The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-03-17
Interest in Bedford.

BEDFORD CITY, VA. March f6-Spe-
Cial.-As the spring election draws near
interest begins TO grow, and although
the election is yet over two months off,
many candidates have announced them
selves in this ana adjoining counties, and
are working like beavers TO let the dear
people know how willing they are to be-
come the servants Of the public. Such
a brotherly feeling as the candidates
manifest towards the voters max, even
a cynic begin TO believe that the .dillen-
MUM is about 10 dawn. The sale of
"two-fers" and shorts" viii soon be on
a boom.
conference of Bedford Populist pre-
cinct chairmen is called for the 25th in
slant, at which the spring election viii
probably be discussed, but the members
OF the party whom / have seen-like the
Democrats and Republicans-are opposed
10 party action in the campaign. They
seem generally agreed that il is wiser TO
leave il as a fight between individuals
II has always been the custom in Bed
ford TO act Independent of party atlilia-
ton IN local elections on account of
the personal feeling which would neces-
earily result from nominations by con-
Ventions IL Is not thought that there
would be much inclination to hold to-
gether among the friends of the defeated
candidates Many candidates would re-
fuse to submit their claim TO primaries.
With this before them the party leaders
have no desire 20 create disdnection in
the party ranks. especially as moro
important campaign is only about six
months OF.
MONEY. NOT HONOR.
The contest is characterized by de-
sire OF the aspirants to secure the cmom-
ments of Office more than a Thirst for
honor. There are many more candidates
than usual. which is attributed 10 the
general business depression, especially 10
the agricultural line.
Questions Of local nature Will figure to
some extent In the campaign IN Bed
ford. The working OF the county roads
with a convict force. and the establish
ment OF Bedford High School-more es-
pecialIy the lattcI-have met with much
opposition, and how do you stand on
these questionS?' Will cut some figure
with many voters. Although few OF the
offices have the remotest connection with
these matters, many OF the Vo,ers will
vote Tor men VIII ise opinions regarding
them are IKE the own. The manner
I'm which some can lidates evade the ques-
lion is amusing. and reminds one of the
& wary candidate for the Legislature in an
adjoining county. \ dog law had been
passed for that county. and public sent.-
ment was divided the opposition being IN
a majority The candidate mentioned
was met by voter one day and asked
for his opinion OH the question tie felt
his way carefully, and said that there
were some very grave constitutional dues-
lions involved. and that he had not seen
the recent law, owing TO the tact that
the members OF the Legislature from that
county had been derelict in their duty IN
not sending MIN the acts of the Assem-
bly,.
FRA.KfIN NOMINATIONS.
The reports from neighboring counties
are very meagrc as yet. In Franklin
both Democrats and Populists have nomi-
mated what are said 20 be very strong
1ickets for the more important offices.
one of the Popuiist candidates IS a Re
publican. but I have heard of no fnsion.
The Democrats in Botetourt and AM
herst have held or viii hold, conventions
10 nominate tickets
A prominent Republican informs me
that his understanding is that his party
has no desire 10 enter the contest on
political lines.
THE WALTON LAW.
The feeling OF tho masses OF the peo-
ME through this section has not softened
.s regards the Walton election law. II
seems the general opinion OF the lead
re that many votes will be lost by
81 An, ompetent persons attempting to pre-
xare their own ballots. The experience
I - last fall was that thcse who were
81 ~onxeitiye as TO their educatiaDai disapil,
Sfi&o. And others who we're DISSATISFIED