Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1905-09-15
BOSSISM VS.. THE PEOPLE.

Spartacus, the foremost gladiator
OF the arena, after testing for years
In open conflict, the best Drawn In
man and beast put against Lim-aIl
the time weary of Rome and her
masters-escaped. He led an army
against the city which ruled the
world. The yictor's laurels were his.
Those, upon whose necks the Roman
yoke had pressed most heavily, were
grateful and on all sides sounded
the glad acclaim-The people have
won! So it is here in matters politi-
cal in the First District-I Tie people
hare aeon. With all my heart l con-
grstulate you upon the splendid fight
you have made in the last five years
the splendid victory recently won
In putting down the unbearable IN
snfferable bossism which has hung
over us like a pail for the last quarter
of a century.
Think of it! Eleven out of four
teen counties going for Martin and
this too after that wonderful "letter"
was sent to Col. Harper. Congress
mau Hay, in answer, commented
thus-"That letter" says he, "dis-
plays a lack of accurate information
about the happenings in congress
under his own eye aud an ignorance
of the organization aud names of
committees of the senate that is
simply amazing"
Bossism! The people here In Nor
thumberland know its meaning.
Whenever State Conventions have
been held heretofore, the delegates
from the four lower counties of the
Neck were promised to certain can
didates, months in advance. 1t is
needless to say the goods were de-
livered. How on certain court days,
the faithful few, principally from
tairtields, al ways In attendance, the
delegates would be named. On one
OF these occasions minority represen-
tation was asked for, but the request
was spurned. A year or so after
wards, the same party who refused
this request, made a similar one at
Lillian. lie had to take his medicine.
Also how certain citizen was
taken In certain Office at Heaths-
vile and told if he voted for Swan
son (this was four year ago) the
matter would be considered a personal
one. The man, though in favor of
Swanson, did not vote at all.
Only of late years has there been
any questioning of such proceedings.
The people have now taken a hand,
however, to the lasting confusion of
all the politicians now living. West
moreland and Richmond alone seem
Joined to their idol. (We hope the
latter county will soon raise up a
Tom Arnest.) This State of affairs
is evidenced by the late primary.
Despite the fact that Willard made
speech at Heathsville TO crowded
house on court day, his manager at
that place only secured IA votes. The
Swanson forces got 43. Over In
tairfelds, the erstwhile follower,
now suddenly branched out as
'leader", could only get with the
help of others, % votes for Judge
Mann. while DIR. Sydnor, Brent,
Lewis, Barber and others secured
about so for their choice. At Wi
comico Church, Willard got one single
vote. Blackwell, Thrift, Snow, Broun,
ct ais. had Il walk over, Swanson get
ting practically all. Times have
changed.
Every friend of Senator Martin
resents the intolerable, dictatorial
spirit that dictated that letter to
Harper. 1t is predicted on all sides,
that in the coming year, 1906, the
Lord willing, new political craft
will be launched from the yards of
one of our sister counties across the
bay. The hand of new master
will be on the helm. No wine from
the bar-rooms of Mrs. Jencie Monroe,
j. L. Forestell 4 Co., Strasburger &
Son, ct ais (see ads in Northern Neck
News) will splash across her bow.
The flag which she floats will bear
the inscription "Remember the Mar
tin Letter" and the voters of the
First District will remember"
OBSERVER.
C0warts, Va.