Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-01-25

l6ture who sincerely believes TINT
the charges launched against ex-
Judge William Francis Rhea Will DO
sustained.
And yet the whole delegation---cer-
talnly the whole Southwest Virginia
contingent-seems confident that the
evidence to ibe adduced by those who
critlclse him will create grave doubts
as to his fitness for tho office.
What IS. moro. the Republicans In
slst that their movement will have
the sympathy of scores OF Ninth Dis
trict Democrats. Indeed. II 10 not
going too far TO state that they ex-
peet no little help in their fight from
certain mombers of the dominant
party. Certain 1t 10 that the llet OF
witnesses prepared by Senator Noel
includes many Democrats people
supposed to be moro or less familiar
with his political record.
Will Consume Weeks.
One thing Is obviouB-the inquiry
Is apt to consume considerable time
perhaps several woke. Meanwhile
Tho term of Corporation Commission.
ar Stuart will expire by limitation
February 1st. Tho commission fixes
he term-it names the dates. There
fore. 1t would seem that vacancy
must necessarily occur In the office
between February list and tho time
Judge Rhoa's case ~ settled. True Il
Is that certain ptatutes. designed to
meet contingencies OF this sort are
On the books. but 1t Is hardly possible
that they could be construed to su-
percede tho specific provisions OF the
organic law
Judge Rhea will probably have
counsel at tho lnvestigation-indoe
It would be hard for him to bear nil
tho burden OF such q fight alone.
But his lawyers will ask no fees
Theirs will BIO labor OF love. as It
vcrc. Several OF the ablest attorneys of
tho Btnte-among them Judge A. A.
Phlogar, Judge Campbell and Hon.
z. Tato Irvine have volunteered their
services.
But NO It not forgotten that Judge
Rhea himeslf Is n fighter OF tho old
'chool--a man OF tremendous moral
md physical courage. Ever. since ne
attained manhood no has lived in an
atmosphere OF strife. No man ever
vet has called William Francis Rhea
= coward. Even the bitterly hostile
Republicans speak In terms of ad-
miration of the mans absolute fear
lessness.
Sunday Excuroione Strongly Favored
Senator strode's bill. which IL now
III its second reading on the Senate
>alendnr. 10 attracting attention. The
jill is No. 81 and 10 aimed at Sunday
7 Excursions. but prohibits the sale OF
1850 Of tickets sold ut reduced rates
md which are to DO used on any
regular tain on Sunday. Tho bill
outs an end TO the 'grasswidowa
ipecials," which have been operated
rom this city for years. permitting
, business men to spond Sunday with
their families widespread the summer
months out OF town.
Newport Nows, Norfolk. Old Point
Ocean View, Virginia Beach. Buck
700 Beach, West Point and other sec
lions are much opposed to the bill
md there are many in Richmond who
contend that the endorsement of the
Dill would prevent thoae who ore
employed during tho week from
'pending Sunday at the seashore.
The contention 10 made that Il would
10 hardship and expense, on such
persona a. M
Tho advocates of the measure ore
'ery much IN earnest. Ii Ia said
hat tho railroads arc In favor, OF the
hill, as II would Increase the revenues
" The companies, adding to the vol
me OF business on Saturdays and
Mondays. and would exert full fere
from those who Travelled on Sundays
Temperance Forces show Strength
Tho work OF the temperance forces
was manifest in the Senate today
when members began to present PEI
'itione for the consideration of the
Senate.
The petitions arc In connection with
he local option elections in counties
Tho bill now In the Senate provides
for tho making of counties unit In
such elections and prevents towns
and villages from the privilege OF
selling liquor unless the majority of
votes In ouch county and town or
village shall vote in the Affirmative.
The petitions came from all sec
lions OF the state and was the frat
batch OF petitions on any subject and
demonstrate the effect or careful Or
sanizatlon. TIE petitions ell went
to tho finance committee. which has
The matter under consideration.
Efn,.v ~ 0arsl - ,4 s.L