Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-12-20
THE VIRGINIA SENATORSHIPS.
Epha Hinton and Thomas S. Mari
Elected by the Iegi .lature Yesterday.

Epha Hinton and Thomas s. Marin
Elected by the Iegi .lature Yesterday.
RrcHMoNl,, December 19.-In the
Legislature Aon. Epha Hunton was
elected U. S. Senator for the short term
and Mr.. Thomas S. Martin, o. ). Sena-
tor for the long term.
Mr., Thomas 5. Martin, who defeated
the brilliant and phenominally popular
Fitz. Lee for the United States senator
ship, is one of the plainest and most
unassuming men In Virginia politics.
A year ago the leaders would
have laughed at the idea OF
Martins beating Fitz Lee for this
important position. The fact Is,
though, that the latter relied for sue
cess upon his illLstrious name and great
popularity. Martin on the other hand
began the work OF building up an or
ganization 20 accomplish his object,
with the result of presenting the most
perfect organization ever known In the
South. To the fact that Martin over
threw the idol Of Virginians is due the
investigation which was set on foot last
Friday by the Legislature. Had Lee
been nominated, or had Martin defeated
anoter opponent, there would never
have been voice raised against the
methods which il is alleged were re-
sorted to in securing the Albemale
mans nomination.
Mr.. Martin was born in Scottsville,
in Albermarle county, Va. BE is a
graduate of the University Of Virginia,
at which institution he studied law and
obtained his degree. Since then he
has pursued the practice of law, and at
present is the counsel for the Chesa-
peake and Ohio railroad. Mr.. Martin
is forty-six years old, and in personal
appearance is a fine looking man. lie
is about medium height and weighs
probably l56 pounds. The Senator
elect is a bachelor, ana is one OF
the most modest OF men. In
the presence OF ladies' he IS said
to be nearly as diffident as school boy
In his dealings with men, however, he
has shown himself to be far-sighted,
practical man OF affairs, and as poll
tlcian, there are few in the State who
are shrewder than Mr.. Mart n. He is
worth about 100000, made mostly
| from his law practice. He has never
vet held any public office. During the
negotiations of settling the State debt
two years ago, Mr.. Martin represented
the State before the Olcott Committee,
aud made no charge for his SER
vices. He has been on the Democratic
executive committee for the past ten
years, having been a member OF that
body during the memorable campaign
OF 1883, in which the overthrow of Ma
hone was accomplished. When 'Sena-
tor John w. Daniel ran against Riddle
berger for seat in the United States
Senate, Mr.. Martin was the formers
chief manager.
Upon the death of Senator John s.
Barbour In the summer Of '92 Mr.. Mar
tin became a candidate for the Senator
ship, and has worked with untiring eff
fort to accomplish the victory he has
gained. Perhaps no political aspirant
in Virginia ever had better organiza-
ton or was surrounded with shrewder
= leaders than those who aided the Sen
ator-elect iG his campaign.
In this connection a little incident
which occurred in the Senatorial cam
paign deserves mention, Mr.. Martin
several years ago had loaned q cattle
dealer in Scottsvlle small sum OF
money with which to aid him in
making a shipment. During the Sena-
torship fight, Mr.. Martin received a
letter from the ex-catte dealer, who
now resides IN New York and is worth
a million. stating that he would aid
him in any way he could in his sena-
torial ambitions.
OF course. Mr.. Martin has received
hundreds of letters and kilograms OF
congratulation. Among these was one
from young lady whom he had met
at his brothers wedding. The modest
bachelor at once ordered two dozen
American Beauty roses and had them
expressed to her.