemble In
Richmond in convention to select dele
cates to the national Democratic conven-
d ton at st. Louis and to attend to other
party business.
This will be one of the most important
nolitical conventions ever held In Vir-
ginia, for the Democratic party is now
dealing with a. new situation. We have
eliminated tho objectionable negro vote
and many Objectionable white voters
have been retired. The Virginia cleo
torate is now composed of the best white
men in the state Is composed in great
degree Of Democrats who have the true
interests Of the State, political and other
wise at heart, and the party Is In posi-
ton to give the people the best govern
ment they have ever had. There is now
no occasion. and there can be no pre-
text for dishonest methods OF any de-
scriptlon whatsoever nor for any sort OF
manipulation under the regime of what
is popularity called machine politics"
The party may safely commit Its In
terests and affairs to popular decision.
and it should, therefore, adopt plans by
which all questions of party concern may
be submitted unreservedly to popular
vote by ballot. We should by all means
have fair and efficient primary cleo
ton plan for the selection of the party
candidates. making 1t imperative to
choose by primary nominees for state
offices and giving more or less discretion
to the local party authorities In local
contests. We should have plan that
4 will be entirely fair to all interested that
will bring out, the Largest party vote,
and that Will. as far as possible insure
q full and free and fair expression OF
the voters.
Every organization Is necessarily
Judged by the character OF Its leaders.
and the Democratic party will be so
Judged. Therefore, 1t behooves the party
In selecting delegates to the national con-
vention, and especially members of7the
State Central Committee. to choose the
best, to choose men who are known to
be OF good personal and political charac-
ter who are in entire sympathy with
Democratic principles. who are known to
be upright and honest In all their deal
ings. and to avoid men who are IN
politics for the purpose of manipulation.
who play politics for a stake, who use
the party for the promotion Of their
own selfish ends. rhese manipulators
are well known. and the party will COM
NIT It's affairs to them at Its peril The
Democratic party of Virginia Is facing a
new situation, and it must be on It's good
behavior. or st may in the early future
find itself opposed by new and for
midable rival. OF course, The Times
Dispatch Ia making no threats; we are
stating facts. and as the friend and ally
of the party we are sounding note
Of friendly warning
The manipuators are always seeking
place, They are always wire-pulling &c
have themselves put into Office. They use
the same methods to get In that they
use after they have gotten in, the method
OF button-hoing, caioling. wire-pullins
and organization They are never back
ward in coming forward. They do not
need TO be invited. They are persistent
and importunate solicitors.
II is not SO with that large and re-
spectacle body Of citizens who do not
make politics their business The most
desirable men, generally speaking ara
men who refuse 10 go into scramble
for political honors They are disposed