The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-10-27
THE NINTH DISTRICT.
Apathy the Prevailing Conditions In Both
Parties.
(Srtcial Dispatch TO The Times. }

(srecial Dispatch TO The Timcs.)
BRISTOL, VA, October 26.-If
surface indications are to be taken for
any tAlng, they signify q generally apa-
.neuc cUnullon, pv!iucally, IN the Ninth
>-oI greSsitnal district, and this STATE Of
tlualrs is regarded by some of the Demo-
cIaiIc lS&Uers as more unfortunate tor
tnem thar for the Republicans, since it
is averred that the Republicans are much
more readily organized for action than
are the Democrats of the district This
apathy, however, prevails in both parties,
and there is, perhaps, not county in
The district that is animated by the spirit
OF fierce determination. Unless condi-
tons charge materially within the .leXt
few days, the vote in this district is going
to be unprecedentedly light.
When Montague and Swanson were
contending for the nomination, there was
a show of spirit that interested almost
every one. Since that was decided, the
situation has been decidedly calm, as
though the Democrats might be too con-
fident Of & general victory.
Tbs apathy is not due to a lack of sup
port of the head of the ticket by the
friends of Swanson. either; for, indeed,
here that faction of the party-if it may
be called sucll-will stand, for the ticket
without exception.
AS a rule, political meetings have not
been largely attended, and those that
have been held have not developed any of
the old time enthusiasm.
In the counties Of Smyth and Wash
ington and Bristol city, there is going on
quite a pretty contest for the Senatorship
between Mr.. j. Cloyd Byars, the popular
Democratic nominee, and Major j. W.
IIortenstine who is the present Sheriff
OF Washington county as the Republican
nominee. Major Hortenstinc has been
twice elected Sheriff of Washington coun-
:ty on the Republican ticket, but then the
city Of Bristol, which gives 4 large Dem
ocratic majority. was not i'll his way. AS
it now stands, Mr.. Byars will win out, if
Bristol Democrats turn out on election
day. It is the same as regards MessrS.
Most and HUFF, Democratic nominees to
represent Bristol and Washington county
in the House of Delegates. If Bristol
does her duty by the party, these gentle
men will be elected. Mr.. Nontague's visit
to Bristol tonight is regarded as helpful
in stirring up a greater interest.
1t is really difficult to size the situation
up. Russell county is certain to go DEM.
ocratic by q safe majority.
The situation is doubtful in Smyth and
Bland counties. which elect a Joint rep
reSentatiEe, and the chances are prob
ably against the Democrats. Wythe coun-
ty looks inviting to Republican chances.
Pulaski and Giles will be close, with the
chances favoring the Democrats. y very
close fight is on for senatorial honors in
the district composed of Pulaski and
Wythe.
Tazewe!l will give a. large Republican
majority, as usual. Scott county looks
quite favorable to the Democrats with
Hon Z. NJ. Carter as their candidate for
delegate.
Wise. Buchanan and Dickinson are
somewhat promising to the Republicans.
Lee will be very close. At the last term
OF County Court the demonstra tiors
seemed to indicate a Democratic victory
but the margin cannot be large
There IS but one wav for the Democrat,
to win victories In this district, and that
is. to get out their strength