Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-03-16

of defeating senator Martln, was us
eussed. and there seemed general dis
position tobelieve that an improper infer
ence had been drawn from the speech
that the senator from Halifax could not
have meant all that his words led the
reader to believe.
Representative Flood, who is one OF
the warmest friends Senator Martin has
in Virginia, said Monday night that he
was opposed to the bill chiefly because
his colleagues were opposed toit, but that
he was rather inclined to regret its
defeat
Inquiry develops the further fact that
the vote for and against the bill IS not
along the lines OF Martin and anti-Mar-
tin nor even along the lines Of anti
primary and primary. On the con-
trary. the division is such that no sig
nificance can be attached to the vote
on the BILL As a matter Of fact, 1t Is
admitted by opponents of Senator Mar
tins reelection that had his supporters
in the Senate of Virginia or in the Gen
eral Assembly united 10 defeat a general
primary plan, they could have done so,
and done so on full vote, without hav-
ing resort to flibuster. As matter
of opinion, it is the view of various sena-
tors that the bill could not have passed
the Senate as it had been amended, ever
had a vote been reached.
Finally the impression appears to be
that even the friends OF general pri-
mary bill were much divided on this
measure. Almost all of the Senators,
Mr.. Machen himself included, admit
that the bill, as amended, was defective,
and that its passage would have been a
victory of doubtful value. The only
difference of view as to whether the de-
fects Of the measure, as amended, were
so great as to make its defeat preferable
to its passage. Mr.. Machen did not de.
sire to see the bill defeated, believing
that the defects were exaggerated, but
when the result had been accomplished
he accepted it, and expressed the view
that it was perhaps better, viewing the
matter from his standpoint, that the bill,
as amended, did not get through, for the
reason that had its operation developed
that the defects were serious he would
have had to bear the Odium of patron OF
an Objectionable measure. He did not
believe the provisions of the bill made
such fertile opportunity for fraud aud
bribery as the opponents of concurrence
contended.
Senator Barksdale, who "talked the
amended bill to DEATH" as some have
put it, speaking to question of
privilege in the Senate yesterday, denied
the report that the friends of Senator
Martin united to defeat the bill as amend
ed. "Some of the reports in out. of-town
papers," he said, "unintentional1y no
doubt, did me an injustice in defining
my attitude on the bill, an injustice not
to me so much, but to another"
Speaking with great emphasis, Senator
Barksdale said "As a matter Of fact,
| had no intimation or knowledge as to
Senator Martins attitude in regard to
the bill. | have no idea of the views of
that gentleman in this regard. | will
say that | believe that if Senator Mar
tin had objected to the bill | would have
known or at least have heard of it. The
Junior senator from Virginia has never
asked me to vote for or against any man
or measure before the General Assembly,
but from my relations with him as his
friend and supporter, l think l may say
without egotism that l would have been
approached on the subject, If anybody
had been.
The opposition to the bill was made
up both Of opponents and advocates of
Senator Martin and among the support
ers of the amended bill were some of
Senator Martins most ardent friends.
In opposing this bill as amended l
represented and expressed my own views.
| believe, the bill was radically wrong
and that to enact it would be an invita-
ton to fraud, and would be open and to
make fhe way plain for bribery and cor
ruption.
Continuing, the speaker declared that
he, personally, was opposed to the pri-
mary. system, because he honestly be
leved that it would eventually distract
and finally destroy the democratic party.
He attributed the vote OF the republican
senators to this belief on their part, and
called it good politics from their stand
point. While opposed to any primary
plan for the reasons assigned, he desired
to have the least Objectionable one pos
sible, if he had to see one adopted at all.
OF course" said he, eff the democra-
tic party in convention declared for a
primary, / would submit to the will OF
the majority"
Among those who voted for the
Machen bill when it came up in the Sen
ate on its passage were Mr.. A. C. Har-
man, of Richmond, Mr.. Mann, Mr.. Nc
Ilwaine, Mr.. Sadler and Mr.. Sale, who
are generally regarded as supporters Of
Senator Martin for reelection.
Here is the full vote on the measure
when it came up in the Senate on We'd
nesday On its passage:
Ayes-Merssrs. Anderson, Ford, Full
ton, Grear, Gunter, A. G. Harman,
Hutchinson, Machen, Mann, Mcllwaine,
Phlegar, Revercomt, Sadler, Sale, Sears,
Stands, Thomas, Turner and Walker
10.
Noes-Messrs. Barksdale Bryant, By
ars, Campbell, Chapman, Cromwell,
Garrett, Hobbs, Keezell, Massie, RisOn,
Shackelford, St. Clair, Tavenner and
Wallace-15.
The Postal Scandals.