The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-04-16
If Their Position is Attacked They
VIII Take Prompt Action.
MAY MEETING PEOPLE HAPPY,
They DO Not Care IT the Friends ofthe
senator DO stay away. Because
They Claim That They are Right
aud Democratic Sentiment
VIII Approve OF Their
Work-Mr. Epes' Views

The authorized and exclusive announce
m-nt made In The Times yesterday that
the friends OF Senator Martin will stay
out OF the May convention was the most
interesting topic IN political circles yes
terday.
While this statement came from Con-
gresham Claude A. Swanson, II Is known
that it represents the views Of the Sena-
tor himself, as well "a the Views OF his
most influential supporters
Alr. Swanson remained IN the city yes
terday and saw Mr.. Martin. The Con
gresham says he believes the senator
is the choice OF a very large majority Of
the Democrats of the Fifth district
IL is an easy mstter to infer from Mr..
SWanson's statement that he does not
think Mr. Martins supporters have been
justly treated by the promoters OF the
May convention. The Martin men. ac-
cord.ng 10 Mr.. Swanson have been ig-
more D. but tie Congressman does not say
this was purposely done. though II Is
plain that he suspects that this Is the
case.
Congressna Sidney r. Epes, who 81
fighting hard Tor Mr.. Martin. endorses
the views expressed by Mr. Swanson. He
Will not attend the convention Tor prac-
tie lly fho same reasons that induce Mr..
Swanson 10 stay away. Mr.. Epes says
the SeEltor Is the choice Of most OF the
Democrats OF the Fourth district for re-
election.
ANOTHER CONVENTION.
While the Martin men will not go into
the convention. there will he quite a num-
hor OF them in the city on the day the
meeting is held
They Will come 10 learn the news" az
quickly as possible and 10 prepare 10
meet any issue that may he raised
in The event tnat the May convention
shall make any attack, directly or indi-
roctly. upon Senator Martin and place a
candidate I'm the field against him. his
friends talk Of calling a convention OF
their own TO give expression 20 their
views and 10 inaugurate an active cam
Dagn IN behalf OF the Senator.
Il do not know that n will be neces-
s7ry for the Martin men 10 call a conven-
ti0n." said "a gentleman yesterday. but
if he and his frcncs are placed in the
attitude of fearing 10 trust the people.
great state meeting will be held 10 set
Mr. Martin and his supporters Alright
before the public. Really II looks as n
there win d. another convention following
closely upon the heels 0f the one that IL
to moot here in May
THE MAY MEETING.
The Nay meeting people are not AZ all
worried about the hght tho Martin men
are putting up They rather enjoy Z.
I'VE would ike 10 have a.l friends ~
the movement attend Do said one ~ the
sgners yesterday. "But if there be- any
who chose % stay away because they
were not asked to attend the preliminary
conference. lot them do $50. No one IS
going u beg them TO come. The invita-
ton is So broad that II embraces all al
vocatos of a popular vote for senators.
The call speaks for itself 10 does not
ask Martin or anti-Narfin people to at
tend. but il invites an who wish to secure
to The people the right % express their
choice Those who choose 20 remain
away because of a fear N Mr.. Martins
weakness before the people can do 20
end no one VIII regret their absence.
We w'ti have large and representative
Gathering The most popular movement
aver started in virginia Will be inaugu-
rated am unable 90 tel you whether
0r not the convention will pick out some
o-o fo rum for the senate The reDrcsen-
t4ffyas will not come here with collars
about their necks They viii be free 70
do whatever I'm their judgment Is best.
Therefore. I cannot tell you what will
be dore'
Mr. C'agcet r. Jones will return 10
the CITY Tuesday 90 take un hIs work
in behalf Of the Nav meeting Ills as
efstant. Mr. T.. C.. Garnett VIII be on
h4ud tomorrow.
Mr. Joseph Button clerk ~ ne state
senate was here Yesterday and saw Nr'
Martin. TIE is warm supporter of me
Senator's and IS not coming 10 the May
meeting.