Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-11-23

WASHINGTON, November 22.-tspe-
cial)-1t has just been learned here on
excellent authority that Beverly Davis,
the recent Republican candidate for Con-
gress against Representative Swanson. in
the Fifth District, came here yesterday
seeking advice as to whether it would be
a coed thing for him to contest the seat
of Congressman Swanson in the next
House. He consulted several people about
the matter. but went around in most
gunl-shoe style. The principal person he
talked the subject over with was Post
master-General Payne, the political man
ager of the Roosevelt administration. The
outcome of the conference is not known
and may not be known for long time,
inasmuch as Mr. DAVIS is probably feel
ing his way to see what it is best to do.
If he could get any encouragement from
Mr.. Payne it is believed he would make a
contest not that he might have any spe-
cial hope of being seated but that the
constitutional lily OF the Virginia election
laws might be properly aired In the next
House. That is point the Virginia Re
pu5icanS would like to see made but
they are in doubt what IS the best course
10 pursue. Congress has no power to pass
upon the constitutionality of the election
laws of State. but the laws in.-Virsinia
and other Southern States, if the whole
subject could be aired before the country.
might furnish a preteSt for Mr.. Payne's
proposition to cut down the represe NATION
of the South IN Republican National Con-
ventlors and in Congress. 1t would give
opportunity to furnish figures as to the
elimination of the Republican vote in
Virginia and elsewhere. Mr.. Davis was
a member Of the Constitutional Conven-
ton. and is familiar with the steps taken
,Eerc to reach the conclusions that finally
became rmanent
Mr. Payne is c!ose-mouthed individual
and the subject OF the conference between
himself and Mr. Davis will not be known,
SO far as he is concerned.
Case of Judge Lewis.
The belief of some Of the Republicans
of Virginia that ex-Judge L. L. Lewis. of
Richmond. may be appointed United
States District Attorney for the Eastern
District of Virginia, to succeed General
Edgar Allan, whose term will expire
about the middle of December, is largely
based on the assumption that Judge
Lewis stands better With the President
personally than any Of those aspiring
to the position. The fight for this place
has been on for several months. General
Al:an is a candidate TO succeed himself.
as is we'll known, and Is backed strongly,
by professional men throughout the State.
He IS however. minus tho ba cking OF the
Virginia orsanizatio which has con-
ferred it's influence and fayors upon ex-
Representative r. T. Thorpe. of Norfolk.
Mr. Allan Is going on with his fight, re-
eardless of the opposition to him from
National Committeeman Bowden and
State Chairman Agnew. Mr.. Thorpe Is a
man Of ability. with clean record. and
there is nothing against his appointment.
If the President sees fit to follow the
wishes OF the Virginia organisa ton Mr..
Allan:s record is also said to be a good
one in the Department Of Justice.
President Roosevelt consulted Judge
Lewis as to number Of important Yir..
sin;a ppointmeats during the past year.
and ct one tims had the Mans e &ldES