The Washington times., 1902-09-03
Nomination a Surprise.

/
| The nomination of Mr.. Page as the
| Republican opponent of J. Fred c. Tai
bott was as distinct and complete a sur
| prise as the State has known for some
time. majority of the delegates were
pledged TO renominate Representative
4. A. Blakeney. At the caucus Mr..
Blakeney stated that pressure of bust
| ness, which had led to his taking up his
residence in another district. would pre-
vent him again being candidate. He
substituted the name of Mr.. Page and
urged his nomination.
Later Mr.. Page was put before the
convention by Lahan Sparks. Mr.. Blake
ney's secretary. The nominee formerly
lived in Frederick, but now makes his
home in Baltimore county, near Relay.
The nomination of Mr. w. Tyler Page
by the Republicans of the Second dis
trict of Maryland at Westminster yes
terday came as a happy surprise to his
friends in Washington. Mr.. Page has
lived in Washington the greater portion
of the time during the past eighteen Of
twenty years and is one of the best
known and highly regarded employees at
the Capitol. He came here when a lad
of about sixteen years to accept posi-
tion as page in the House of Repre-
sentatives.
For a number OF years he was as
sistant file clerk and for time he was
record and printing clerk. So highly were
his services regarded that he was re-
tanned in his various positions during
the several terms when the Democrats
had control of the House. For several
years he has been clerk to ths Com
mittee on Accounts, of which Represen-
tative Bull of Rhode Island is chair
man.
Name Up Before.
Mr.. Pages friends in Baltimore mani
tested their willingness early last spring
to urge his name for the Congressional
feel like entering into a contest with
Representative Blakeney for the nomi-
nation. preferring to wait time be-
fore becoming a candidate for Congress.
Considerable work was done in his be-
half. however.
While retiring from the race Mr..
Blakeney has declared that he will do
all that lies within his power to as
sist In the election of Mr.. Page. Mr.
Pages friends declare that he is emf
nently qualified for the Office for which
he has been nominated by reason of his
exceptional abilities and his large
knowledge of the workings of the House
of Representatives and governmental
affairs.
District Close One.
The district is perhaps the closest in
Maryland and has been represented by
a Democrat more frequently than by
Republican. Mr.. Blakeney. the present
incumbent, only carried it by less than
300 plurality when an independent Dem
ocrat polled more than 700 votes.
The Democrats. after hard factional
fight, have named Mr.. J. F. C. Talbot.
formerly a member of Congress, and Mr..
Blakeney's rival two years ago. There
is said to be considerable feeling amcDs
the Democrats over Mr.. Talbot's nomi
nation, while the Republicans are
united. These facts, together with the
personal popularity of Mr.. Page, his
friends believe. will enable hin 10 carry
the district by a safe majority. Mr..
Pages friends in Washington kept the
wires busy last night sending him their
congratulations and best wishes for his
success. Mr.. Page is thirty -four :'ears
of age, is married and has four Chill
dren.