Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-26
TO MODIFY CONSTITUTION
Interest in the Coming Convention to Vir-
ginia Politicians.
some OF the Candidates for State
Offices Mt the Coming
Elections.
Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.

Special Dispatch to The Evening Star
RICHMOND. Va, February 2s-From a
merely political standpoint the constitu-
uohal convention overshadows every other
idea In the public mind in Virginia. II goes
without saying that it will be the main
question for discussion in the demoorstic
state committee which has been called To
meet March 2
Ihere are not a few rumbhngs of disan
proval among the democrats at the meth
DDS by which the party is now being con-
Quoted In this state. Several bills amend
ing election laws reported direct from the
mouse committee on privileges and elections
were gotten through only after being fire.
quently amended and hotly contested. one
OF the arguments used by the advocates N,
these oils was that they were strictly parfv
measures, and 1t was well understood that
eley Were needed to strengthen the onnor
. .ulites OF the democratic officers of cleo
uon TO deter the negro vote.
Treasury in Good Condition.
The treasury of the state is in a hetter
condition that 1t has been for many years.
and the legislature consequently is in a more
liberal spirit toward state institutions ana
officials that it was at the last session. when
reform and economy was the cry A, a.,
creased appropriation was made, aggregate
ing sSl,26o over the last budget Salaries
OF number of officers are increased nv
these bills from 800 to $500 per year. Re-
sides the increase of appropriations for the
support OF state institutions quite a large
sum is allowed for improvements.
Inc question OF the next governor is al
ready being prominently discussed, and
every few days the name of some man
prominent in the councils of the marty ia
named for the high honor
W nile there are only a few avowed can
dldates so far, the list will likely increase
TO considerable number before the as
sembllng of the state convention.
Mr.. j. Taylor Ellyson, chairman Of the
party, has been an avowed candidate for the
position for several years past, and has
steadily kept in view the purpose of sectIr-
ing the nomination for the next term One
of his most formidable opponents is Attor-
ney General A j. Montague who IS ar
knowledged to be one of the ablest, though
among the youngest, of the men now pror1-
inent In party affairs. Lieut. Gov. Echols
of Staunton will also be a candidate and
easily control the delegations from his part
of the state. Congressman CA Swansea
OF the fifth district will also have TO De
reckoned with in connection with the gov
ernorship- He is also an avowed candl-
date, and will bring great strength to bear
on the nominating convention.
Handicap for EIIyson.
1t has been frequently mentioned in tie
last few days that the bill now before tho
legislature providing for a charter for the
Virginia Telephone and Telegraph Company
will prove very injurious to Mr. Ellyson's
chances for the governorship. The bill has
aroused the opposition of the cities through
out the state, and it is believed that Mr..
Ellyson's connection with the matter will
operate against him politically.
He has long been the chairman of the
party in Virginia, and II rs natural to SUM-
pose that he has a large number of friends
already pledged TO him, and who will be
heard from In his support in the convention.
The candidacy Of Attorney General Mon
tague leaves wide open that Office to any
one who may aspire to It. The man on
whom all eyes are turned for this position
Is the speaker of the house. E. W. Saun-
ders- He has expressed willingness and a
desire to stand for the Office. Mr.. Swanson
is from the same congressional district as
Mr. Saunders and they are political sup
porters of each other. Mr.. Saunders will
consequently take no step In the matter
until he is assured that his candidacy will
not prejudice that of his friend Mr.. Swan
son for the governorship.