The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-03-10
WHO WILL BE CHOSEN
STATE CHAIRMAN?
Spirited Contest in Progress Between Messrs.
ElIyson and Lawess, but the Best Of Feel
ing Prevals-Both are Popular
CLAIMS PUT FORTH BY FRIENDS OF
THE TWO DISTINGUISHED ASPlRANTS

Among the many political contests now
in progress in Virginia, that for the chair
nanship of the State Democratic Commit
tee, between The faithful present incum-
bent-ilon. J. Taylor Ellyson-and the
popular young Secretary of the Common
wcalth-Hon. Joseph I. Lawless-is by no
means the least interesting. Indeed. ii
appears that almost as much anxiety is
felt by the friends of the TWO distinguish
cd aspirants as 10 The final result as is
being manifested over the outcome OF
some OF the struggles Tor offices of emolu-
nont. 10 be decided BY the next State Con-
ycuticn.
One thing may be said, however, which
reflects great credit on all parties con-
ccrned; and that is. that while there are
evidences OF activity on both sides, yet
certainly up to this point-the fight has
been conducted on a Very lofty plane. and
no word which would detract in the re-
motest degree from the high character
or splendid ability of either Of the dis
tinguished leaders has been heard from
any source whatsoever. The State Con-
yeution, which Will probably meet in July
or August, 10 nominate candidates for
Governor, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS and At
torney-General, viii, when all these hon
crs have been given ont. choose n chair
man, who will hold office until tie next
convention shall meet.
The position is one that is c=9wded with
responsibilities and intricate duties; and
while there is no salary attached to it,
1t is looked upon as a stepping-stone TO
something higher and better in the way
OF political hQnors. and it has not been
unfrequently the case that some of the
choicest plums have fallen into the lap
of q State chairman when the tree was
being shaken.
Mr.. E.lyson, has been the very faithful
chairman Of the Virginia State Committee
for about ten years and has several
times had The honor thrust upon him
against his wishes While he has made
no formal declaration of his candidacy
for recollection. yet 5,is friends know that
g the party desires him to remain at lie
helm, he viii do so. with that same de
gree of checrfulness with which he has
responded to every cali made upon him
since he became an active worker in the
cause of Democracy many years ago.
CAN BOAST OF a FINE RECORD.
There are but few men in Virginia Of
indeed there are any) whose records for
long and faithful party service, cheer
fully rendered, VIII measure up TO that
OF the present efficient chairman, and it
IS no disparaseInent to any to say that
there are none who are better known.
both to the leaders and The rank and file
of the party. than Mr.. EllySon.
Long before he became an active lead
er IN State politics. he distinguished him
self by his valuable contributions to party
success in this. has native city, and his
people sent him to the Council, over whose
loNc: branch he presided with much abili-
~ for several terms. He was nominated
and elected to the State Senate from
l,ichmond and Tenrico. and before his
term had expired he was elected Mayor
of Richmond He served several terms
in this high station, and then declined TO
stand for reelection In 1890. Mr.. Ely
sor was chosen TO the Craftsmanship of
the State Committee TO succeed the Hon
Basil IL. Gordon, Of Rappahannock. who
reaired on account Of I'll health, and has
since been re-eIeced by each succeeding
convention.
When he assumed the helm. TIE party
throughout the State was in a sad plight.
In the preceding presidential contest Mr..
Cleveland had barely secured the electoral
vote and divided delegation Vas returned
10 Congress, while there was d very large
minority representation in the Virginia
legislature The very next General As
eernblv-choseu in the fall Of 1S91-coEtain-
ed only two or three Republicans and IN
dependents and in 1892 the old Common
wealth returned a solid Democratic dele
CATION 10 Congress. and gaze Mr. Cleve-