The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-09-08
He fs greatest whose strength
carries III the most hearts by the
attraction of his own.-Beecher.
AN uNsAyoRY nUMoR.

the following statement appeared
in the local columns of the News
Leader OF yesterday:
'.In the Henrico county courthouse
to-day II was heard on all sides that
Henry C. Hechler. the Democratic nom
inee for treasurer, would be opposed
by an independent candidate in the
November general election. Prominent
county politicians have taken the mat
ter up. and 1t seems probable that a
vigorous fight will be made to prevent
HechIers reassuming the duties Of
treasurer.
ut was also heard to-day that a
meeting of the independents would
soon be called, the day and place of
meeting yet to be fixed. 1t WAS as
serted that Hechlers nomination in
the primary was sufficient vlndica-
ton, and that under the existing cir
cumstances many Democrats felt that
their pledge to support the party nomi-
nee would be justly forfeited.
MANY voters have asserted that,
even though they supported Hechler
In the primary. they would not go to
the polls In November. In speaking
OF the rumor to run an independent
candidate a prominent county poll
tcian said to-day: We do not ex-
pect to beat Mr.. Hechler for treas
urer; but in running an opposition
ticket we can clearly show that he Is
not the general favorite of the whole
people,
Many voters who supported Frayser,
Watt and Broaddus in the primary de-
clare that they will either scratch
Hechler In the November election or
else will refuse to vote. Republic
can leader. chairman of a well estab-
lished county Republican orSanfza-
ton, says that his followers VIII OPP
pose the election of Hechler in No
vember."
The Times Dispatch opposed the
nomination OF Mr.. Hechler in the
primary ELECTION, but now that he has
been chosen as this party candidate, IT
will countenance no independent move
ment to defeat him in the regular cleo
ton. Such movement within the
party would be rank treachery. While
Mr.. Hcchler did not poll majority OF
eli the votes cast he received a hand
some plurality, and fairly won the
INCARNATION ander the rules of the prim
AIRY. His record as treasurer was thor.
oughly canvassed and nothing was
covered up. His campaign was fairly
and honestly conducted, and there is
not even q plausible pretext for an in
dependent movement against him.
Democrats who took part in tn,
primary ara under solemn pledge t
support him In the general election
They have no moral right to vote
against him, or even to scratch hi
name on the ticket. They knew tn
terms when they entered the primary
and the situation has in no particula
changed since the election was held.
'-rhe Times-Dispatch hopes that tn
rumor of an independent movemen
against Mr.. Hechler is merely idl
talk, but If 1t is started we serve no
tice that we shall fight it more vigor
ously than we opposed Hechler's nomi
nation; and we feel sure that w
should have the hearty cooperation 9
all honest Democrats throughout tn
county. Mr.. Hechler Is the regula
nominee. and the party is moral
bound to poll it's full strength for hi
i IN the regular election. TO run an II
dependent against him would be a
act OF perfidy which would discred
and dishonor the party organization.