The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-07-29


conventions OF which full and public notice was
given. The question OF the States. policy was
discussed freely through the newspapers, in
speeches and addresses by citizens among them
selves. The men sent to Norfolk were men
chosen to represent and act for the people who
sent them They had every opportunity to
know intimately the opinions and desires OF
their people. Their selection as delegates is
strong evidence that the people who sent them
and who knew their characters, regarded them
as worthy and honorable men. The great
majority OF these men, fresh and directly from
the people, voted to refuse to instruct the dele
cation to Baltimore. Practically two-thirds of
the delegates. chosen by congressional district
delegations. sent uninstructed These are
the facts OF record To prove that the men
sent to Norfolk were bribed or awed or other
wise induced by some Sinister, malign and mys-
ferrous power to disregard and misrepresent
the people who chose them requires facts and
evidence. Asked for these, Mr.. Pollard leaps
like familiar character In mythology, toward
prise is land so for all his wings, the fool was
drowned"
The. concurrent circumstances, all OF record
are that the Democrats OF the country had be-
fore them FIVE good men as declared candidates
for the nomination. The claims and qualities
and elements OF strength of each OF these were
being presented diligently Other leading Demo
Gratis were visible in the near background, known
to be ready and available as receptive or com
promise candidates The Democrats OF Virginia
desired to see nominated for the president the
man among all these likely to win. They were
They preferred victory for their party to blind
allegiance to any mans name. Many OF them
said so. 1t is record in the newspaper files
of the time They acted by the teachings OF
common sense and practical political considera-
lions and sent a delegation to Baltimore to
observe and study the situation and the can
didates and to act conditions might suggest.
These are the known facts. They contradict
directly MIR. Pollard's assertions and assump,
ton. They are cited and reviewed here not to
injure Mr.. Pollard but to keep the public mind
clear and to prevent obvious error from being
accepted as fact because of constant reiteration
Mr. Pollard himself Ia an instance Of this dan
Although the Norfolk convention was held but
a little more than year ago. he has heard and
read so frequently that 1t was a corrupted, a
perverted secretly controlled body that he has
come to accept its debasement treason or weak.
ness as proved and indisputable. Everybody
knows 1t, he tells us. Yet. called upon to prove
what he says. confronted with evidence dis
proving what he says, he is left in confusion
and undertakes to yank into the case the I'M
offending sun, which Is attending peacefully
and Just now with assiduity-to It's own bust.
ness. Without intent to do wrong" carried on
ward by the enthusiasm of a suddenly developed
crusader and the fiery zeal of general re-
former OF things, he permits himself to be the
instrument for circulation of Islander against
the Democracy OF Virginia and individual citizens
OF reputation and position.
/ Whether a gentleman who rushes so rashy
to accusation against other people and indict
ment OF large and respectable part of our
population and who when challenged for proof
rather wildly and feebly invokes the sun has the
safe and capable encouragement. is for the
voters to determine. Our part, a plain news
paper living on the earth and dealing with rea
people and things, Ia to keep before the public
mind the facts. 1t is unfortunately true tina
some times facts weigh heavily the wings Of clio
auence and hinder the high flights Of aspira
ton. obstruct the most brilliant and fervid feat
and performances of the imagination. The mos
thrilling and charming, heart inspiring and tear
producing portrayals of the wrongs and agonie
of the people and the cruelties and oppression
of lurking tyrants and assassins Of popular
rights may be chilled to confusion and impotence
by cold facts. Yet we must consider and re
spect facts and chain to them our most I'm
passioned and high purposed orators. 1t ma!
be cruel. but It is necessary and salutary.