The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-08-10
CAPTAIN LAMBS VICTORY.

Re *sTr4TsH7ss. during the progress OF the re-
cent Congressional primary, has been careful to
avoid direct support Of either Judge NIckham
or Captain Lamb to the dlsparageinent OF the
other In contests between Democrats, where the
candidates are equally worthy personally and
nothing save political issues lie involved, The Var
graas considers that it can best serve the people
hy atTcrding them full and impartial news Of the
campaign and retaining from otherwise at
seanpsin@ 10 influence their verdict. This we
conceive 10 be the policy most conductive TO good
government and wise choice based upon the
appeals of the candidates themselves for endorse
ment. If, however either men or measures
shall constitute in the future an issue which this
paper deems vital to the public interest, shall
not hesitate to speak, even In party contests,
with such directness and candor consider
the needs of the occasion demand.
As to the election of Captain Lamb, the re-
suit means simply that he still holds the conf
dence of the people. He has been honest straight
forward and diligent through long service in
Congress. As a result of that service, he has
gained to position of increased usefulness with
respect to the people he represents. No wish Of
his constituents wants for consideration at his
hands No reasonable request has found from
him denial and no effort to advance the interests
Of his district but has had his earnest and con-
sistent support. Attacked by his opponent upon
the ground that he had deserted the declarations
! Of the party platform, Captain Lamb did not
seek to avoid the issue, but on the other hand
justified his course by saying that he acted with
I the majority of the Virginia delegation. The re-
suit proves that this defense was well taken, SO
far as satisfying the voters was concerned, and
that they are willing to trust him in the exercise
Of discretion which he and other Virginia con
gressinen considered necessary to meet the inter.
ests Of the State.
The result indicates also that policy ap-
preaching the plane of personal attack is apt il
Virginia to be repudiated, While there was
nothing coming from Judge Wickham, a mar
of ability and character and, withal, gentleman
which limited villifcation and abuse such is
1 INDUCED. for instance. in Georgia. the attack
\ npon Captain Lambs democracy was, we think
resented by the people. Certainly course OF
4 this sort would seem to need to be deprecated
I'm the first place it is in this State never success
full; in the second place, it may serve to EN-
barrass in the campaign the candidate for q
Democratic nomination who, as in this instance
{ is nominated. The only fruit of such attacks
Is to furnish the enemy with ammunition.
In the campaign the three older Richmond
+ papers disclosed clear animosty TO the cause
III the now successful candidate. News reports
III debates were given distinct color in favor
4 81 Judge Wickham, color that the voting show
I'd was not true. In other ways these papers
showed their leaning without making direct at
tack. But in spite of this influence and the in
Hnence of strong organization within the CITY,
In spite, too, of the very real strength and
character of Judge Wickham-the people voted
\ % return to Congress one who has been faithful
servant. -,