Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1901-01-04
THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEST.

We do not know who writes those
articles On the gubernato-
rial outlook, and decides that there
are ONLY TWO CANDIDATES in the
field, which we see every now and then
emanatlng from Washington or Rich
mond, and published in the leading
dailies. Last week some seer wrote
that only Mr.. Swanson and Mr.. Mon
tague had any show of nomination
The seer possibly had only been talking
to tie friends of those gentleman.
More likely be had been dreaming, or
the season may have had something 10
do with his reveries. 1t may be recall
cd, however, that we have a,candldats
in the Valley, one who If nominated
will not only be most acceptable to the
Democrats at large, but will be entire
| ly disconnected with, and discovered
| from factional annimosities and strifes.
It is recognized and an existing TACT
that some rivalry exists between the
Hon. Claude A. Swanson and Hon. A.
J. Montague. which cannot Do ialu
down outside the door OF the conven-
ton hall. These young, talented ana
aspiring Virginians come from tne
same quarter of the State. their rival
~ affects the same locality more intl-
mately and sharply than the rivalry
between any Of the other candidates, IL
Ia certain that both will make thorough
and spirited canvass of their home
counties, and that as the day OF noml-
nation approaches the political iron
will glow with rather fervent heat.
Should the defeat of the one be over
whelming in his home section at the
primaries, then the other may be
nominated, but not then with ease.
Should they divide the honors rather
equally, as we now suspect they will,lt
NAV come about that neither can be
nominated, then third man must be
chosen, and we feel confident that man
must be the Hon. Edward Echols, OF
this city. It is not the intention OF
Mr.. Echols, as we understand it, tt
get into any political cauldron, such is
, repugnant to his nature. He will, We
presume, however, make an active
canvas of the State, and wherever an(
by whomsoever he is known he is ad
mired and trusted. He is not the can
didate Of any faction or click, but O.
the people of the State generally, ant
of the Valley of Virginia particularly
who present him as a trusted represen
tative of their wishes, sentiments an
aspirations, and thould he be chose
they will feel just pride, but shout
! he be defeated they will bear it wit
the same fortitude they are accustome
to bear every reverse.
There probably in many years ia
y not been a gubernatorial contest
9 this State in which more ability, clear
+ or or more acceptable candidates hav
b been before the people, and no matte
II who wins Augusta and the Valley WI
l. do their part toward his election
70 Until the nomination has been mac
y however, they depricate that journa
+ ism which seeks to ignore the cand
1t dacy of Mr.. Echols, at the same tln
'e noting with emphasis the probab
le candidacy of men in different quartz
who have no idea of entering the rae
1.-The fact that bis name is omitted wi
,p such seeming studied persistency al
re- frequency. conveys to our mind Il
g. idea that he is far stronger than al
H. friends of the other candidates like
N admit, and we believe We utter no 10
rs boast when wk say that his streng
On is waxing daily.