Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-04-18
MONDAY. APRIL IS, 1921.
Virginia G. o. +. Bcstirs Itself

"a, RECRUDESCENCE Of Republican ac-
|sI-A tivity in Virginia upon the advent Of
d the new administration in Washington is
Il developing just as it was expected to develop
+ Encouraged by the showing made in last
j: November's election their mouths watering
from the succulent tidbits now being
E handed out, the G. o. p. stalwarts are be-
[ stirring their faithful followers on to still
greater achievement. For public consump-
ton and to bolster up the hopes OF the
frank and file, they are even intimating that
+ the party has chance to cut real figure
In the State election this fall. To such an
1 absurdity does their political enthusiasm
{carry them.
h The Republicans have called State con-
Syention, to be held in Norfolk, July IA, at
Nwhich they propose to nominate full State
katicket. That is necessary step in their
political procedure. 1t is necessary to the
maintenance of their party organization,
(which, in turn, is essential to the party
leaders who hope to profit each time Wash
ington partitions the spoils. That Is as far
as it will 90. The ticket will be named,
there will be some hurrahing, but when the
ballots are counted II will be found that
Virginia has remained as strongly as ever
On the faith of the founders. The Repub-
lican ticket will serve only to bring out the
Democratic vote. That is history, and
election, TO lead to the belief that history
Twill not repeat itself. Indeed-and this is
Dust among ourselves-it is doubtful il the
Republican leaders themselves particularly
care to see built up in Virginia stronger
party than already exists. A powerful
party would mean more numerous aspirants
for Federal office. more opposition for those
who for years have reaped the harvest fol-
Blowing upon a favorable change OF admin
istration. So why disturb the monopoly or
bncrease the number Of stockholders in the
pfhce trust? They dare not let it be known,
of course, but evidence is not lacking that
khe handful of Republican elders in vir-
ginia are pretty we'll satisfied with present
[Rconditions.
ia Granted that the leaders are sincere in
their political activity. failure awaits them
| The weight that has borne them down ever
since the Civil War still hangs heavily upon
istheir necks They cannot shake 1t off, aud
lsSthey can make no progress until they do.
|S It will be interesting to note what part
1.-the colored brother and his sister are in
tEyited to take in the Norfolk convention, in
8the Third District powwow, and the Re-
publican gatherings in the other districts,
ISor, should the invitation be withheld II
lathey will present themselves as unlimited
|aguests and insist on having share in their
Sparty's proceedings. Equally interesting
I#will be the "Woman's division of the Re-
publican party" Will it admit the coored
Ssister. or work in harmony with the lat
|sster's Jim Crow organization?
A house divided against itself cannot
Istand, and the Republican party in Yir-
ginia cannot thrive half lily-whitc and the
other half lily-black 1t must be one or
1.-the other. and its leaders to date have
ff1acked courage to make the decision