The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-01-14

Representative Jones announcement of his
eandidacy for the United States Senate and his
accession to contest with Senator Thomas 5. Mar
In for that honor undoubtedly means vigorous
eand memorable campaign. let it be waged Oh
the highest plane IA, either side, and be rs alt
Democratic battles should be. free from acridity.
personalities and bitter denunciations.
Mr. Jones determination to run fof the Sen
ate has been rumored many months, but he has
Just seen 1T to confirm tie reports and announce
his platform Briefly put, his campaign will be
one against the Democratic organization. or
machine " in Virginia. and for purity IN pot'
tics In the statement in which be announces
his candidacy he points to many abuses Of the
ballot which he charges have existed and do
exist. in the OlJ Dominion, and the manipulation
of elections by politicians TO defeat the will Of
the people He believes these should be correct
ed and stands in opposition to them.
CONGRESSMAN Jones, In point OF service, is the
Oldest member of the House of Representatives
from Virginia which shows that he is man
honored among men. He has rendered valuable
service to his State during his many years in
Congress, is popular man, profound man and
an astute political leader. His candidacy has
been welcomed In many quarters
Purity in politics is the great cry of the day
all over this country. and the man who stands
upon such platform. especially if he has the
enviabe record which is Mr.. Jones. cannot fail
of a respectful hearing from voters throughout
his State. The ballot is a sacred thing. In it is
embodied the voters right to say who shall rep
resent him. II should be every mans priceless
and most incorruptible heritage. 1t should speak
his will and be respected. 1t should say for him
beyond contradiction o. eontravention what
man and men he wishes to hold Offices of respon
sibility and trust whether executive. Legislative
or Judicial The man OF honesty and courage
who, in this day and age, with fraud, corruption,
graft and subjugation running rampant, declares
his determination to use his best efforts for
cleanliness, purity and fair-dealing in the poti-
cal arena is to be reckoned with everywhere.
Senator Martin has a record as member of
/ the United States Senate of which any man
! might Justly be proud. One of his strongest
qualities has always been that he never forgets a
friend. man of talent and ability, leader Of
the widest experience, a lawyer of profound
learning, and a law-maker who has served his
State and people long and faithfully he is TO
be esteemed for his achievements and steadfast
guardianship of Virginia interests in the high
est legislative body of the nation
Truly the campaign which will end next Au-
gust in a primary in which the people of the
State will voice their decision as between these
two stalwarts should be interesting and thrill
ing LIS only parallel in Virginia rs the memo
!. rahle Montague-Martin campaign Of six years
ago.
The Ftr0inadn wishes repeat here what it
declared with regard to the recent Third District
congressional primary, that within the ranks OF
the Democratic party there should be no acri.
mony, personal abuse or ulnfcation, These
methods may appeal 10 voters in ether States.
but in Virginia they do rot Let the campaign
be made the issues involved and nothing else.
resent them in the United States Senate and
harsh criticism. ugly dsnunciaton, and inyidi-
business fail 10 assist the voter in reaching de-
cision and accomplish 10 public good
Political history will De made during the next
seven months. and let II be clean. wholesome
and something to he remembered for its loft.
ness and freedom from crassness