Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-09-02
DANIEL LOSES PRESTIGE
Virginia Senator Criticised for Opposing
Primary Election Plan.
Alarmed by the Sentiment in FayO,
of the Scheme, Senator Martin
Will Take the Stump.
Special Correspondence of The Evening Star.

Special Correspondence of The Evening Star.
RICHMOND. Va, September /, 1897
The primary plan introduced at the recent
state convention. and vigorously supported
| by Representative w. A. Jones of the first
district, by which it is proposed to choose
United States senators from this state by
a direct vote of the people, instead of by
he leg Stature, is being warmly supported
| by many of the most prominent democrats
| In the state. The fact is the people really
want this plan to be adopted, while the
| politicians. as rule, oppose it. The plan
is really the beginning of another fight
against the machine by the people at
large, though number of minor politicians
seem to think that the whole thing was got
ten up as a movement against Senator
Thomas 8. Martin and in favor of General
Fitzhugh Lee for senator.
The idea prevails here that If the pri-
mary plan is adopted Mr.. Martin will not
be returned to the United States Senate,
and that his successor will be either Mr.
Jones or General Lee. However this may
be. 1t Is clearly seen that the measure is
already very popular one, and it will
almost certainly be carried by a safe ma
jority when it is put to the test again.
senator Daniel Is being sharply criticised
by the country press Of the state and by
many well-known citizens for the stand he
look against the measure. It Is known
that the primary plan would not have
operated against him as q candidate for
re-eiecticn to the Senate; that while he
himself has strong hold on the people
and would have no difficulty in being re-
turned as their representative, he ought
not to have used his influence against the
pan introduced to give them more power.
But Tor Senator Daniels influence It is he
heved the measure would have been adopt
ed by the convention. Since 1t YVES brought
up 1t has been gaining strength steadily.
and IN spite Of Senator Daniels opposition
II Will almost certainly
FACTOR In Virginia politics to operate against
the machine.
Martin to Take the Stump.
The fact that Senator Martin has made
the announcement that he will take the
stump during this campaign is construed
as an admission on his part that 1t is nee
sessary for him to stand in closer touch
with the people since the Introduction of
the primary plan. 1t is believed that Mr..
Martin is going to take this opportunity to
gain strength among the voters instead ~
among the members Of the ieeisiature 90
that when the primary plan is adopted he
VIII have fighting chance to go back to
tne senate. This is the first time he will
have gone on the stump during his political
career as senator. and this is an OF wear.
too. when the democrats are expected to
nave no very serious opposition.
-, Inc aact that Mr. Jones will also go on
the stump makes matters still more Inter-
esting. BY this the people will have an
opportunity to compare the two men as
public speakers. and Mr. Jones viii have an
opportunity to advocate his primary plan.
He Is good speaker and clever man in
argument.
The campaign wiz be formally opened IN
this city some time in September. Arranee-
ments have been made for q big ratificatiop
meeting in Richmond. at which the candi-
dates. Tyler. Echols and Montague. will he
present. and Will be introduced by Eiiyson
Pollard and Lasstter, respectively. A mum.
Der OF prominent men from ali over fha
state are expected to be here. and the occa-
sion VIII be big democratic love FEAST
Ramon of = Populist Ticket.
It is rumored that the populists are coon
to put out ticket to oppose the demo-
cratic nominees. II Is thought that the re-
lection Of Cooke for lieutenant governor IA
at the bottom OF this movement. Mr.. Her
bert Hale himself. General James Z, |
Field and Mr.. w. H. 0ravely are men,
TONED az probable nominees on the ticket /
as are also Capt. Edmund Cooke and j. Hos,
lEins Hobson. for years prominent leader /
OF the populists In this state
The democrats are not much dfstura,e.I
about their republican opposition Ia this /