The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-05-31
FIRST BRUSH
IN THE FALL
Very Interesting Campaign
Just Opening Up.
SENATORIAL CANDIDATES
They viii Strive to Capture State Sena-
ators, Who viii Hold Over and Vote
forMartin's Successor-Co
Officers and House Members

The people OF Virginia are about to
embark upon one of the most unique and
Interesting campaigns ever fought In Its
history and 1t promises to fairly bristle
from start to finish with events of public
moment.
There are many conditions surrounding
the coming struggle which will tend to
give 1t life and make 1t unlike any Of
those which have preceded.
One Is, that owing to Constitutional
changes, all the county and district Of
election for the first time in many years,
II not in the entire history of tho State,
n1ong with the entire membership OF the
House Of Delegates and half Of the state
Eenate
Another is the fact, that for like rea-
sons, the campaign will be conducted for
the last time under the old and almost
sacred surroundings and Influences of the
monthly County Court system. which be-
comes n dead letter under the Constitu-
ton, before the time for another battle
arrives But there are still other In
teresting features, which will give anil
nation to the struggle and make 1t lively
nl tho way through.
The result OF the election OF the sena-
tors to be chosen will have an important
bearing upon the coming contest for
United States senator in 1905, and those
elected will hold for four years and will
therefore vote for successor to Senator
Thomas s. Martin whose term expires
on Marco, 8. 1907. but whose place will be
filled by the Legislature which will meet
I In the winter of 1906.
s. WARM STRUGGLE.
4 This fact OF itself will tend to make
Tho State sens .torial primaries warm up
this summer and fall, as each Of the OPP
posaak factions will naturally strive to
capture as ruany OF the nominees as pos
elble.
Already candidates are bein,s picked out
IN many OF the districts. where the seats
will become vacant and although as at
present constituted. the plan OF party or
ranization provides that In future the cam
ddates for United States senator snaii
be nominated In State primaries the fear
that this system may be changed Is max
ing the candidates active in endeavoring
ia secure pledges AMrom those who In the
latter event would be left, free to support
whomsoever they might choose
u this very question of maintaining
Z, me present State primary plan. there Is
great diversity Of opinion. 1t is an open
secret that Governor Monte que, who Is
a. strong candidate 70" Mr.. Martins seat,
and whose fine canvass before the people
in 1901 resulted in the inauguration OF
this new departure. is desirous OF having
all the Democratic people OF the State
pass directly upon his claims.
While Senator Martin Is not known to
have given any public expression to his
views on the subject, those close to him
In almost every section OF the State are
saying that the new system will prove
both cumbersome and expensive. and
that 1t would be better 10 return to the
old mass meeting and caucus nomination
system.
Is GROWING LIVELY.
But, apart from the State interest
which the above conditions will give to
the contest, the fact that county officers
and members of the House are to be
chosen win give It local touch, which
will be felt In every hamlet and precinct
from the seaboard to beyond tho noun
tains. Virginia people have always
evinced great interest In their local Of
fees, anI when such campaign Is on,
they dscnss"the merits of the candidates
on all occasions, and almost every ono
has some favorite for whose election he
undertakes to do n little missionary
work.
In many Of the counties the fight has
already opened up In dead earnest. and
will grow more lively as the slack
time" Of summer and early fall comes
on, when the farmers shall have 'laid
by their crops.
The biggest crowds that have ever at-
tended the County Courts are expected
all over the State this summer and fall
and combinations will be made no
doubt between candidates for local Of
fices and those for the Legislature from