Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-23

of money largely decides the question. The
Martin supporters claim. on the other hand,
that even If 1t be true that legislatures are
controlled in no small measure by moneyed
powers certainly it is done in more order
ly, dignified and gentlemanly way than the
free and fragrant use of money at the polls,
where thousands of votes are now openly
purcha sed for gubernatorial, congressional
and municipal candidates for sums ranging
downward from 80 to a glass of beer.
They point to this practice, which takes
place at almost every precinct in Virginia,
and ask: Which is the worse of the two
evils? Which is the more far-reaching. and
which will appeal to the largest number
of people and corrupt and degrade the
more citiZens?'
Food for Political Thought.
These statements coming from one of the
best informed men in the state may be re-
garded in the light of political condition
of affairs that might we'll furnish food for
reflection to not few of the leading poll
ticiars in Virginia. The division in the
party which The Star correspondents in
formant referred to is fast developing into
a serious split The general disorder and
bitterness shown in the meeting at Isle of
Wight, the disruption at Blackstone, fol-
lowed by the severe denunciation of Senator
Martin, his principles, supporters and meth
DDS of organization by the large number of
Lunenbu1g democrats, who bolted from the
convention and refused to be reconcied, or
documents circulated against the claims of
Tyler for the Senate, the bitter personals
ties and spicy Interviews published in the
newspapers. the intense partisan stand
taken on one side or the other by num-
Der of the leading papers in the state-all
these elements have proven potent factors
in establishing the breach, and, in no small
measure, impaired the former unity and
strength Of the party.
Tyler's Good Fight.
Governor Tyler has made a bigger fight
than was expected by the Martin workers.
This has been recognized generally to
preclude the idea which formerly prevailed
that Martin had a walkover. Some well-in-
formed politicians in the state are of
opinion that If Martin wins at ALL it will
not be by big majority, and there seems
to be general feeling that the comparative
strength of Senator Martin is not so great
as it was some time ago.
1t is regarded by many that Martins tao
ties in hurrying on the primaries were both
wise and helpful to his cause since
there is a growing feeling that Tyler's
strength is developing day by day. and that
had he announced himself a candidate for
the Senate and taken the stump some time
before re did his comparative strength
would have been much more formidab BILE to
the Martin forces As it is. the people are
more and more with him, and there is vet
time for candidates for the legislature to
have ample instruction from their constitu-
ents. provided the governor himself and
the principle of senatorial reform which he
represents, develops Il sufficiently active
sentiment among the voters of the state
within the next month or two. That there
is a growing opposition to what known
and denounced snap primaries by the
governor and his supporters is unquestion-
able. These methods We're adopted by the
Martin people an offset to any strength
which GOV. Tyler might gain in his active
campaign. The snap primaries have been
bitterly censured by the senatorial reform
people.
Martins Friends Work Quietly.
Just what the Martin people are doing
while Gov. Tyler is making his canvass
throughout the state is hard to tell. 1t is
clear that their work is being done quietly,
there is not much noise from their quar-
tiers. 1t is believed they are employing
every possible legitimate means for the fur
therance of their plans, and there are evi.
dences of activity on their part, but not Of
the skyrocket kind. 1t is a noticeable fact
that most of those who have of late an
nounced their candidacy for the legislature
decline to say whom they favor for the
United States Senate 1t is believed not a
but are slow to make this known for rea-
sons of policy. Others are favorable to him,
but hesitate to proclaim this fact for fear
of the people. This brings about a stolid
silence for the most part, as well dis
position to wait for instructions from con-
ventions. When this Is done or understood.
as in the meetings at Fairfax, Mathews and
Appomattox, the strength of the two men
appears about equally divided. In the ma
Jor1ty of cases, however, the candidates for
are regarded more or less acquisitions
for Senator Martin, who can muster much
strength in the work of legislative lobby
ing when the two branches meet in Decem-