The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-11-06
THE NINTH DISTRICT.
Here Is Where thc Battle RaSes-The
Best Man VIII Win.

BRISTOL. VA. November 5-Special-
Despite the claims OF either party, the
congressional contes, I'm tho Ninth dis.
trict may still be considered as I'm doubt
Certainly where Il is conceded by all
parties that the majority will be small
either way. 30 would not De safe To UNI
dertake TO accurately predict the OUT
come.
The leaders on either side are confident.
Gdmitting that Gen. Walker has some
opposition in his own party. the Repub-
Uc1ps rely upon his ability as a poll
tician 10 DO nearly, n not quite. as well
"a he has done on two former occasions.
The Republicans are naturally not an
ticipating anything like az large n vote
this year as was cast two years ago.
and for this reason they estimate for
General Walker smaller majority than
he received when he was on the Nc
Kinley ticket
After carefully weighing all the facts
and pointers 0btainahie on the situa-
ton. the Republican Campaign Commit
tee makes what 81 considers a conserva-
tive estimate and fixes General Walkers
7a{ority 20 1201 IN the district. This Is
supposed to include maiorities in all the
counties that heretofore gave maiorites
for General Walker. and in addition pro-
baby a small majority in Washington
county. owing 20 tho fact that Judge
Rhea's opposition I'm his own party IS
confined I'm the main 20 Bristol and Wash
ington county.
The Democrats have made m earnest
and active fight having put forth greater
efforts this time than I'm years. IL IS
natural that they should feel that the
fruits Of their work would consist in the
redemption OF the district.
The Democratic Camnalgn Committee
has, after taking into consideration all
tho elements Of uncertainty in the situa-
ton. come 10 the conclusion that u can
depend unon n safe majority over General
Walker for Judge Rhoa. The committee
has made an estimate based upon reports
from all parts of the district. and after
making what n considers liberal allow
ancos. has left for the Democratic nomi-
nee good majority Not only this. but
the committee claims-and Justly so. per-
haps-that Rhea stock is going up
throughout the district.
Tho committee declines 70 submit IT'S
estimate 81 figures for publication. deem
ing such a course unwise AT this critical
time. II is expected by the members Of
this committee. however. that Judge
Rhea WIN not only carry the Democratic
counties by handsome malorliles, hut
that he will carry some Of the Republic
can counties. including Pulaski. Wvthe
and probably Wise. while II IS conf
IDENTIFY expected that the Republican ma
joritv in Tazewell will be materially re-
duced
Aside from the committees claims. 10
an impartial observer it would appear
that the Democrats have every cause 10
be hopeful sun. when II IS remembered
how equally hopeful they have been on
two former occasions only 10 lose The
district. one does not feel like (. IS safe
to paint gorgeous rainbows across the
sky of hope.
However. If the brilliant campaign OF
Judge Rhea. backed by the earnest work
of his friends. does not win in this fight
the Ninth district may as we'll be con-
sidered as welded 10 General Walker.