Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-01-24
MIR. PRITCHARD's ELECTION.
It's Significance from n National
Point CT View.

washington simultaneously
SO far as the Populistc feature of the
senatorial fight just ended in North Caro-
lima is considered. the result is regarded
as a triumph for the Watson wing of the
party. Senator Butler was defeated on
both local and national grounds. His pres
tige at home has been weakened and his
management of the Populist national cam
paign repudated. His next move is
awaited with much interest.
The feeling of the Watson people
against Mr.. Butler is described as being
very bitter. IL has been voiced by Mr..
Watson himself at home, and by his
lieutenants in nearly every section of the
country. He is accused of having fused
away the whole Populistic case last fall.
and then of attempting to put down those
in the party who were frank enough to
express TO him their opinions of his mis-
management. For these reasons the
Watson people have been eager ever since
then to challenge his power, and the
Pritchard contest gave them their OPP
portunity.
Mr.. Butler promptly accepted>the chal-
lenge and after an engagement of some
length and much earnestness he has lost.
Both sides pulled every string within
reach in the State. and out OF It, Mr..
Butler called to his aid the influence OF
such Populists living at distance as
agreed with him, and his opponents fol-
lowed suit. His opponents, II is said,
were greatly aided and encouraged by
the assurance that the Middle-of-the-Road
brethren everywhere were with them
in sympathy. This sympathy grew out
Of no especial interest in Mr.. Pritchard,
but out Of a desire to see Mr.. Butler
turned down. The st. Louis convention
and its attendant manoeuvring were re-
called and the cry arose for Mr.. Buffers
scalp.
In the caucussing at Raleigh much
stress was laid on Mr.. Pritchard's att-
tude as 10 silver. Mr.. Butler charged
that I'm effect Mr.. Pritchard was an enemy
of silver, that for that reason alone,
the Populists ought not TO support HIM
Silver should be the supreme test. Inc
Populists should assist in sending no man
to the Senate who would not pledge NM
self TO put that issue ahead Of all others.
Mr. Pritchard declared himself to be a
friend of silver, but also declared that
being n Republican and a protectionist,
ba could not vote 10 make silver an OBJ
etruction TO a tariff bill. Being in favor
Of a revision of the tarin, he would 90
nothing TO hinder the accomplishment
Of Thai end by Congress. Silver, as
separate issue, brought forward on its
merits. he would support.
This. it is recognized, VIII make MT.
pritchard's path no easy one to travel
during the next year or two. lie VIII
have an opportunity to vote for tarih
IN hut then will come the silver question.
The all-for-silver leaders are not going 10
LET that question rest. In some form,
and maybe in many forms, they WIZ
bring il before Congress and obllge the
making of new records by the members
Of both houses.
It is true. however, that Mr.. Pritchard
has company in his party in the attitude
he announces that he will take. Com
mitted as he is to silver, he
stands with Mr. Thurston, Mr..
WoWlcott. Mr.. Hansbrough. Mr..
Mitchell of Oregon; If he shall re-
turn. and others They are for silver, but
not TO the extent of using 1t as a club or
sledge for breaking up the Repupilcah
marty. The BILL or the manoeuvre, that
would embarrass him would equally EN-
harrass them. He returns to the Senate
under conditions that will make MN an
;.,orac+ino member of that body.