The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-04-23

cholce OF tho Virginia Democrats for
the presidency, why should not their
sentiment be reelected at Baltimore?
Democracy itself means government
by the people. and when this bed rock
principle Is discarded rs an absolute
rcllc OF the crude past, the Very es-
sence of life is removed from our
party.
For over two years ali of the candi-
oates now mentioned for the Demo
cratic nomination for the presidency
nave been In the limelight; the people
have had Z chance to Judge of them
ana OF the principles which they
represent Now why at this late date
say we have no preference, and thai
the question of standard bearer
turks OF in the hiuterland OF party
policy?
for what do we send representa-
yves 10 the national convention? Is 1,
not 10 reflect our sentiments and give
voice to our thoughts? When we
commit our interests to tho deleeateS
IL is presumed that they Will be true
10 our interests and not betray the
trust reposed In them. WHAT would
we think OF candidate FOR Congress
or any other legislative office who.
asking Tor our suffrages, would say:
snail be bound by no code or prin-
clples, but VIII be governed by pollcy
confidence in his Integrity, but would
We care TO run the risk OF having
MIN as our Representatives: Nay.
verify!
believe that the Democrats have
most excellent chance TO elect the
next PRESIDENT. But do not think
that &c reactionary can be elected. even
though protesting TO be u Democrat.
10 WIN we must have u genuine pro-
gressive Democrat as our leader The
Tree elements OF thought In the coun-
Try are now asserting themselves with
remarkable zeal. that Will inevitably
work profound changes and mark this
as most noteworthy era In the his
tory of American politics. The great
Democratic landslide of 1910 was not
an earnest OF future Democratic sue
cess. But on tho contrary 1t meant
that Il the Democrats OF the country
showed an ability TO grasp tho magni-
tude OF the situation, and made an
honest effort to relieve tho people of
the lntolcrable tariff burdens imposed
by trust-controlled lawmakers, then
that record should be taken as
criterion for further confidence The
people want a change-not from Re-
publicanism, but from oppression
They Will brook no candidate who does
not honestly believe In "a reformation.
They have
"A weapon nrmer set and better than
the bayonet-
A weapon that comes down still as
snowflakes fall upon the Sod;
Yet executes the treeman's Will as
lightning does the Will Of God.
And from Its force no bolts or locks
can shield you
'Tis the ballot box"
To my mind Woodrow Wilson is pre-
eminently the logical Democratic can
didatc He represents the principles
for which the people are clamoring for
enactment. He Is u genuine progress
sivc, and ono whom none but tho bosses
and special interests need fear. He
would add lustrs to the already bright
galaxy of Virginians who have ocou-
pied the presidential chair. The proof
Of these assertions IS found in the IA
that he Is being so violently opposed
by the enemies OF free government.
Bosses and manipulntors have been
busy since his name was brought for
ward n presidential possibility try
ing to deride and defame his name.
They have with gigantic strokes and
nalevolent precision hurled maledic-
lions at his head. But after all this his
genius shines forth with adamanune
orilliancy. Long after the bark Of
:hes. little fees shall cease TO fret
:he circumambient air. and oblivion
With charitable hand shall have COW
cred their trail. Woodrow Wilson will
oe cRnoniZed as ono OF the greatest
Democrats, and his teachings will be
taught to the rising generations
In conclusion. lot me ask shall we
Virginians bo made n part and parcel
Of the cabal now being attempted to
1eliver the Democracy over to the Wall
Street interests? Shall we countenance
ouch Il base intrigue? Shall Virginia
add another to chariots of mystery
bound for Baltimore. along with such
rinCstcrs as Charles +. Murphy, of NSw
York? I pause for an answer.
w. Il. BEVERLY.
Rocky Mount.