Democratic Disaster at Norfolk
June 2, 1894
Summary
In a surprise, the Democratic party is defeated in elections in Norfolk, leading to a pickup of Republican seats in Norfolk.
Transcription
That the Democratic machine was beaten In Norfolk has caused much surprise, and many have been the enquries as to how it all was brought about. While the Prohibitionist-Reform Party won, it would be well to remember that the fight was not along the lines of the wet and dry contest which took place in this city several years ago. It was not a question of license or no license, but rather one of men.
The new party put up strong candidates against all of the city officers and in the contest the machine broke down and the manipulators were routed. The effect of this will far-reaching. During the year past we have noted a similar spirit this locality among the white men. There is such a thing as going too-far In the management of the affairs of the people.
As for the colored people while they have been represented to the contrary are nevertheless among the most conservative class in all communities and when they enlist under the banners of these new movements do so only on account of ill treatment by the powers that be.
We must confess that we have not been over enthusiastic over these reform movements since our experience of many years ago when the colored brother was so unceremoniously snubbed after having assisted in the elevation of glib-tongued orators to power. We trust that our Norfolk brethren will meet with a greater success and we shall await with Interest the result of the experiment.
Let them be rational and conservative tn their requests which need not be dignified with the name of demands, and then let them insist upon that to which they are justly entitled. The liberal-minded white southerner should be encouraged in any honest effort to better the financial condition of the community, when in so doing he recognizes the rights of all of the citizens.
The new party put up strong candidates against all of the city officers and in the contest the machine broke down and the manipulators were routed. The effect of this will far-reaching. During the year past we have noted a similar spirit this locality among the white men. There is such a thing as going too-far In the management of the affairs of the people.
As for the colored people while they have been represented to the contrary are nevertheless among the most conservative class in all communities and when they enlist under the banners of these new movements do so only on account of ill treatment by the powers that be.
We must confess that we have not been over enthusiastic over these reform movements since our experience of many years ago when the colored brother was so unceremoniously snubbed after having assisted in the elevation of glib-tongued orators to power. We trust that our Norfolk brethren will meet with a greater success and we shall await with Interest the result of the experiment.
Let them be rational and conservative tn their requests which need not be dignified with the name of demands, and then let them insist upon that to which they are justly entitled. The liberal-minded white southerner should be encouraged in any honest effort to better the financial condition of the community, when in so doing he recognizes the rights of all of the citizens.
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Right Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Carlos Serrano
Citation
“Democratic Disaster at Norfolk,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed May 12, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1525.