Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1899-07-20
SENATOR MARTIN HAS OPPOSITION.

! SENATOR MARTIN HAS OPPOSITION.
Governor Tyler Declares Himself a
Candidate for the Senate.
In response to many appeals from all
parts OF the State to enter the contest
for United States Senator against
Senator T. s. Martin, Governor J.
EHoge Tyler, Virginia's farmer goveI-
nor, has made the following clear cut
lstatement
| To the People of Virginia !:
| Without any encouragement or in
aspiration given to the movement on
my part, have received many letters,
petitions and personal solicitations
that allow my name to be used as q
candidate for United States Senator
from Virginia These requests have
become so widespread and insistent
that 1 am forced to make a public
acknowledgement of the same, and
give an answer to the people in the
ySoASso AAo4A oA40 bIuCCIC AA6nu0A III
which have been addressed.
| The office of United States Senator
is more important at this time, per-
haps, than ever before in the history
OF our Union. We are making history
and making it very fast. The United
States Senate more than any other
body is the battle ground of our desti-
ny. Here bare majority OF 46 men
can dictate the government Of our
country, defeat treaties, annex terri
tory, confirm appointments. and with
out their concurrence no tax burdens
can be lifted or currency reform sue
ceed, and in like manner they either
protect or punish corporate power.
How important it is then, that the
people take an interest directly in the
election of such an officer. These mat
ters have been called to my attention
in no uncertain way.
The people of Virginia have been
unused to taking an active interest in
the selection of their Senator and re-
sent deeply the intimation that inter-
ested corporations and certain favored
circles arrange in advance who is to
be selected for this high honor. Now
| am asked to be candidate as repre-
sentiDg no special interest, class or
circle OF political aspirants, but to
stand for the whole of the State uf
Virginia, and for every citizen and in
terest therein.
The people were kind and partial to
me beyond my deserts. and gave me
the honorable position which I now
hold, and in the discharge of whose
high duties am willing to close my
public service to my State. I may not
interpret Alright, and the ordinary
weakness of humanity may mislead,
but have been forced to the conclu-
sion that the people of Virginia desire
my services as an exponent of their
views and wishes in the United States
Senate chamber, and to this added
mark of their continued confidence
and support cannot plead indiffer-
ence or the lack of a worthy ambition.
So my name will go before the next
Democratic caucus of the Legislature
to represent this State in the United
State Senate. need not say that do
not want to wear an honor unless it is
the wish of majority of the people of
the state to bestow it upon me, hence
l court the freest and most open dis
cussiOn of this matter and desire that
the humblest citizen in the common
wealth shall have voice in its final
determination.
| To my friends throughout the State
l would say, offer the fairest terms at
every point, demand the fairest deal
ing and the freest expression of the
will of the people. Do not be discour-
aged and say that this announcement
is too late, and argue that it is all fixed
now. If fixed, who fixed it2 Have
the people spoken? Has single dele
gate or Senator been nominated? II
lseeming haste has manifested it.
self in some quarter it will only recoil
and tell with force in other sections Of
the State.
In conclusion must add that could
not consent to lay down, even for a
part of the term, the duties with which
you have invested me, but for tue con-
lsideration that they would fall into able
and honorable hands. Now that am
in the fight, propose to do my part
in every seemly and proper way.
J. HOGE TYLER.