The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-08-15

The virginia Candidates.

The Democratic Convention of the
Commonwealth Of Virginia has done
itself and the party at large great
credit in overturning the machine
which has been ruling and running the
State Democracy for several years. and
selecting as standard bearers in the
impending gubernatoriaI campaign two
such able and popular young men as
Andrew Jackson Montague and Joseph
+. Willard The former, who, if he
lives, viii be the next Governor of Vir-
ginia. is an ideal political leader Not
yet forty years of age, he viii be one
Of the youngest men in the history Of
the State 70 occupy the Executive
Mansion in Richmond. Yet although
barely on the threshold Of middle life.
Mr.. Montague is a man Of wide eXpe-
Tience, and his years have been filed
with successful accomplishment OF q
fine old stock, his early youth was
period of struggles with adversely
which. far from deadeniGE his natural
abilities. or breaking the brave spirit
inherited from a long line Of worthy
ancestors, only served TO bring out
what was in him. and ripen a character
which in any circumstances would have
been broad, clean. and commanding,
earlier than happens 10 most AmeIi-
cans destined for distinction Mr.
Montague has climbed the ladder Of
success and renown step by step. and
has left no broken rungs behind him.
In every position which Providence
and the voice. Of his fellow-citizens Of
Virginia, or Of his country. have called
upon him TO I'LL. he has done his devoir
right well and manfully As school
teacher. practicing lawyer, United
States district attorney. and Attorney
General Of his State. he has deserved
and won the respect and esteem Of all
who have come in contact with him.
or have been privileged TO hear his elO-
Quence. mark his learning and logic.
or watch his brilliant course. He is a
peoples man in contradisunction to
a machine man. The honor Of the NOM
ination 10 the highest Office In the gift
Of his State, he has won on his merit
and record. against the machine. Con-
sidering the conditions under which.
with much modest reluctance. he en-
tered upon personal campaign which
will form a brilliant chapter in the
annals Of Virginia politics for all time.
his latest achievement must be re-
Saiueu as "a sIsIteiI Triumph r,,.. I-s--.
self, and not the less for the indepen-
dent manhood Of his supporters who.
s the hi tory of the convention indi-
Gates, must number a vast majority Of
Democrats in the Commonwealth
In selecting a candidate for the Lieu
tenant GcvernOrship. Independence and
wisdom we're again shown by the Viz
ginia party Of the people in the nomi-
nation Of MI Joseph z. willard. Al
though this gentleman has his voting
residence on the other side Of the Poto-
mac. and in all things is heart and soul
a Nirginian, yet the extent Of his bust
ness interests here and the fact that
much Of mis- earlier life was spent in
this community. entitle US to look upon
him as a Washington boy, whose sue
cessful career across the line is a mat
ter Of personal interest 20 a host Of his
friends and acquaintance in this CITY.
Like his chief Mr. Willard is a young
man. with probably a long lease Of life
before him in which 10 serve his State
and nation. and the belief is Unsuitable
that the future holds still higher DO
htical hOnors in store for him. Il is
encouraging 70 see the vigorous. fear
less. and able young men Of the Dem
ocraCy come 10 the front and seize the
reins OF power in the party. as they
have done in Virginia. II would b.
we'll II the example set at Norfolk
could be followed in every Democratic
State Convention I'm the Union The
national organization needs leaders.
and needs them badly, needs forcefuI
men Of Intellectual and moral worth
and weight 10 carry the banner Of
Democracy 10 victory once more. If
they are to be found at all. it viii be
among the young men.