The Failure at Norfolk
August 18, 1894
Summary
The Reform-Prohibitionist Party is defeated by the Democrats in an election for Chief of the Fire Department and Captain of Police.
Transcription
It seems that the Prohibition-Reform Party of Norfolk has gone to Pieces Just as we expected it would.
When it came to the point of fulfilling promises made to the Republicans, the liberal Democratic contingent you did to the siren voice of the tempter and violated it obligations.
As a result, on the 7th inst. Martin J. Ryan, a Democrat of the most pronounced type was elected Chief of Fire department over J Anderson, the Prohibition-Reformer nominee, and A. E. Murray, Democrat, was elected Captain of Police over Chas. Vellines, Prohibition-Reformer.
Thus may be seen how utterly impossible it is at this time to force a compliance with party obligations.
It is well that the colored men were provided for in the commencement of the biggest all of patronage. Twenty-two of them are on the street force and one is janitor at the courthouse.
The decision which deprive the six color councilman of the seat to which they had been honestly elected or yet result in harm to the cause of the party that profited by it.
It is a shame that such a disgraceful affair should be allowed to go unpunished and unrebuked by the proper tribunal.
These reform movements are sporadic and to profit by them one must act quickly.
Disintegration begins as soon as victory has been achieved.
They are no doubt beneficial, but are intended to punish old parties not to kill them.
With the accomplishment of this purpose come something of regret and the persons composing the appraising proceed to return to the first love.
Let us always profit by this fact and upon up in such occasions make hay while the sun shines.
When it came to the point of fulfilling promises made to the Republicans, the liberal Democratic contingent you did to the siren voice of the tempter and violated it obligations.
As a result, on the 7th inst. Martin J. Ryan, a Democrat of the most pronounced type was elected Chief of Fire department over J Anderson, the Prohibition-Reformer nominee, and A. E. Murray, Democrat, was elected Captain of Police over Chas. Vellines, Prohibition-Reformer.
Thus may be seen how utterly impossible it is at this time to force a compliance with party obligations.
It is well that the colored men were provided for in the commencement of the biggest all of patronage. Twenty-two of them are on the street force and one is janitor at the courthouse.
The decision which deprive the six color councilman of the seat to which they had been honestly elected or yet result in harm to the cause of the party that profited by it.
It is a shame that such a disgraceful affair should be allowed to go unpunished and unrebuked by the proper tribunal.
These reform movements are sporadic and to profit by them one must act quickly.
Disintegration begins as soon as victory has been achieved.
They are no doubt beneficial, but are intended to punish old parties not to kill them.
With the accomplishment of this purpose come something of regret and the persons composing the appraising proceed to return to the first love.
Let us always profit by this fact and upon up in such occasions make hay while the sun shines.
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Carlos Serrano
Citation
“The Failure at Norfolk,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed January 20, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1498.