Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-07-28
FORCES GETTING IN LINE
lively Campaign for United States Senator
Over in Virginia.
Friends of Tyler and Martin Will
Take the Stump for Their Re-
spective Candidate.
Special Correspondence of The Evening Star.


Special Correspondence of The Evening Star
RICHMOND. Va. July 81 1885,
The political fight between Gov. ]. Hoge
Tyler and Senator Thomas S. Martin for
the senatorship in Virginia bids fair to
bring out great many personalities, and
doubtless a number of personal difficulties
1t will be one of the hottest canvasses
which has taken place in Virginia for many
years. Gov. Tyler leaped into the political
arena iii a most aggressive manner He
was a little slow in announcing himself
but as soon as he did so there was no
doubt left that he would force the fight
from the beginning. Already he has fig
ured in half dozen interviews in news
papers, setting forth his views as to how
the campaign should be conducted as to
what H. represented and appealing to the
people as their advocate in the halls of the
Senate. Gov Tyler represents the ram
pant free silver element throughout Vir-
ginia, which is undoubtedly still quite
strong. He never loses an opportunity to
appeal to the people, in all classes, how
ever, and one of the strongest planks in
his platform is the popular vote for sena-
tor. This he is putting foremost, claiming
that the people have perfect right to
vote directly for their representative in the
Senate, and that no power has the right to
prevent them. He is the only exponent of
the Senatorial Reform League, and I'M
doubtedly he has a streng following in al
most every portion of Virginia. This fol-
lowing, however, is not at all organized, a
fact which will tell strongly against him
when the votes are counted up.
TyIer's Faith in Himself.
The amusing feature of the fight is the
absolute serene and happy way in which
Gov. Tyler is viewing the campaign. He
believes firmly that he will be Mr. Martin s
successor. He has undoubtedly developed
a good deal of strength in certain portions
of the state, including the southwest.
whence he comes. At the same time, it is
believed that the coal and iron trusts in
that section of Virginia are working hard
against him, and this will have no little
effect in the long run Gov Tyler is ap-
pealing strongly to the feelings of the peo-
pie against what is known as the ma
chine in Virginia; he calls it the office
trust and his idea is to break up the
ring an expression frequently heard
throughout the state. He himself, it will
be remembered. was nominated governor
by the office trust"
The fact that William A. Jones is out in
the campaign for Tyler is a significant one.
Mr. Jones represents the Senatorial Reform
League. and it was through his influence
that the whole matter was started. When
he attacks Senator Martins record, with
Representative Swanson and others de-
Tending it, there will be a lively fight. 1t
is expected that the old LeeMartin con-
troversy will be brought out conspicuously,
and many of the disagreeabe features of
that contest will be recalled. 1t is believed
that personal attacks will be made on
Senator Martin and his record in the Sem
ate, and there is little doubt that he him
self will take the stump to defend him
self
Richmond is being criticised in various
parts of the state as the home of plutocra-
cy, by reason of the fact that the city DEM
ocratic committee declined to allow the
people to express their choice for senator.
The failure to get the names of Martin
and Tyler on the primary ticket raised a
storm of opposition, but the committee
remained firm. Manchester, across the
river, adopted such a plan, and it is be-
lieVed that the popular vote method will
get strong backing in almost every part
of Virginia. Governor Tyler, it is be-
lieved, would be stronger in the state If
the preliminary campaign for the nomina-
ton of senators by the people had been
wisely managed and put on firm bust
ness basis. The methods adopted in that
movement We're slip shod, purely general,
and not at all systematiZed.
May Convention Lacked Leaders.
When the convention was held here the
people did not seem to know exactly what
they wanted to do; nobody was pronounced
leader, and there were too many fingers
in the pie to make a success of the move
ment. While the principle was being
fought for and was upheld by various
prominent politicians throughout the state
there seemed to be no one as a distinct
representative of that principle, and the
matter was looked upon as an abstraction
vague and uncertain, instead of a tangible
clear cut object, represented by an aggres-
siye man. Then 1T seemed doubtful whether
there would be any one man who would
take upon himself the responsibility of
this reform movement, and see it through
for all ii was worth. There was no cam
didate for awhile. and the interest of the
principle gradually seemed TO weaken for
this reason. 1t is a significant fact that
Governor Tyler represents the people of
Virginia, by a majority. His forces, how
ever, have not been organized, and he and
his friends, it is claimed, are not practical
politicians, and for these reasons while
his name will sweep over the state and
appeal to thousands in every part of Vir-
ginia, Senator Martins work is going on
quietly, but effectually, and he Is piling up
votes from the members of the legisla ture
In other words. Governor Tyler is figuring
in interviews, and Senator Martin is saw
ing wood.
He has the advantage of being in and
that is half the battle already. If the con-
test depended upon the question whether
or not the members of the Legislature will
be instructed it is believed that Tyler would
make fair showing in the race. If the
people do not instruct their representatives
however, there is little doubt that Martin
Will have a WalkOVer.
Orators Who VIII Take the stump.
a large number of the best political
speakers in the state will stump Virginia
for either one side or the other. 1t is ex-
pected that Martin will have such support
ers on the stump Maj. Micajah Woods
of Albemarle, A. c. Gordon of Staunton
who is well known in politics; Senator Dan
lei, Representative Swanson from the fifth
district Mr.. Glen Green, James Hav who
Is power on the stump; Judge W. F.. Rhea
of Bristol, State Senator II. D. Flood of AID.
pomattOX, a most enthusiastic Martin man
II. II. Downing of Front Royal Marshall
Mccormick Of Berryville, whose name is
being prominently mentioned in connection
with the nomination for the next governor
Besides these it is known that a number OF
practical politicians of note throughout the
state are doing much work in Martins
favor among them Joe Button, clerk of the
senate, who comes from AppomattoX, g
Martin stronghold.
Gov. Tyler will have no lack of support
ers on the stump. William A. Anderson OF