The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-05-22
BURLESONS AID SOUGHT
IN NINTH DISTRICT FIGHT
Stuart Appeals for Distribution of
Patronage to Strengthen IL.
Tate Irvine.
HOPES TO GUST REPUBLICANS
Governor Anxious to Strengthen Cam
didscy or Democratic Candidate, and
Writes Postmnster-Gcnernl.

Governor Stuart, In n strong and
urgent letter made public yesterday.
recently made an appeal to postmas-
and equitable distribution of patron
age In the Ninth District at once in
order TO strengthen the arm Of tho
Democratic candidate for Congress, X.
Tate Irvine. in his approaching fight
to wrest the district from the Repub-
lcans.
The Governor, as solution OF the
patronage muddle In the. district, de-
clarcs that the only method OF dis
tributing the plums is by following
the wishes OF the Democratic patrons
OF the presidential post-of!ices. With
out going into the details he gives his
belief that the majority rule should
be applied in the Ninth and calls upon
Secretary Burleson for suggestions.
The text OF his letter follows:
Hon. a. S. Burleson, Postmastcr-G
eral. Washington. d. c.:
Ny Dear MIR. Sccrctary.-Pursuant
to the suggestion you were kind enough
conference between us. 1 met. by APP
pointmcnt. the Hon. r. Tate Irvine
Democratic nominee in the Ninth Dis
tr!ct of Virginia, and presented him,
as best / could, the substance Of what
passed between us. He is fully alive
TO the urgent Importance of prompt
distribution Of the Federal patronage
in his district. and feels. as | do, that
II this can be done in an Intelligent
and we'll considered manner he should
be elected by a handsome majority.
He Is in fun accord with the view
that the presidential misunderstanding
should be given to those Democrats
who are most acceptable to the Demo-
cratic patrons of the offices to be
served, and would be glad If the dis
tribution could be made on that basis
am OF opinion that the difficulties
which confront the Democracy OF our
district in the pending campaign
would be relieved by such a solution.
The only question is as to the details
OF the methods necessary to ascertain
and declare the will OF the Democratic
patrons OF the Offices, and 1t Is as to
this that we Will have to look 20 you
fur suggestions or objections.
II is perfectly manifest that the con-
ditions now existing in the Ninth Dis
trict afford as good a field for the
application of the principle OF ma
jority rule "a any of the districts in
which this principle has been success
fully tested.
There can be no doubt OF the fact
that there is now before us great
opportunity for the redemption OF our
district from long thraldom OF Re-
publicanism. We came within about
200 votes of electing our nominee four
years ago. with all the Federal patron
age, not only of tho district of the en-
tire state. hurled against us by the
Republican candidate in whose hands
this great power had been concen-
trated for the purposes OF that con-
test. Stripped OF the resources and
influences then at his command We
the Democrats. with the prestige OF
the Democratic victory OF 1912 and
with the inspiration that has come to
us all from magnificent administra-
ton OF our national affairs. should
find this man but a pitiful antagonist
In contest, the natural advantages
OF which had been SO fa- shifted from
his hands into ours.
Considering the heroic struggles that
have been made by the Democrats of
the district, and they arc facing the
present situation, I feel and venture to
say. that we are not asking too much
OF YOU TO give the most special. and,
indeed. extraordinary, consideration to
our needs. and, at the same time, n
most kindly ear to our petition and our
hopes.
Assuring YOU OF our readiness to
carry out faithfully. vigorously and
promptly any concrete suggestions
you will be kind enough to make to
us. and thanking you in advance for
your Offices. am,
Very sincerely yours,
tSigned) II. C. STUART.