Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-11-04
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1927.
Placing the Colonel

f" OLONEL ANDERSON, according 10 his
" own statements really doesn't know
whether he is a Republican or Il Democrat.
Wherefore in the height OF his campaign
for Governor. he compromises with his po-
litica conscience and, incidentally casting
out his. line for more votes. adopts the pose
of an Independent. lie seems to be certain
Of but one thing concerning his political
status and that is his complete detachment
from the negro wing OF his party. de-
tachment that was ostcnsibly circulated
at Norfolk by the Republican convention he
fore the guise of independence promised
effectiveness. On that particular point his
sincerity may not be questioned although
1t Is not impossible-or even improba Bile
that the time will come when he will have
to accept that wing in the iulncss OF its
old relationship OF himself seek mex political
pastures. But even ii the colonel is some
what uncertain in his own mind as to Il
politica! status. he alone is afflicted by
doubt. There is no uncertainty on that
score in the minds OF Virginia voters Nor
is there vestge Of doubt on the part OF
the Old Guard Republican machine in Viz
ginia. or in the mind OF is parent orguni-
cation in Washington.
The Virginia Old Guard with the Repuh-
lican Congressman. Semp at its head is
sponsoring Colonel Anderson as d Republ!-
can in the full! knowledge that should he
be elected il Will have the division OF the
spoils. No independent voter In that happy
day will need to apply. The nationa! or
ganizauou also knows where the colonel
stands, tina. he : Republican running on
a Republican platform. and i; would acclaim
his victory Aspublsan victory: not
an overturn in Stctc'1rai-s but q triumph
for Renubiicanism in hationa! issues AID
iTi
that he has successfully divorced his cam
paign. One has difficulty in imagining the
national G o r modcstly and sei!-sacri-
hcingly announcing the election O. Colonel
Anderson as an Independent victory in
which the national parry organization was
not concerned rather than hailIug II as tho
mai joyous portcnt that the breaking Of
the Solid South at last was al hand.
SucA rejoicing on the part o! tile Repub-
iicans over the victory OF Il pseudo indie
I pendent is far from probable, but 1t i. not
sn.poSs.ble. It'all depends on huw weu or
now III the Democratic voters DISCHARGE
their duty at the polls next Tuesday As
1t has been pointed on, before If tile Demo-
Gratis are "s careless in the exercise OF ,hc.r
suffrage as they usually are In Stain oioc-
tons and If tho Republicans. stirred nm
by their aggressive campaign crown ma
polls as they did in The last national alac-
lion, The colonel would have enough votes
to change his title to Governor. ina, con-
tretemps in Virginia is In no wise likely.
but it is something for the voters to ,hink
about. Perhaps it viii Gguiatiyely s,tcl =
/, Pin in the balloon OF their oycrconadoncn
1t is more likely that tho claims OF tho par,y
leaders OF q majority ranging from 40 600
S{to 10000 for Senator TrinElc VIII ma
teriaiize' but not if Iethargic Democra,s
& fail to go to the polls. Should they fail.
,tfhey VII! be not only playing into the hands
Sol the Republicans, but they win ba,,sy
8 their State, fall short in their own ci,fze,,.
3ehip and in violating their primary pledge
Is brand themselves as guilty OF grave morn
Yderelicton.