The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-01-13
Gpetsiug State Srt1rnaI
CAPITOL NOTES.

Alter most protracteu anu iapo.ioes
exertion on the part Of the friends oil The
various aspirants for the Virginia sena-
torship, tho long agony was brought TO
conclusion to-day by the nomination in
caucus of Robert E. Withers, present
acknowledgements, for the eminent posi-
ton. Four years ago VIXEN Governor
Walker was made policy candidate by
the Conservatives Of Virginia, and elected
BY the fusionists. Withers, who had been
previously nominated by that party, grace
fully gave way, waving his claims Tor
preferment to q future occasion, which
has now arrived.
Colonel Withers is an amiable gentle
man, aged SO. Of commanding stature
and moderate executive talent. he is also
tenacious of purpose. His speaking ablll-
ties are medium. On the hustings, before
his constituents, he has generally been too
prolix, but this fault will be cured by q
senatorial association. BY profession
doctor Of medicine, he. during the last
war, commanded with conspicuous gal
lantry Confederate regiment. and was
many times wounded. With capacity to
make and attach friends. we trust in the
new and important sphere in which he IS
to act hereafter he will be able not only to
do Virginia some good but increase his
own reputation for craftsmanship.
After this nomination, the General Assem-
bly, adjourned until 8 o'clock, with the un-
derstanding that balloting would imme-
diately commence for senator. Of course the
selection Of Colonel Withers will be con-
frmed by an election. He need not
necessarily resign his position as presiding
officer Of the Senate until the slippers of
his predecessor become vacant, which will
be number of months yet. In the choice
Of this official, the Republicans. as party,
have had very little if anything to say, and
so far as they are concerned, the matter may
be dismissed with the remark that they
might have done better or worse.
The election Of the senator though ac-
complished this evening, will not be OH
cially proclaimed before tomorrow, when
the General Assembly convenes in joint
session. 1t is said that Immediately on
being officially notified Of the fact, Colo
mel Withers will resign his position as
lieutenant-governor. His successor will
be thus elected by law:
1.-THE General Assembly shall, within
thirty days after so reassembling, next
after such vacancy shall occur, or when
such vacancy shall occur during the session
of tho General Assembly, within thirty
DAYS from the time it does occur, by joint
vote Of the two houses thereof, till said
vacancy for the unexpired term. APP
proved July 26, 1870"
Some Of the Senatorial aspirants now
find themselves in the condition of the
prophet who was gulped down by large
fish.
Now that the senatorial election has
been gotten rid Of, it is predicted that I'M
less they can be shut off country dema-
gogues will begin the agitation of the SUBJ
ject of finance, and hint at reputation.
Some Of the Valley delegates were elected
on the issue of new adjustment Of the
state debt, and they will per force be COM
PEELED to bring the subject up.
Governor Kemper to-day refused to par
don two parties, viz; Stephen Thayer, SEN
fenced February 2, 1869, by the corpora
ton court Of Norfolk to six years in the
penitentiary for grand larceny, and Thomas
Duffy, sent on the End of December. 1873
for one year by the hastings court OF Rich
mond for an assault on his wife with intent
to kill. In the case Of Thayer the petition
was presented by G. B. Dufield, and II
the case of Duffy by Elizabeth Duffy.
| Governor Kemper to-day made Davi'
Goode, of Skin Quarter, Chesterfield
county, notary public for that section
OF the Lords moral vineyard.