Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-09-30
CAMPAIGN IN VIRGINIA
Apathy of the Masses Not Yet Dis
PEELED.
WARM CONTESTS ARE DEVELOPING
Chance for a Solid Democratic
Congressional Delegation.
FIG HTS OF FACTION


the line. Large audiences greeted the
speakers and some enthusiasm was aroused.
So far there have been no joint debates
and no opportunities allowed for either side
to puncture the weak spots in it's oppo-
nents campaign issues.
The democratic speakers reaffirm the Chi
cago platform and declare free silver a
living ISSUE but do not discuss the ques-
ton of ratio. They arraign the republic
can party for extravaganza, the unneces-
sary issue of war bonds and mismanage-
nent in the war with Spain. The acqui-
sition of new territory is opposed, but is
not made strong issue.
The republicans are making their cam
vass on the successful issue of the war and
the present prosperity of the country.
The masses in the state are taking little
interest in politics, and in the majority OF
the districts the factional fights in the re-
publican party are the features of most
interest.
The Contested Districts.
Warm contests are developing. however,
in the ninth, tenth and the fifth districts.
In the last named a formidable fight is
being made by the republican candidate.
1t was supposed in the beginning that c.
A. Swanson, the democrat, would have an
easy canvass. 1t was assumed as fore
convention met at Stuart in August j. X.
Brown. who contested SwansOn's seat in
the last Congress, would again be his OPP
ponent. There was a contest, however.
and double set of delegates from Dan
Vile Edmund Parr, who represents
Patrick county in the state senate, was
chosen Mr.. Parr is a wealthy man. and
is said to be one of the largest star route
contractors in the country He has in
jected an active principle into the canvass,
nd i've waking
to the fact that he has to deal with an
influence that will take his best efforts to
combat Quiet and thorough organization
is Mr.. PARIS chief weapon. Mr. Swanson
is making effective speeches ana close
canvass.
The Hveliest canvass of the state is 60
ing on in the ninth district, where Judge
VIM F. Rhea is winning votes in his nght
for the seat now occupied by General James
A. Walker. republican. The two candi-
dates have met number of times recent
ly at the same speaking place, and each
time Judge Rhea makes public challenge
to meet General Walker in debate and
makes no little capital of Walkers refusal
to discuss the issues with him. Judge
Rhea is the more magnetic and artful
speaker. and having been on the stump in
every canvass in southwest Virginia for
MANY years is thoroughly posted on the
politics of that district. He is past mas
ter in the art of ridicule, as well as elo-
Quence. and the fact that General Walker
has changed from enc of the great parties
to the other is added to long list of other
alleged Inconsistencies in way that makes
his canvass anything but a happy one.
The district is pro-free silver, and Judge
Iihea Is making his canvass strictly on
that line. Well-posted people say he will
be a sure winner. General Walker is very
strong with the old soldier element but
they are fast joining the great majority.
In Rhea's Favor.
The split in the democratic party in
Washington county, where Judge Williams
of Wytheville opposed General Walker, it
is claimed, is fast being healed under the
influence of Judge Rhea's eoquence, and he
will show a solid front in November This
is the only district in the state where the
canvass is exciting the old-time enthu-
siasm in Virginia.
The next most interesting contest is that
in the tenth district, where Judge Julian
5. Quarles of Stanton is running the race
on the democratic side against Colonel K.
7. HUBBARD of Buckingham, republican. II.
ID. Flood, who was defeated for the nomi-
nation by a combination of the Glasgow
and Quarles forces in the convention be-
HeEes in the gospel of regularity and is
making speeches through the district in
favor of Quarles. Notwiths landing, his OPP
ponents charge him with double dealing and
even with being interested in a newspaper
which IS making attacks on Quarles Mr..
Flood is known in this state as thoroughly
identified with machine methods and he
is faithfully carrying out his creed The
enmlty engendered in the convention is,
however, cropping up even now, when his
best efforts are directed in favor of his op-
ponent.
There is very little enthusiasm in the
election on either side, and the candidates
are speaking to small crowds. Colonel HUI
bard is personally popular, and the issue
is regarded as very doubtful.
Inc splits in the republican party In the
second and fourth districts will destroy
any chance they may have for success
there. The nomination of Holland by the
BOwden faction at Norfolk and that of DIR.
Wise by the Lamb faction at Hampton to
succeed himself will insure the election of
Young, democrat, unless the decision OF
the national committee. to whom the ques-
ton will be submitted is cordially accepted
by the defeated faction.
Epes Has n Show.
Sydney P Epes of Petersburg, who was
uDseated in favor of r. T Thorp in the
last Congress, stands a good chance for
success this time. The republicans are
split and the anti-Thorp faction have ].
l.. Jones, a colored candidate in the field
who is making an active canvass among
the black counties" He is ready speak
er and is likely to reduce Thorp's majority
to hopeless defeat unless a compromise
is reached with him.
Daniel Butler, colored, nominated at
Lynchburg under similar circumstances Is
also stamping the district against Her
mans. the regular republican nominee and
will help swell the majority which Major
Peter ]. Otey was already sure to get.
The statement coming from Winchester
that d. c. O'Flaherty, mayor of Front
Royal, a prominent lawyer and good speak
er. will announce himself on a democratic
gold platform against James Hay, the reg
ular democratic nominee, in the seventh
district. has created considerable interest
Mr.. Hays record as member of the
military committee in Congress has been
much criticised in the district Mr. O'Flah-
erty was prominent in the gold democratic
campaign for President and his appearance
an the field now would endanger Mr. Hays
chances OF return to Congress.
solid democratic delegation In the next
Congress is within the possibilities and
this hope Is likely to be realized II the re-
publican factions continue to war among
themselves.