Evening star., 1898-10-28
LEE NOT AVAILABLE
Opponents of Senator Martin Abandon
the Generals Candidacy.
AFRAID OF HIS FINANCIAL VIEWS
Military Hero Has Not Declared
Himself on Silver.
PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES
pecla1 Dispatch to The Evening Star.

Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.
RICHMOND, Va, October 2S-The edict
has gone forth from the leaders in the
state who are opposed to the reelection of
Senator Thomas S. Martin that Gen. Fitz-
hugh Lee cannot be the next United States
senator from Virginia.
This, 1t is claimed by these leaders, is
not the result of any especial hostility to
Lee, but the result of the growing impress
SIGN that Martin would win in fight di-
rectly with the popular military hero.
They give reasons why Lee is not at this
time the logical candidate with whom to
overcome the Martin following in The
state. Outsiders would naturally think
that with his national reputation and the
wonderful popularity which came tumbiing
his way during the early days of the Gu
ban embroglio, that all Virginians would
eagerly grasp the opportunity to land him
in the Senate. and thus satisfy the ambi-
ton he has cherished for several years
But during the mary years of his more CT
less public life in Virginia the genial gem
eral has maEaged to ALLEVIATE some very
strong men, who have no desire to surren-
Ger their personal resentment even in the
face of outside popular applause.
The most potent factor, however In the
determination to advocate some other candi-
date against Martin is that Lee is popularity
SupDOS -u 10 De d SOullC IHoiieS eiIiN'
this to the average party worker in Vlr-
gnia is treason of the most heinous Var1e-
ty. Lees friends, however DO not admit
this allegation, and some are ooid enough
to claim that Lee would declare in favor OF
free silver if the support OF the leaders
wds assured him. The general, however,
has never declared himself upon the sub
ject since the issue became vital one IN
state politics.
Kept Out of Fight in 1896.
IF he
consul general to Cuba, ard although the
stund money men wrote ard endeavored to
get his Endorsement. he replied in a Jocular
letter in Spanish that he ''had one war on
his hands and did not want another at
home"
1t is we'll known, however, that he was a
close frienl and admirer of Cleveland, in
fact, he disclosed the information that
Cleveland cor tributed 81 900 to his cam
raign fund against Martin four years ago.
and not having taken a position during
1896 he is aGjudged to be partial to the
financial policy of the democratic EXPIRES
iGent.
Senator Martin is now actively canvass
ing the state, and declares unequivocally
his support of the free silver sentiment of
the party, and therefore candidate could
defeat him whose position was in any way
in doubt or whose conversion was of re-
cent date o. melted by the political de-
mands of the immediate campaign.
The leaders opposed to Martin therefore
have come to th@ conclusion that in order
to defeat him they must unite upon some
candidate whose devotion 10 silver has
never been doubted, and whose loyalty to
the white metal mas never suffered by the
alluring nope of reward from sound money
sources.
Senator Martin has been busy with his
campaign for many months, and his op-
poncntS know this and are anxious 10 get
INTO the fray, but were too shrewd TO in
Ject the fight into the present canvass AS
soon as the election is over, however, they
will meet in Richmond and agree upon
some one man to whom they can bring sll
the strength of the opposition to the junior
senator.
AS the situation is now. there are three
names upon the lips of the leaders-those
of Congressman William \. Jones, Attcr-
ney General Andrew Jackson Montague and
eX-State Senator Walton Moore of Fairfax
county. Of these Mr.. Jones is perhaps the
best equipped by reason of his service of
several terms in Congress. He however
is not in any sense a candidate, and, unless
urged, would not enter the night. All three
OF the gentlemen named are of unimpeach-
able character and lawyers of ability.
Martin Has Strong Backing
The advocacy of any one candidate by the
opposition to Senator Martin does not by
any means surely foreshadow his defeat
for the Senate, for, while strong alliance
can be made against him, it is not to be
forgotten that he has powerful political al
lies and an ability for organization second
to no politician in the state. Senator
Daniel is Martins friend from start TO
finish and III his famous contest with Lee
four years ago gave the present senator
his influence and assistance to the limit of
his ability.
Representatives Swanson, Hay and others
are also closely allied with Senator Martin
and most likely would throw their influence
if not open work, in his behalf.
When the fight begins it will be a battle
royal and no man can safely predict the
result of the election. which is one year
away. The only thing now which is brough hi
TO light is the fact that Gen. Lee will NOT
be d factor in the contest.
1t is talked by those closest to Gen Lee
that although he announced himself as a
candidate some time ago, he has about
decided not to remain IN the lists, as his
duties in Cuba will prevent any campaign
Ir.lE IIrI hi