The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-01


friends clam the victory.
Mr.. l.. T.. LOOkdbul, OF Roanoke, a cam
didate for this position, IS developing
mucn strength and says he IS sure TO win.
colonel Richardson stated last night that
there had been no break in MS line and
he was certainly a winner. Mr.. John
Jackson said he was satisfied with ms
prospects.
IL was generally conceded last night
that superintendent OF PuDlic Printing
- Bannon, h~ilroad commissioner INA
and Secretary Lawless would win easily
on nrst ballot
ELECTION LAWS.
There have boon several informal con-
fererces with reference TO the election
laws. Many bills looking to changes In the
existing acts will be offered but up 10
this time the Democratic leaders have
fixed upon no policy 10 be pursued. IL is
probable that soon after Christmas there
Will DO Democratic caucus 10 discuss
the election laws. What the result Will
be no one can safely predict at this time.
There are many advocates of q new cleo
ton law or material amendments 10 the
present law.
VIEWS OF MIR. KIZER.
Delegate G. g. KZer, of Norfolk. one
OF the new members told a Times re-
porter last night that he had no particular
choice for any office except of Register OF
the Land Office. For this position he IS
supporting Mr.. LOOkabill with all Of his
ability and enthusiasm.
Mr. Kzer does not think the election
laws will be changed in any material
point lie says many bills may be Oitei-
ed but IL is his opinion that the existing
law will remain practically as it Is.
DIR. LECATO ARRIVES.
Senator George W. LeCato, of Accomac.
a courtly gentleman and one of the most
popular members Of the Senate, arrived
in the city yesterday and is stopping at
Ford S Hotel
In discussing the relative chances Of the
opposing candidates for Superintendent OF
Public instruction. Or. LeCato said that
he was OF the opinion that both MT. Mas
sey and DR. SOuthal had certain
strength which could not be drawn from,
but which was not sufficient To elect In
either ease. The result. he thought, would
be that a dark horse would win
As 70 the future Superintendent OF the
Penitentiary Or. LeCato said that be was
not well posted. but was looking over
the field 20 secure information Tor his
guidance.
Regarding the election law. DR.. Lee
cato did not think il probable that there
would be any amendments made at this
session. The present law, he said. had
seemed 10 work very well I'm his district.
which IS strongly Democratic.
Dr. LeCatO further said that ne thouBht
the election law could be improved by "A
constitutional amendment, allowing am
educational qualification.
Il would not make the provision TOO
stringent at first" said DR. LeCatO, "but
afterwards it might be made more strict
II would work well IN melting the masses
10 strive for education
Senator NJ H. Clayton. OF Roanoke. edi-
tor and owner Of the Roanoke World, Us
also at FOrds
What IS going TO be the result of the
fight for the Office Of Superintendent or
Public Instruction." he was asked last
evening.
"Well T hardly know yet" he replied
"It viii he n hard pull between Massey
and Southall. I think and 10 seems an
imposslbilty al present 20 pick the WIN
ner.'
"WU the present Superintendent n The
Penitentiary be renominated?' ! asked.
II hone not" replied Mr.. Clayton. hut.
Of course. / cannot tell much about II at
this time. I have not thought a great
deal about the matter
THE ELECTION LAW.
'What are the chances for tho amend
ment or change Of the present election
law" he was asked.
"It is hard 10 say" he answered. Il
think there are some points in the law
which might be amended with advantage.
I would favor the printing OF the official
ballots in the newspapers or posting them
near the voting places a certain length OF
time before the election. / can see no oh
lection TO such a plan and much good
would doubtless result
Senator II. G. Lowry. OF Bedford. IS also
making Ford's Hotel his headquarters.
Senator Lowry had no opinion 10 express
in regard 10 the candidates in the field.
As to the election law now in force. be
was OF opinion that some amendments
could be made with advantage in order 10
perfect the bill.
DR.. Biggerton l.. Winston. OF Hanover
county one of the most popular members
OF the House, and a highly respected ana
substantial physician and farmer OF his
native county, IL at Murphys.
Or. Winston. in speaking yesterday
afternoon of the Offices OF Superintendent
OF Public instruction and or the Peniten-
tiarv said that he had fully made up MS
mind on the subject.
IL shall vote for DR. Southall for SUPER
intendent of Public instruction and for
Major y. w. Lynn for reelection to the
office he now holds
Speaking OF the chances for legislation
on the election law. Or. Winston said;
AMENDMENTS NECESSARY.
II think that the present law az whole
is good. but some amendments are desr-
able 10 perfect H. For instance tners
should be a change in the manner puf-
sued by candidates In notifying clerks OF
county counts OF their candidacy ~
present they convey the notincauon 70
them In any way that they think proper
by phone. message. or postal caro-.
Another vital defect, II seems 70 me-