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 Rubernato-
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 MIR. Mon
tague had any show of nomination.
The seer possibly had only been talking
to tie friends Of those gentleman.
More likely he had been dreaming, or
the season may have had something to
do with his reveries. 1t may be recall
cd, however, that we have candidate
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 fractional annimosities and strifes.
1t is recognized and an existing fact
that some rivalry exists between the
Hon. Claude A. Swanson and Hon. "A.
| j. Montague, which cannot be laid
down outside the door Of the conven-
ton hall. These young, talented ana
aspiring Virginians come from the
same quarter of the State. their rival
ry affects the same locality more lntl-
mately and sharply than the rivalry
between any of the other candidates, 1t
is 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
wheIming in his home section at the
primaries, then the other may be
nominated, but not then with ease.
Should they divide the honors rather
eoually, 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. 1t is not the intention OF
Mr.. Echols, as we understand it, te
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 anC
by whomsoever he is known he is ad
mired and trusted. He is not the can
didate of any faction or click, but Of
the people of the State generally, ane
of the Valley of Virginia particularly
who present him as trusted represen
tative of their wishes, sentiments ant
aspirations, and thould he be chosel
they will feel just pride, but shoul'
he be defeated they will bear it will
the same fortitude they are accustome'
to bear every reverse.
There probably in many years ma
7 not been gubernatorial contest II
3 this State in which more ability, clean
+ or or more acceptable candidates hav
b been before the people, and no matte
I who wins Augusta and the Valley Wi
: do their part toward his election
Q Until the nomination has been mad
, however, they depricate that journa
: ism which seeks to ignore the cand
t dacy of Mr.. Echols, at the same tim
e noting with emphasis the probabl
9 candidacy of men in different quarter
who have no idea of entering the rae
The fact that his name is omitted wit
o. such seeming studied persistency an
e frequency. conveys to our mind tt
a. idea that he is far stronger than al
T. friends of the other candidates like
N admit, and we believe We utter no id
rs boast when wk say that his strengt
N is waxing daily.