Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1908-05-01
THE STATE CONVENTION.

IT IS THOUGHT THIS WILL BE 4 LIVE
| LY MEETING = INSTRUCTION OF
DELEGATES,-THE PRIMARY
AND OTHER MATTERS To
COME BEFORE IT.
(Richmond Journal.)
| Gossip about State politics recently
has been considerably diminished in
this city by the talk anent Richmond's
municipal primary and its results, but
all the same there is a deep undercur-
rent of interest and much speculation
as to the results of the great convention
to be held in Roanoke June 18th.
Although no one, however, great his
powers as a politician, can undertake
to prophesy with any decree of preci-
sion concerning the happenings at that
great gathering of Democrats. 1t is
safe to say that it will not be without
stirring and significant incidents.
Aside from the possibility of brisk
fight concerning the advisability of in
structing the twenty-four Virginia del
egates for Bryan, the certainty of some
spirited arguments touching the advis
ability Of abolishing the State primary
system and the election of four dele
gates-at-large, the convention holds an
element of uncertainty.
There's no telling what sort of squab-
BILE may be precipitated in body COM
posed of over 800 men, nor will all the
skill of the wisest presiding officer pre-
vent occasional outbursts which may
afterwards create either CONSERVATION
or regret
For example, the report comes from
Washington that some one contem-
plates introducing resolution endors-
ing Governor Swanson's action in APP
pointing Judge Rhea member of the
State Corporation Commission.
No one here seemingly knows wheth-
er or not this rumor is true. If it is
true, some lively times may be expect
ed. Local politicians are inclined to
think, however, that the suggestion is
the creation of some mischievous news
paper man, who merely desires ''to
make copy" Whether this be so or
not, it is certain that if such resolu-
ton actually is offered, the reporters
will have abundant material for some
exceedingly firery articles.
AS TO DANIEL AND BRYAN.
1t remains to be seen whether or not
an open fight will be made on Senator
Daniel for his avowed opposition to
William Jennings Bryan. The 4ame
lion," it must be admitted, has shown
himself uncompromising in his objec-
lions to the Nebraskan's policies, but
some say that an attempt to penalize
him for this independence of spirit
would precipitate dangerous ISSUE
In short, it would cause sort of test
between the strength of the two men.
In all likelihood the wiser heads will
try to steer the convention clear of any
thing disagreeable in this connection.
Just now, however, it is an interest
ing question to know whether or not
the Senator would be willing to go as
a delegate-at-large to Denver if the de-
legation is instructed for Bryan.
JONES MAY LEAD FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
Apropos of this, it is reported that
Congressman William A. JONES' of the
First District, will lead the fight for an
instructed delegation. He is an ardent
admirer and close friend of the Ne
braskan's and powerful speaker.
But he is not member of the tribe,
though it doesn't necessarily follow, by
any means, that tribal lines will be
strictly drawn at the convention.
That's what makes the coming gather
ing so interesting.
If Congressman Jones does take the
floor in behalf of instructed delegates,
it may be that Daniel will likewise
avail himself:of the occasion to oppose
the proposition.
STATE PRIMARY PLAN.
The fight on the State primary plan
will disclose division of ranks based
rather on difference of opinion than on
fractional breaches. Good, strong men
are on each side. Foremost among
those who would do away with the
primary are Judge R. 7. w. Duke, Of
Charlottesville; Hon. John Whitehead,
of Norfolk; DR.. Thomas H. Barnes, of
Nansemond, and Colonel A. NJ. Bow
man, of Salem.
On the other side are such men as
Congressman Hay, Glass and Flood
and Speaker Byrd. The matter I'M
doubtedly is a debatable one, with
much to be said pro and con. And it
will be debated rest assured of that.
MISUNDERSTANDING
1t is a foregone conclusion that Gov
ernor Swanson and Senator Martin
will be two of the delegates-at-large to
the national convention, while the
probabilities are that Senator Daniel,
no matter what his views about Bryan
may be, will be the third man. Hon.
R. Tate Irvine, of Big Stone Gap, and
Congressman James Hay, of Madison,
are mentioned in connection with the
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