Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-08-11
OLD PARTIES STRIVING
TO AVOID REAL ISSUE
Both Democrats and Republicans
Are Scored In Speech Delivered Be-
fore the Virginia Prohibition and
Evangelical Association--Batt!e Is
Directed Against Special Privilege.

PURCELLNlLLE, VA, Aug. ~
Sounding warning of the approach
OF another national crisis, former
State Senator A. +. Thomas, I'M adj
dressing the Virginia Prohibition and
Evangelical Association today de-
clared that the real issue In this
country was that of special privilege.
lie said both the great political par
ties were striving TO avoid II just as
they did the real issue OF chattei
slavery prior to the Civil war.
I'VE are now at the parting of the
ways" no exclaimed. Fundamental
changes in the basic organization oil
society must occur. The need OF the
hour .s for men. II IL pertinent to
inquire II either OF the Two great
parties can be relied upon TO steer
the ship of state safely through the
dangers which surround us. When
the slave was freed, the Republi-
can party. departing from the high
principles which called 1t into being.
repealed the commandment Thou
Shalt Not Steal sold itself to spe-
oial privilege and up TO this hour
las, By its discriminating policies.
shown its utter disregard for the
rights of private property. The Demo
cratic party has acclaimed against
the Republican infections but has
done nothing to direct the national
democratic ideals"
The Crucial Hour.
Mr. Thomas declared that IL the
Democratic party believed and trust
cd ia its slogan OF equal rights to all
and special privileges to none 1t
would come forth in this crucial
hour and assume leadership, and
through the application of its prin-
cipIes would offer an affective resist
ance to the further progress OF or
ganized greed in It's mad attempt to
enslaye the world"
with the United States senate
under the charge that half OF its
seats are bought, with the judicial
and executive departments under
the suspicion that they are in some
Eases subseryient TO the will Of the
money power, is IL not time that the
People should bestir themselves ana
demand an accounting that they may
know the actual condition OF the pub
lie welfare?" demanded Mr.. Thomas
The speaker said that the larger
| policies OF government were those
tie money power dictated. The
Iarty organizations in these matters
are but puppets in the hands OF their
masters" he added
Attacks Democrats.
Mr.. Thomas attacked the Demo
cratic party in Virginia, declaring
that for many years the railroad
representatives had been the domi
rant element in the executive COM
mittee. He charged that their abil-
ity to influence campaign contribu-
tons inspired their appointment.
We may as well learn now" warn
ed Mr.. Thomas. that campaigns con-
Quoted on corporation money produce
laws In the interest OF those making
contributions"
The state corporation commission
is assessing public service corpora
tons at less than one-fourth Of their
value. The railroads OF the state
through their political influence. have
feea able to defeat all efforts 10
compel them TO bear their just share
Of the public burdens. The robbery
CO TIE state BY the railroads gives
me whiskey trust its opportunity 70
ret its hands Upon the throat OF
Virginia since the less the railroads
pay the greater becomes the states
dependence upon the revenue from
liquor"
The vhiSkey devil. when you
ars; opposed hius. acted Individually
said Mr. Thomas In conclusion but
he. too. has grown wiser and CO
operates. and now. instead 81 haF-
ing 10 oppose isolated barkeepers
end their allies. you must meet tbs
~hsskcy trust. aided ~ the money
rover cf the country. We uust mar
shall or forces and control ogr gov.
ernmeats 80 that with their strong
hands the life Of the monster NAV
] - $500 r...s - a.