The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-08-30
PEOPLES FORUM

Nottoway. Va, August 26. /,

Nottoway. Va, August 20 1917
io the Editor of The Petersburg Tndex-Appeal
Sir-Men, in the heat of political contro-
versy, sometimes permit themselves to say
and even believe things. which in cainer mo.
ments and in the relations OF private tffe they
would not countenance
AS general rule. charges affecting A mans
private or public character. for which no one
~ wiling TO be responsible unworthy IT
btllef and for that reason. unworthy OF notice.
But in the contest for congress now being
made In this district, there is an accusation OF
a puRhc nature affecting my candidacy, which
though for the most part circulated anonv~
nouslY has grown so notorious 1t would be
affectation in me longer to disregard Be
sides IL has recently found extensive explol,a- :
ton in the columns OF respectable newspapers
outside the district; and made the subject
OF reference and comment by my opponent m
his speech at Meekienburs last week. which
was replied to by me the spot. Under these
circumstances | trust may be justified In
breaking the silence which might otherwise
seem appropriate.
Reference ~ had or course 10 the charg.
that my candidacy originated in the events ~
the senatorial primary OF last year; that Do
Htical leaders outside the district induced mo
to stand for congress in order to punish the
incumbent for his support of Messrs. Sones and
Glass in that contest; and that. at this time
am being sustained by, what they please T.
term, the Machine
To these suggestions. one and all! [ can on
pose only my character as man and nv
word that they without the slightest foun.
uation in fact.
MY desire represent the district in cor
sre~s is new or sudden impulse Ny ear
didacy. urged former occasions by citixepn
respectable III number and character. but de-
ferred by reason Of personal relations TO Others
In based upon my individual merit however
small that may appear, and in that behalf
alone have ! ever appealed to any man ro:'
support, It neither suggested. invited nnr
advised by any human being beyond the dis
trict; and II has not the support ~ any
organization, other than that OF personal aud
political friends IN the district. whom personcl
regard and public spirit have prompted to CO.
operate In promoting my election If chosen
to congress. in party affairs, ! would recognize,
machine save the majority Of the Demo
cratic voters of the district: IN matters of leg
islaton affecting the public. | would hold nv
self the representative ofthe whole people
The cry OF Machine" injected as a new
issue into this canvass, without or pro-
vocation. very much lament.
On the OF a great national contest In
which need the sympathy and help OF ev-
people; and a time when there should be
peace and harmony in ali our ranks II Ia not
only not Unsuitable hut unpatriotic. to rake
over the ashes OF past conflicts and REX indie
the fame OF domestic strifes
That such issue has not been Of my rails
ing must be obvious to all: for self. interest
II ! could claim no more patriotic motive
would have restrained me. IT has been raised.
rega idless OF party welfare. by those navtls
sent % the candidates as a political mar
tsT. 10 attract the sympathy Of the peole
while the other IN left 10 bear the odt'fnl of an
executtoneT, Unmfndfui OF the puhiie will aai
.Aent on CARRYING out the orders Of some Yelled
d.srot called the Machine. one Ia the PEG