The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1895-08-17

There perhaps has never been as
much interest manifested in the cleo
ton OF delegates to any convention,
either State. Congressional or legisla-
tive as is at present in the choosing OF
delegates to the Salem convention for
the nomination Of senator and two
delegates for the general assembly on
Tho Democratic ticket. The conditions
and circumstances in the polite 81 field
make the situation decidedly peculiar.
The net OF reapportionment OF 1892
providing for the election of senators
and delegates to the general assembly
sets fortn that Roanoke city, Roanoke
county ard Craig county shall elect two
delegates and that Montgomery county
and the counties and city above named
shall constitute the Fourth district and
shall elect one senator. AT present there
are no less than dozen names spoken
OF as asprants for these positions Roa.
noke city, however, has but two candi-
dates, namely Hon, J. Allen Watts for
the senate and Il. Randolph Hicks for
the house. Roanoke county has possibly
four aspirants, A. b Pugh snd O. l.
Stearnes for the senate, w. w. Bsrke-
ley and Col. r. FL. Logan for the house.
1t Is understood that Craig has also one
or more candidates to put up for the
mouse and II the circumstances make it
necessary sue VIII have man to name
for the senate.
Within the lsst few days the ACTIVITY
In political circles has been at fever
heat. For two or three weeks pas. the
friends of Mr. Hicks have been making
an active canvass in his behalf, and at
one time is looked as though he would
carry the city without any trouble and
go into the house convention with a
solid delegation. During this week,
however, the situation has somewhat
changed, and II Mr.. Hicks gets a solid
delegation it will require o close and
stubborn fight
Friends OF Mr. Watts and Mr.. Hicks
nave been endeavoriIg to so arrange
their plans OF operation that tho in terest
OF their candidates will no. clash, and
IL has been stated that by the plans re.
Gently mapped out that this idea will
be effected. By the arrangement agreed
upon two tickets will be put in the field
and separate sets OF delegates will be
elected. Mr.. Watts friends, 1t Is under
stood, have decided to keep hands off
and endeavor to secure a solid Watts
delegation. By this arrangement it
will be- seen that, unless some otheer
candidate puts up ticket in the
various ward meetings to be held
on Tuesday night, that Mr.. Watts
will practically have a solid dele
CATION, bringing the fight down to an
issue for the house delegates only.
1t is stated that two states have been
made Up for delegates from the various
wards. Captain Berkeley and Mr.. Hicks
Will each have ticket in the field to
DO voted for, separate and distinct from
the Watts ticket. 1t now remains to be
seen how this fight will terminate. If
the Watts pee pie combine in any way
with either the Berkeley men or the
Hicks men they will probsbly be able
to elect house ticket that will be
iavoroble to the interests OF Mr. Watts,
outlt has been stated that Mr. Watts
friends will not enter into any combi-
nation for any candidate for the house.
II this idea is adhered to the fight will
be between Captain Berkeley and Mr..
Hicks. The Hicks men, it is under
stood. will make no fight against Mr..
Watts unless the friends Of Watts fight
HICKS. In that event they will proba-
bly, retaliate by endeavoring to elect
set OF delegates to the senate conven-
tion favorable to some other candidate.
A meeting will be held at Sheridan's
hail. In the Third ward to night, at
which Captain Berkeley will make an
address. The public is invited to attend.