Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1909-03-04
FUSION TALK Is
HEARD In STATE.
Independent Democrats and Republicans
Nay Concentrate on Nan to Lead
Fight Against Democratic
Machine Candidate.

II. E. C. Bryant, the Washington cor
respondent of the Richmond Times-Dis-
patch, says:
A persistent rumor to the effect that
an independent Democrat is being urged
tc make the race for Governor of Vir-
nominated candidate of the Democracy,
has reached here. Some sort of fu-
sion, after the fashion of the one long
continued at Norfolk, between Demo-
Gratis and Republicans, may be effected.
The Republican leaders, all of whom be-
lieve that Judge William Hodges Mann
will win in the Democratic primaries,
being backed, it is alleged, by the party
organization and the Anti-Saloon Lea
que, are casting about for strong man
to oppose him. Without being able to
give the name of the person, it can be
stated as fact that certain Republican
schemers are pressing well known and
well-to-do citizen of the State, hereto
fore affiliated with the Democratic rank
ard file, to run and accept the indorse-
ment and the support of the Republi-
cans.
A strong effort is being made to in
duce the man in mind to enter the race.
Recently two or more quiet but enthusi-
astic conferences concerning this plan
have been held here. The Republicans
were so encouraged by the results of
the last election in Virginia that they
will fight harder for gains this fall than
ever before. They are watching the de-
veIopments in the Democratic campaign
with unusual interest.
At one time it seemed almost certain
that Judge Mann would poll most of the
liquor vote of the State, but those who
journey this way predict differently.
The Nottowsy man has been so active
in the enactment of temperance legis-
lation that the morally stunted, as those
opposed to prohibition are sometimes
called, are suspicious of him. They ad-
init that his present attitude is most
charming. but he still wears the danger
signal. At present the indications are
that Harry St. George Tucker will di-
vide that vote with him.
The most likely outcome of the divi-
sions in the Democratic and the anti
saloon forces would be the candidacy of
a man looked upon in the past as Dem
ocrat, who declares himself free from
party ties and could get the support of
Chairman Slemp's aggregation.
of L. =
that they must get more votes before
thy can accomplish much. Principle,
except in few instances, is a second
ary matter. Votes! That is what they
want, and will have if courting dis
gruntled Democrats will bring them.
The Republicans of Georgia, Tennessee
and North Carolina have made decided
inroads in the Democratic ranks by let
ting the dominant party fight over
liquor.
The Democratic leaders of Virginia
have been a little bolder than other
Southern Democrats.
They did not fall down when the pro-
hibitionists began to make demands, but
fought for Democratic principles, with
the result that instead of being stam-
peded by the Anti-Saloon League they
control it.
1t is argued by many that the leaders
of the Anti-Saloon League are better
Democrats than prohibitionists Others
see the case in different way; they be-
Geve that the leaders of the Democracy
won great fight, the fruit of which
ripened at Norfolk and was plucked. It
is certain that, at this time, two weeks
after President Cannon's association an
nounced its policy, the friends of Judge
Mann feel that his nomination was made
certain by the platform of the Norfolk
convention.
In the event that the Republicans get
an independent Democrat, especially
the one they now have designs on. to
make the race, the contest may prove
interesting. 1t is contended by Repub-