The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-10-14

Colonel Siemp's death last night, and
asked What would be his course With
reference to ordering special election
to III the vacancy. He said he could
not determine until later. as he hal
not before him the law governing
notice, etc.
1t may be stated, however. vrss ~
there is sufficient time Ills Exccllcncy
will almost certainly order the va
cancy to be nilcd at the regular cleo
ton In November. The Governor has had
no official notice OF the death OF Con-
gresham SlemD. and Will not move
IL the matter until such notice comes
to him.
The field will probably be full OF
Republicans, but there VIII; likely be
no seekers after the honor on the
Democratic side. The dominant party
always produces plenty of aspirants
for public favor. while the one that
happens TO be I'm the minority lets the
Office seek the man.
In recent years the Ninth District
has been going Republican. but its
past history shows that It's voters are
cratic. and that they have switched
from side to side as the notion seemed
TO strike them. The Democrats car
ried ii steadily for a number OF years
from Judge John a. Brchanan's In
cumhency, with but single break.
down 10 1902 when Judge William Il.
Rhea was endorsed by Colonel Slemp.
Judge Buchanan had two terms, and
he was followed by Cyclone Jim
Marshall, who had one. Then the late
General James A. Walker beat the
Democratic nominee, and was In turn
defeated by Judge Rhea.
Chance for Democrats.
'rtara u-a ,.....,.,,I--
that with the proper man in the lead
the Democrats can win this fall. The
Republicans all over the district are
"scrapptng' among themselves over
county Offices, and for the congress
sional vacancy bitter fight is ex-
pected among the many who aspire 10
MI the seat OF the dead representative,
senator John G. Noel, OF Lee. has the
bee In his bonnet" 1t was there last
year. but he finally Withdrew from
the race, and let Colonel Siemp have a
unanimous nomination.
Then there are Lou Summers an1
Colonel Dave Bailey, the Giilesples. OF
TazeweN; Bob Blair, Senator Lincoln
and probably BascoIn Slemp, who
would not turn down seat in Con-
gress ii things appeared pretty
easy for them and before ii is all
over 1t Is not unlikely that some bick-
=erings and heart burnings viii be en-
sehaered which VIII not contribute to
sthe success of the man upon whose
brow the crown Of honor Is 1nallv
placed.
Then there IL Democratic side III
me issue that will have to be reckonel
Win. IL Is safe to predict that thjs
party will produce no aspirants. and
that whoever Is named BY the con-
vention will be the unanimous choice
of his party.
Two men are already suggested not
- candidates, but as dangerous com
.petitors for the Republican nominee
II either can be induced TO make tho
race. They are Corporation Commits
sloher Henry c, Stuart. of Russell, and
former Acknowledgement Rufus X.
Ayers, of Wise. 1t would be a per
,9onal sacrifice for either to accept the
nomination. but there is a belief which
Is rather widespread that in the can
didacy of one or the other lies stron.
hope of Democratic success. The Re.
.pupilcans are never SO strong as in a
presidential year, and outside help CAM
NOT be SO easily obtained ON short notice
ahd IN such emergency cases as tho
one which grows out of the sudden
death OF a Congressman in the middle
OF his term, and In what Is known in
politics as an off year,
1t may be regarded as absolntel,
certain that the Democrats will put up
a stift fight for the honor, and that
,hey VIII name one of their very best
leaders to make the race. Though M
Information has been received here
on the subject up to this time, IT is
likely that Speaker Cannon or the clerl,q
or the House of Representatives viii
designate the Virginia delegation and
perhaps members of Congress from ina
adjoining districts in Tennessee. West
virginia and Kentucky to attend col.
onel Slemp's funeral.
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