The evening times., 1895-11-09

III every HatlOndi convention Oh tne Re-
publican party before which John Sher-
man has been a candidate for the Presi-
Dental nomination his chief element Of
strength has been the delegations from
the various Southern States. While no re-
lance can be placed upon these States to
return single electoral vote, their repre-
sentation constitutes neary one-third of
the nominating convention.
At intervals OF four years these delegates
have regularly appeared and east a pre-
ponderance of their votes for Senator Sher-
man. Since the REIMBURSEMENT Of that gen.
tleinan's ambition there has been much
speculation as to what candidate would
be benefited by the transference of his faith
ful followers.
Gov. Mckinley, doubtless forewarned by
knowledge Of Mr.. Sherman's intended pub
lcation of a book, toured the South from
Dan to Becrsheba, making friends among
the niammon Of political influence. But there
was not that enthusiastic response which
would indicate that the Southern brother
loved all Ohiuans because of their geo.
graphic location or that veneration for
Sherman could develop into affection for
Mckinley. .r Hf"a"'..---' 80
THE FIRST IN VIRGINIA. ..,-l.-
Virginia is the first Southern State to
give any open indication OF the Republicans
having reached an agreement as to j prefer
eDce for the next Presidential nomination.
But Mr. Reed, and not Gov. NICK inIey, has
been the beneficiary. -.-
This action has apparently been spon-
taneOus and las come to the surface with
out any particular effort upon the part
OF Mr.. Reeds friends to produce such u
n -. Al
DieDt growing out OF the relations which
Mr.. Reed has maintained with prominent
Republicans Of the State.
The sentiment has swept over Virginia,
while those in a measure responsible for
it, have been practically unconscious of
its growth. 1t now includes, II is believed,
almost all the prominent Republican leaders
and the ma a5ority of their followers. So
general is it that Reed delegation froul
the State is thought to be assured.
Langston, who has cut very little figure
in Virginia politics since his single term
in the House, is understood to have start
ell such boom for Reed among those of
his own color that many OF them have be-
come blind to the fact that there are
other Republica ms in the country. Langston
owes his seat in Congress TO Reed and can
be relied upon 10 support him for any
thing.
W. JSuits ~ BTduy, IOrrlefiy mef0Der
OF Congress from Virginia, and now a resi-
dent OF this city, is also for the Maine man,
1t is understood.
Gen. Walker, the only Republican elected
to Congress from the State, and who win
probably be the chai irnlan of the State COM
nittee, is ambitious. it is said. to secure a
committee Craftsmanship in the next House,
and is therefore ready to pledge his support
TO Reed in anticipation of rayors yet to be
received.
ALSO FOR REED.
The four Republicans who are contesting
the seats of successful Democrats and who
depend upon Reed to help them are also
for him.
This makes avery formidabieco combination
and it is predicted that, unless Mr. Reed dis
appoints all the expectations of his adj
mirers in Virginia, a delegation favorable
to his nomination will certainly be elected
in the spring.
But. aside from the leaders, those who
are familiar with the conditions of party
feeling in the State say the enthusiasm for
Reed among the Republican voters of the
State-white and biack-is renia rkable. 1t
is especially surprising so long before the
convention.
In order to maintain the strength he is
said to have secured in Virginia, Mr.. Reed
MAJ be emba RI ssed in carrying out the i'm
piled obligations which the situation forces
upon him; but 1t is asserted that even the
disappointment of Yost, Hoge, Cornet and
Thorp, who will make contests for seats in
the next House, will hardly change the
feeling that ROW exists in favor of the man
from Maine.
1t is understood that Mckinley, Ha rrison,
Allison. and the other candidates for the
nomination have been Informed OF the con-
dition of affairs in Virginia and are making
efforts to counteract the Reed sentiment,
but it is also declared that they are so hope
lessly behind in the IA ce for delegates that
their efforts will avail them little.