Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-03-31
Great Interest Manifested in Wiz
ginia Senatorial Contest.
LEE POPULAR IN CUBA
Secretary Long Visits Richmond
Calls on Governor 1yIer-Inspect,
cd shipbuiiding works-Govern-
or's military order Invited to
Paris American Exposition =
Personal.
Especial to virginian-Pllot.)


Richmond, Va, March 30.-The inter-
est being manifested oil over the State
in the movement to have n conference
in this city in May for the purpose of
considering methods whereby the peo-
pie may select their candidates for the
United States Senate. is far greater
than that shown in any subject which
has come up in Virginia politics proba-
bly, since the proposition to endorse
4 Senatorial primary was made at the
Roanoke Convention in 1897.
The call for the conference was sign
ca by only fifty Democrats. Since 1t was
issued 1t has become apparent that
hundred times as many signers could
have been obtained with ease. Many Of
the best known public men in Virginia
are Fastening to put themselves on rec
ord as favoring the May conference.
It IS n fact quite remarkable that
while numerous men Of prominence In
the party In Virginia are declaring
themselves as favorable to the confer
ence, so far as known not one has said
he opposed 1t. There may be n fight
made to prevent its being productive OF
results, but 1t is not believed that there
will be open opposition. To fight the
conference means to assume an attitude
OF opposition to the election of United
States Senators by the people. There
can be no question that the great ma
jority OF Democrats of the state are
opposed to the continuance Of the pres
ent method OF choosing the members
of the upper house of the Federal Con-
gress.
A we'll known county Judge of this
State in recent letter to a gentleman
in this city expresses the opinion that
the conference will sweep over the State
like q prairie fire. He thinks the people
are only waiting for q move and that
now 1t has been made, Virginia will see
q political earthquake.
The fact that the writer speaks of
the call for the conference as move
ment to elect Senators by the people is
regarded rs significant This Is not the
object of the conference, but 1t is real
lied by those who oppose 1t that they
will have great difficulty in making the
public believe that there Is n wide diff
ference between the popular election of
Senators and the ponular selection or
candidates. Those who advocate the
latter say the difference Is SO Slight as
to be almost shadowy.
CLEARING THE DECKS.
Governor Tyler to-day decided to is
sue an order revoking the commissions
OF all officers OF the Virginia volun-
teers without communicating is, those
who by reason of the volunteering of
their commands or portions of them for
service against Spain. He will also ac-
cept the designations of those who have
resigned, ordering such as are eligible
to be placed on the retired list. He
will disband oil organizations that have
fallen below the minimum strength
All four of the Virginia Regiments
GiGhnn1nI q J,t
the order will affect the three COM
,panies OF the First Regiment which did
mot volunteer, nor the companies of the
Fourth that stayed at home. The
order will affect Colonel Greenville
Gaines. Third Regiment; Lieutenant
Regiment; Major J. II. Derbyshre
First Regiment, and Major Sol. Clutch
ms, of the Blues battalion.
Governor Tyler and Mrs. Tyler and
Miss Lilly Will go to the Governors
farm. in Pulaski county tomorrow, to
be gone several days.
SECRETARY LONG HERE.
Hon. George d. Long, Secretary of
the Navy, accompanied by Mrs. Long,
his daughter, and his physician, DIR.
Rixly, spent several hours in the city
to-day, arriving here at Z o'clock this
morning on the lighthouse tender Jes-
Point this afternoon.
Secretary Long, who is an early riser,
was prepared to land when the Jessa-
mine tied up TO the Clyde Line wharf,
and he at once dispatched n man up
town to secure him n carriage. This
was quickly forthcoming, and the par
ty, shortly before o'clock, started out
on q tour Of the city. The party called
on Gov. Tyler and paid their respects.
SHIPYAPn NIcIrT1n
The drive was extended until nearly
IL o'clock, when the Secretary sudden
ly appeared at the offices OF the w. r.
Trgg Company, on Cary street. where
he was received by Mr.. Trigg and taken
through tho shops.
Meanwhile, over In the yard. all was
activity. Some time ago n requsition
was made for United States flag. but
1t has not yet come to hand and when
information was received that Score
tary Long was in town the superintend-
ent began to cast about TO secure n
flag. One was borrowed from n schoon-
er. n pole was hastily erected. and when
the Secretary crossed the bridge lead
ing to the yard the stars and stripes
were waving in the breeze. Under the
guidance Of Mr.. I'rigg and the govern
ment officials, who are overlooking the
work. the Secretary and his narty made
n close inspection of the yard
PNEUMATIC PROCESS.
Nothing escaped his eye, and ne
showed the deepest interest in all the
work. The pneumatic process Of rivet-
ing and drilling seemed to engage his
attention especially. Although the
party reached tho yard Mt the dinner
3 hour, the men did not stop, putting of
eating until the Secretary left.
The Secretary was introduced to all