The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-10-05

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came readjustment Of Democratic meth
DDS in the State and instead of the old
Worn-out convention and mass meeting
systems Of nominating candidates for
Office, uniform primary plan was put
into operation, which it is believed by
many is properly safeg1arded against
fraud, and which will guarantee to the
humblest aspirant for public preferment a
fair field and no favors' in any race
he may see fit to enter.
A GREAT SUCCESS.
Tho system has had Its first trial in
the recent COMPRESSION primaries, and
many Of those who opposed 1t In Its
inception still declare that the antiquated
courthouse and ward meeting system
is preferable.
But 1t is assured that there will be
no repeal OF tho new primary method,
any more than there will be re-entry
OF the negro into Virginia politics. With
these two sweeping reforms in actual
operation then, the Old Democratic par
ty is brought face to face with now
conditions. How she will meet them is
a point that is causing the greatest
amount of speculation. It is the gen
eral belief that ten Democratic Con-
gressmen will be chosen this fall. This
will be the first battle, and will but
put the party on the skirmish lines of
the great struggles that are to follow.
During the summer of 1905 candi-
date for United States Senator to sue
coed Hon Thomas S. Martin will be
nominated in a general viva voce pri-
mary. At the same time. candidates
for Governor. Lieutenant Governor, At
torney-General, Secretary Of the Com
moEwealth and other State officers will
be named in like manner.
IS FIRST OF ALI
OF course, the greatest amount OF In
terest centers in the senatorial race,
but the governorship even thus early. is
not far behind 1t as an interesting prob
lem. The two men whose names are on
every lip as candidates for the Senate
are Hon. Thomas S. Martin. lie present
junior Senator. and Governor "A. ]. Mon
tague, Of Danville. Barring death or
some other unforeseen happening of
great moment. it is certain that these
men will enter the race. There may be
others The brave and brilliant William
A. Jones. former Senator Carter Glass
and Hon. a. c. Braxton all have their
admirers. but every one puts Martin
and Montague down as real. active,
earnest candidates
Senator Martin is serving his second
term in the upper branch of the national
Legislature. He Is not man of the
people. This his closest friends do not
claim for him. but his powerful strength
lies with the leaders OF his party. and as
q political organizer he has but few
equals in the State.
The Almighty in creating Senator Mar
tin did not endow him with the splendid
oratorial powers to be found in his
young and popular opponent. but He
placed in his bosom big heart, which
teaches him the lessons OF loyalty to his
friends. While not popular stump
peaker, Senator Martin stands we'll as a
lawyer, and his friends say he has made
a fine business Senator. That he will |
have strong following for reelection there
is little doubt. and in order that this
may be true no time is to be lost, for |
his supporters are already hard at work In
his interest
STRONG WITH THE PEOPLE.
Governor Montague will not be without
the support Of party leaders by any
means, but his greatest strength lies with
the rank and file the plain people,
wool hat boys as Cyclone Jim Mar
shall would say. He has filled every
position he has held with fidelity and
ability. and according to those in a posi-
ton to know, is making an admirable
Governor. Those who struggled with
His Excelency in his great fight for pri-
naries. and the sweeping reforms which
ne won by his powerful canvass before
he people last year, are saying that a
seat in the Senate Of the United States
s not two great a distinction for man
If the Governors honesty, courage and
ther statesman like qualities. AS
popular speaker. Mr.. Montague has few
equals in Virginia, and when he should
AXE the stump for the Senate In 1905,
here will be hot times all over the State.
Tho governorship is going to cause
reat fight. Lieutenant-Governor Will
eneral Anderson and Chairman Ellyson
re already looked upon as popular candi-l
ates. while Braxton. Jones and Glass
-ould have strong backing should they
us is also spoken OF. but in any event it
,clss as If there will be four or FIVE
ctive aspirants.
A STRIKING FIGURE.
Among all the striking ngues In the pub
c eye in Virginia at this time. there is
one who has risen comet-iike from OBJ
curity as has Allen Caperton Braxton,
Augusta. His splendid services in the
invention, where he framed and got
trough the ordinance on corporations.
ave him a chance to show the stuff he
as made of and now his name is being
mixed freely with the highest honors
.ithin. the gift Of the people,
All the gentlemen who have been men
oned in connection with the Governor
nd Senatorship are s,rong and popular
nd wha teVer turn matters may take two
cry hveiy races will be had in 1905.
In Campbell County.
tspselal Dispatch to The Times,
"a registration books at Brookneal Pre-
net show the following figures: White.
a; colored. III. The new new BOOKS
1ow-whites. 121. colored. @