The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1929-09-16
VA. DEMOCRATS
TRY To WIN
STRAYS

RICHMOND, Sept. 16.-The
appeal Of John Garland Pol
lard, in his Williamsburg
speech accepting the Demo-
cratic gubernatorial nomina-
tion, to avoid mud-sIinging
and bitterness, to keep out
personalities and to meet OPP
ponents arguments with court
eous consideration will be
carried out by the Demo-
cratic State central committee
and Democratic State leaders,
it was learned today.
One Of the crucial points in the
present gubernatoriaI campaign, Il
is believed by Pollard, Is to keep the
record OF Democracy's achievements
In Virginia affairs constantly before
the people and to avoid resorting to
abuse and bitterness, especially with
the party's critics.
History Recalled
The capture of the Virginia gov.
eminent by a coalition of Republic
cans and readjuster Democrats in
1881. when William e. Cameron was
elected governor and william Ma
hone elected to the United States
Senate, it is declared, was due largely
to the fact that the regular Demo
Gratis substituted abuse for argu.
ment with the readjuser faction in
their own party.
This split in the Democratic party
fifty years ago, when such men as
the elder SIemp, the late Judge John
Paul, the Riddlebergers, Malone and
others went over to the Republican
party to stay, was never healed and
gave the G. o. p. in this State It's
first real leadership since the birth
of the party Immediately before Inc
Civil War.
Batting Attempted
Pollard and other Democratic load.
ers do not wish to repeat the mis-
take Of readjuster days. They want
the anti-Smith Democrats to come
back into the party fold and they
propose to try to get them back by
talking what Virginia has done I'M
der Democratic rule rather than
abusing them for not supporting
the party last year.
1t is well known that a certain
group of anti Smith leaders, or coaIi-
tionists, are doing everything they
can to stir up a campaign of bitter
ness, hoping thereby to bait the
Democrats to answer and arouse
hatred and passions OF voters as
was done last year. II Pollard has
his way, the Democrats will not
fall for this kind of campaign.
It Is known that some of the
Democratic spelIbinders have been
asked to avoid mentioning Bishop
James Cannon's name in their
speeches. This has been done, be.
cause it is held that Bishop Cannon
and the issues he represents are
not involved in this campaign.
Bishop Cannon, since the Fremont.
nation campaign opened last spring,
has issued several statements, but
Democratic leaders have purposely
and studiously avoided making
answer, holding that the present
battle is one of State issues only.
In carrying this policy Of not
preaching the hymn of hate" Pol.
lard and other Democratic leaders
are seeking to cement the party
from last years split.
Pollard will carry his campaign
into every contested county in the
State. He win be assisted by James
H. Price, candidate for Lieutenant
Governor, and John r. Saunders,
attorney general. Price says all he
will talk about is what Democrats
have done to rebuild Virginia, and
ask the people il they want these
policies to continue. Saunders, who
Is an old-time campaigner, probably
will be compelled to use some
restraint in hewing to the line.