The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-07-13
THURSDAY. JULY l3, 1899.
THE SENATORIAL RACE.

! Governor Tyler has announced himself
as A candidate for the United states Sen
ate in opposition TO Senator Martin. We
consider this action on the part Of the
Governor as ono Of the most hopeful
signs that has appeared upon tho horizon
Of Virginia politics for many long day.
Nothing conduces more 90 the elevation
and publication OF politics than a whole
some agitation and discussion before the
people. and St looked at one time as If
the contest for the senatorship would go
by default. and that the country would
lose the benefit OF the discussion of ques-
lions which will inevitably arise I'm this
senatorial contest. As far as The Times
IS concerned the political principles con-
tended for by the candidates respective
~ are the same. Both are for free sill
yer. both are antitrust. both I'm short
stand upon the Chicago platform. so that
our attitude IS that Of a locker on In
Vienna, as our dissent from these views
IS n possible more pronounced than ever
I'VE are bound 20 say. however. that.
barring his avowcd allegiance 20 the
Chicago platform. we suspect that the
inward convictions Of Senator Martin
upon these questions are much more near
ly those OF The Times than those OF Gov
ernor Tyler but we have no right to In
wade the sacred recesses OF any mans
heart and we. like the rest OF the peo-
pie. will take these candidates upon their
avowed principles. The great question
which VIII come up viii DE the methods
whereby senators OF tho United States
shall be chosen. Whether by q clique
and by undue influence Of individual
members Of the Legislature. or by the
unbought and unpurchasable vote Of
members Of the Legislature who are hon
estly and faithfully representing the true
wishes Of their constituents or better yet
by the people themselves. 1t is this
question which will be agitatcd before
the people. and the interest which 70 win
attract viii call pointed attention b the
methods adopted for nominating and
electing members Of the Legislature in
every county Of the State. The effect
OF this win tend strongly 20 secuse an
honest expression Of public opinion UNI
biased by unworthy influences This viii
give an opportunity % both the candidates
20 present their contest upon lines which
are oonsonant with the honor of the State
and we hope and believe that Il viii be
a fair fight
Such contest, conducted IN such a way
will mark the first great step towards the
restoration Of pure and honorable politics
IN this Commonwealth Governor Tyler
IS man OF great and widespread popu-
iariiy. and Senator Martin has unques-
tlonably gained many friends while he
was in the United states Senate The
contest as between the candidates Will
practically have but one subject for dis
ousson. and that IS that honest methods
must prevail in the election OF United
States senators and no doubt both cam
dlda;es will declare 30 favor Of such meth
DDS. In any event the cause OF honor
able politics in Virginia will be greatly adj
yanced.
Governor Tyler IS much 20 be COM
mended for undertaking such an arduous
task a this contest will impose and noth-
ing but a heavy pressure we believe.
could have forced him into the arena.
where ne knows ne viii meet an alert
antagonist thoroughly equipped for the
fray