The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-12-23
.B0l|QDOlN'.''S
POSITION.
Issucs Statement III Regard to
Allegations Concerning
NEVER SHOWED ANY LETTER
Opposed Mr.. Matthews, But Did
SO as individuals Started Be-
fore Present Administration.
Hint.

Dr. j. w. Bowdoin, OF Accomnc, chair
man Of the state Board Of Fisheries, and
chairman OF tho Democratic Committed
Of his county, whose name has been
brought into controversy by tho recent
statement Of Senator Barksdale, alleging
undue activity against the return Of Hon.
s, wilkins Matthews TO the House. was
In tlo city yesterday, and gave out the
following signed interview OH I he sub
jecta Us. n
The statement to tho Senate of Nir-
Enia, as published In to-day's issue Of
The TimesD Dispatch, in regard to my ac-
tion and position In tho contest, for the
nomination for member Of the House
from Accomac county, in the last legis-
lativo primary is erroneous and u,r-
true in the following instances: ,
]. did not Use my Influence either
as chairman Of tho Board of Fisheries
or as chairman OF the Deli ocratic party
III Accomac county. to defeat Mr.. Mat
thews." $1,000 {,1s{ Sl@
SHOWED No LETTER.
2. I did not show Mr.. Matthews a letter
from Governor Montague alleging that
Mr.. Matthews had polled tho Legislature
rs between Governor Montague and SEN
ntor Martin; nor have / ever shown Mr.,
Matthews any letter ever received by me
from Governor Montague. In fact, ]
never received such a letter. @
! had heard that lie did so poll the Legis-
lsture. and oil his demand for my au-
tthor:ty stated that Governor Montague
told me so. whcreupon MIR. Matthews
admitted that he had done SO. but said
1t was done in nh"sprit of fun ana that
1t had mo Significance
IT is true that did vote and work for
the defeat of Mr.. Matthews. but did so
only after notifying him IN persons that
should oppose him and do what could
in an open. honorable way, to defeat
moro than six years ago, and had he
been Governor Montague's best friend.
could not have supported him. My OPP
position to Mr.. Matthews was purely III
my personal capacity&as u&citizen, and
vote Of Accomac county. and not rs
chairman Of tho Board of Fisheries or
rs county chairman
lNDIVIDUAL POSITION.
Tic Board Of Fisheries had no ,conncc-
ton nor did 1t have anything to do with
this contest; nor was any of its 1llachin-
cry called into opposition to Mr.. Mat
thews; nor was the machinery OF the
County Committee SO used. The fact 's
a majority Of tho County Committee were
supporters OF Mr.. Matthews: nor did
Governor Montague have anything to do
with that fight.
Any statement that partisan politics
have been practiced by the State Board
OF Fisheries at any time or In any way,
is untrue.
{ NV personal vote has always been
open, and my position pronounced IN all
pclltical contests III Accomac countygtor
the last twenty years, and have always
been 10th open and active in support Of
my friends and III opposition to my enc
mics. and this line Of conduct was Ger
tanly not departed from In the last lcg's-
lntivc contest.
WAS NOT INFLUENCED; 4.
have never allowed, and never Will
ullow the acceptance OF any office or po-
sition, to control or hamper, me In the
free exercise of my vote and influence IN
any political matter or contest which
may arise IN my county.
] can only add that In the efforts TO
prejudice and injurc me. my associates
On the board Of Fisheries and tho GOV
crnor have been made to appear IN
disugrccable and false position, without
excuse or warrant for doing SO.
J.fsW. BONVDOlN.
Dec, %, 1908 5i'a5ft3.ls