Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-04-13
A LIVELY CONTEST.
II Is Opened Up BY the Death Of
Captain Shepperd.
THE WESTERN coLLEcroRsHlr.
Gossip with Reference TO Those
who Were Originally Candidates
for the PIace-ProbabiIitics Now
Congressmen In Washington.

WASHINGTON. ID. c.. April 12.-(spe-
cial)--The death OF Captain Ham. Shep-
perd. Collector Of Internal Revenue for
the Western District OF Virginia, Will
open up again lively contest for the
position. The place is not only one OF the
best In the State that is bestowed by the
administration, but II is quite an honor
to I'LL It.
There were more than a dozen candi-
dates for the Office In the spring OF
1885. and the chances are that quite
number Of the same aspirants will try
their luck again.
Captain Shepperd received the endorse
ment of the Virginia delegation, and
really, up TO a few weeks before the
appointment was made. only few OF the
candidates had any idea that 1t was worth
trying further for the prize. Originally
Major Otey, OF Lynchburg. was a candi-
date. and he received the backing OF
Senator Daniel and Congressman Ed
munds, but when he found that Captain
Shepperd had the backing OF all the otner
members of the delegation Major otey
pulled out of the race, and senator
Daniel and Mr.. Edmunds finally decided
10 support Captain Shepperd. After he
had received the formal endorsement oil
the delegation 1t was whispered around
that he might after all fail to receive
the appointment, but there never was any
basis for the report, though some OF ms
opponents kept hammerlng away IN the
hone they might secure the place. Inc
name of Mr. Foster of Loudoun. was
mentioned continually, and 1t was as
serted that on account Of certain strong
Kentucky influence he would finally De
Amounted. 1t proved TO be erroneous
The President and Secretary OF the irea-
sury regarded the wishes OF the deleSa-
ton. and their entire slate for the SIX
big Federal places in Virginia wen,
through. The President, In fact' hau
previously signifed to some members OF
the delegation that he preferred TO nave
Them unite on candidates. and the pro-
pramme was carried out 10 the letter, IN
smile of the many wild rumors sent out
from Washington, and which were gwen
circulation in the state
ORIGINAL CANDIDATES.
Among those who were originally can
didates for the Office of Collector in the
spring of 1893 were State-Senator Mush-
hack. Of Alexandria,: Captain Mort
Rogers. OF Roanoke; G. ;. l.. Iriplett
of Culpeper; Joseph Nelson. OF Fauquier;
and others, in addition to those named
above. ao
The appointment will have to be MADE
from the collection district, which taxes
In about half Of the State. and when
includes most of the counties IN 'he
Fifth. Sixth. Seventh, Eighth. Ninth, ana
Tenth congressional districts
II Ia not presumed that the delegation
will attempt now TO get together ana en-
dorse any particular candidate, but tne
indications are 1t will be free-for-all
race. and the members representing the
Eastern Collection District will probably
stand back and allow their colleagues
In the Western District TO name the
man. II.
or course, no move has yet been made
and the chances are that nothing VIII ne
done until Monday of next week. when
the contest is likely TO commence.
Representatives Jones and Tyler are
two Of the Virginia members now IN the
civ They are daily visitors to the de-
partments. but not great deal can DC
ACCOMPLISHED that is worthy of being
published.
Congressman Meredith comes TO town
every two or three days to attend to his
affairs before the departments. lie IS so
close to Washington that he can get here
n,lickly and return home the same day.
Ex-senator Hunton spent couple OF
days In the city this week. he ~ putting
In most Of his time quietly at his war
renton home and has improved In health
very much since the adjournment OF Con-
rress for he has had a good rest.
Mrs 4. l.. Long. postmaster OF Char-
lottesville. is in the city.
MOVES TO WASHINGTON.
Judge L. d. Yarrell. of Greenesville
county. Va, and for some years mem
Der Of the Virginia Legislature. has To-
Gated in Washington for the practice OF
law. He will not give up his residence
In Virginia, but will spend portion of his
time in his home county
The postoffice at Tapatamee. Madison
county. y. c., has been discontinued;
mail to Trail Branch.
j. A. Reynolds was to-day appointed
postmaster at Charlemont, Bedford
county, Va, vice w. r. Woodson, re-
signed.
Hon. Eppa Hunton. Jr.. of Warrenton.
and Judge ]. b. McCabe. Of Loudoun
county, are among Virginians registered
at the Metropolitan.