Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-16

As the time OF the meeting Of the SEN
atorial conference on May 10th draws
near. and discussion of the subject be-
comes more general. the probable lines
along which the conference will work,
become palmer.
The question Of making the attendance
small enough TO be accommodated COM
fortably has within the last week, be-
come a serious one, but it is believed,
has been az least partially settled.
The call for the convention made the
conference a mass-meeting. Nothing was
said as to how delegates were to be ad-
mitted. or how chosen. The signers Of
the call probably had no idea the atten-
dance would be 50 great as now promised
The immense number Of letters recently
received from prominent men all over the
State. announcing their intention Of at
tending the conference, led the movers TO
believe that there would have to be some
method adopted TO prevent the gathering
being too. large.
SELECTION OF DELEGATES.
While hero last week Congressman
Jones after comforting with several
friends, about reached the conclusion that
admission must be on cards obtained at
the bureau in this city. He had not
worked out the plan.
1t is quite probable, however, that the
who will meet Monday to elect delegates
to the conference, will be very generally
followed in other counties. Such dele
gates will, of course. be admitted upon
credentials given them by their constitu-
ents. Where Democrats from coun-
ties which did not choose delegates come
to the conference. cards Of admission will
be issued from the bureau.
There is no longer any Of the doubt
which at first existed as TO whether those
Democrats who are opposed to the popu-
lar election of senator's and popular choice
OF candidates will be admitted to the
conference. It is positively stated that
they will not be. The call was made to
embrace only those Democrats who be-
lievcd in the election OF senators by the
people
There is no desire on the part OF the
managers Of the movement 10 exclude
from the conference any Democrat be-
cause of his fayorug the election of any
quently stated that the conference is to
be i'm the interest Of Il principle and not
a candidate.
ATTITUDE OF SENATOR MARTIN.
The friends of Senator Martin. however
persistently regard the conference as a
blow at the candidacy of the junior Sem
ator from Virginia. For this reason the
great majority Of them. it seems Will not
attend the conference. 1t seems to be the
desire OF Mr. Martins leaders that even
those among his followers who favor the
popular election Of senators. remain away.
Congressman-elect Sidney 4. Epes of
the Fourth District one Of the Warmest
friends Senator Martin has i'm Virginia.
and so close TO him as TO be regarded as
spokesman for him. was IN the city yes
terday, and expressed himself i'm en-
phatic terms OF opposition to the con-
ference. "The Blackstone Courier. which
was founded. owned. and edited by me.
said slr Epes "was the fist newspaper
election of senators By the people. and
/ stiH entertain the views ! then ex-
pressed. But 1 will never lend myself to
a movement whose popularity with the
people is availed of 10 disguise the
schemes of aspiring politicians No man
in Virginia is so simple as not TO under
stand that the whole thing is directed
by the enemies of Senator Martin. Why
have they not secured the cooperation Of
the gallant Harry Tucker, who fathered
the idea I'm Congress, and worked i'm sea-
son and out of season for its adoption?
In my Judgment. the narrow lines pre-
scribed by the promoters Of the scheme
tend 10 distract the Democratic party. and
disturb the harmony which has character
lied IT in this state"
MR.. SWANSONS POSITION.
Hon Claude Swanson, member Of Con-
gress from the Fifth District. was also
i'm the city yesterday, and unhesitatingly
expressed his views regarding the APP
preaching conference. He is fully as
close 10 Mr.. Martin as is Mr.. Epes. lie
dictated this statement:
II will not attend the sO-called May
meeting. although have voted each time
IN Congress for the election of senator's
by direct vote of the people. was neither
consulted. nor did / hear Of any such
contemplated meeting until the announce
ment was made IN the papers. | never
commit myself to movements the Interior
aims and purposes Of which | am unac-
quanted with, as 10 which / am not
clearly satisfied. | have no comment or
criticism at present 10 make on the move
ment. After its work is accomplished its
purposes fully disclosed, and it can be
Judged. | shall examine ii carefully and
impartially, and will then be prepared TO
express my approval or disapprOval OF
it, / am a friend OF Senator Martin, and
therefore do not know whether a card
would be given me TO enter the confer
ence."
SENATOR MARTINS CANDIDACY
Senator Martin has been in Richmond
for several days. and many OF his friends
have been here in consultation with him.
Congressman Epes and Swanson were
here several days; State-Senator James
came over from Danville. and Colonel
Joseph Button. Clerk OF the Senate, came
down from his home in AppOmattox.
Senator Martin received his friends at his
headquarters at Murphy's. and also met
them al the WestmOre!and Club. The sit
nation as regards Mr. Martins candidacy
was discussed. The friends of the junior
senator still express great confidence that
ne will be reelected without trouble. II
is a fact. however, that there Is feeling