The Big Stone post. (Big Stone Gap, Va.) 1890-1892, 1890-08-29
THE CONGRESSIONAL RACE.
what Several Prominent Men Have 70
Say About 1T.
bristol conrier.)

bristol C0nrier.1
A short time ago it was suggested that
It would he the policy Of the republican
party to make contest this fall in a num-
her of the Virginia districts, the ninth
being one of them. But other couhsel
has prevailed, and convention has been
called TO meet on the 18th of next month
at Pulaski Quite a number Of gcntie-
men. not unknown to political fame, nave
been mentioned as the probable choice OF
that meeting.
The Courier interviewed a number OF the
leaders in the political battles OF the
southwest to let the people know the
exact situation Of affairs.
GEN. a. L. rKrpEMogE.
Gen. Pridemorc, of Lee county, was the
first victim 1t has been noiscd abroad ana
beralded in the newspapers that the ex-
congressman was champing the bit ana
anxious to run the race as an independent.
He has written letters to different parts OF
the district urging the republicans to
make no nomination, and encouraging the
multitude of solicitations extended him
by other men of all parties to enter the
contest.
The General is of fine form, towering six
feet three inches and weighing over two
hundred pounds; the study and experience
of wears have shurpened his immense
natural ability, and he is as perfect Z
specimen of robust, vigorous, intellectual
manhood as the human eye ever wants 10
see.
Mr.. Prdemorc said that he had not
mingled IA great deal with the people OF
Lee county since the convention, being
engaged in court most Of the time. dc
thinks Buchanan is good man,
strong representative, and in more favor
with the people now than two years ago.
All things considered, it is possible that
Major Ii. C. Wood, OF Estillville, would
make stronger race than any other man
the republicans could nominate; although
Major Slemp, of Lee, or Senator Mills, of
Wise. are not far behind him in popularity.
The general was surprised to hear that
some of the papers had stated that he was
sore and disappointed, and said that it
was not true: that he had been approached
quite frequently to make the race but had
never made any promises, or committed
himself in any way. He added with sig
nifcant smile :" miehr possibly run if
the farmers should nominate me, and |
thought there was Il good fighting chance.
In earnest he cmphatcaliy declared, /
will not run TO help elect somebody Sc! "
The Courier infcrs that General Pride
more is ambitious, and that if the enemy
makes no nomination and the Farmers
Alliance endorses him, he will run; other
wise, he will be found in the ranks doing
valiant work for the success of the ticket.
JUDGE J. b. RICHMOND.
The handsome and talented cX-congress-
man from Estillvilc was in conversation
with his friend Pridemorc when the re-
porter interrupted them. He jumped on
the Generals last remark with both feet
and cmphaticallv declared: II will never
run unless am nominated by the demo-
cratic party am not so Independent in
my democracy that | will set up my judg-
mcnt against the decision and expressed
wish of my party" In Scott county the
democracy is gradually gaining ground.
Buchanan is in favor with the people and
the ma ority against him will be smaller
than it was two years ago, it, the republic
cans nominate anybody but Major Wood.
And it is so in Lee, Wise and Dickinson
Nobody but local man can carry more
than his party strength against Buchanan.
The force bill will cut small figure be-
cause the negro population is very small
in the district. The people are growing
FESTIVE under the infamous tariff. So, the
democracy ought to win; and the prospect
is bright for victory; but a strong man
like Wood, Mills or Slcmp, who has money
AMI is liberal with it, would force the de-
mocracy TO keep their powder dry and call
for generous dispensation Of the snews
of war.
col. y. FULkER>oN.
Col. Fulkcrson, eX-congrcsslnan from
Bristol, WAS in his shirt sleeves smoking II
cigar when the newspaper man went into
Il; s.Ol, Ru.',npau IN 1,n