The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-03-12

General Fitzhugh Lee IS no longer
candidate for the United States Senate.
-Four months ago The Times stated that
his name would not go before the Demo-
cratic caucus that will meet IN the hall
OF the House Of Delegates next Decem-
ber. At that time the General was not
ready TO announce his withdrawal. and
another paper denied The Times state
ment.
General Lee was really a candidate mp
to last October. II was while he was
sick and threatened with typhoid fever
last fall that General Lee first seriously
considered the matter Of Withdrawing
from the contest
THE ADVICE or FRIENDS.
The General was at the Westmoreland
club Half 4 dozen or more gentlemen
were summoned 10 his sick chamber. He
talked over the situation with them. II
was then, practically decided that It
would be better for him to continue in
tho service Of the army. The General
had either to give uD his command or
lose all chances Of succeeding Mr.. Mar
tim. lie was told that in order TO win the
senatorship he would have % stump the
state. The General held a commission
in the army which he could not very well
resign at that time lie told his friends
thar he would retire from the race for
Senator, but he did not want puoic
announcement of the fact made until
such q time as be should select.
HIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
That time has come. The following
letter was given out for publication yes
terday:
Headquarters Seventh Army Corps.
Camp Columbia,
Near Habana. Cuba, February %, 1893
Colonel b. q. James, Attorney at Law,
Richmond Va:
Nv Dear Coloucl,-I have received both
of your letters. My duties as commander
Of a large body of troops have occupied
SO much Of my time that I have not been
able 10 give TO the subject YOU mention
the careful consideration it deserves.
Many letters from numerous friends in
Virginia are being constantly received by
me. IN which they urge my prompt return
10 the State I'm order 20 arrange 90 make
a canvass OF the whole state 50 that the
enlighten them, on the political issues in
volved IN the selection OF The next sena-
tor TO represent the State ia the United
States Senate.
These letters have placed me under soma
embarrassment, because l have not been
able 10 say when / can leave the present
important work I am engaged in. and be-
cause. too, l cannot say how long my stay
Will be proiOuged on this island.
Ina view Of these uncertain conditions !
think il best 20 relieve my friends and
the senatorial situation by authorizing
YOU 10 say that IL IS my desire that my
name shall not be- considered in connec-
ton with the United States senatorship. Z
I am quite sure my friends generally '
will support for the seat now occupied
by AR Martin any candidate who can
secure the greatest support from the peo- ,
pie. or their representatives.
In conclusion. express tho hope that
the people of Virginia Will be given IN the I.
near future the opportunity Tor the sclec- D
tion Of Senator TO represent their In
terests In the Senate OF the United states.
and that no man shall occupy that high
position unless be can read his title clear. .
Yours very truly.
FIrZHCGH LEE. /
WHAT IT MEANS.
Since the publication was made IN The /
Times II has been known throughout I
Virginia that General Lee was out Of the I
race Hon r. walton Moore Is the only
avowed opponent 10 Mr.. Martin. lie has
himself n candidate. IL is
possible, though not probable' that
W. A. Jones will enter the
race Attorney Montague Is be-
Ing urged TO run, but has not consented
TO do so.
General Lee opposed Mr. Martin six
years ago and was defeated by few
votes. There was an investigation OF the
methods adopted by Mr.. Martin. but the
legislative Committee In Us report vindi-
Gated the successful candidate.
General Lee at once became candi-
date 10 succeed Mr. Martin and he and his
friends kept up their work untll last ian
when their efforts ceased, and to-day the
General announces over his own sigma
lure that bis duties In the army are sIep