The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1911-04-08
A RECORD TO Be PROUD or

The candidacy of Congressman
William A. Jones for the Seat in the
United States Senate now held by
Senator Martin seems from the re-
ports we gather from papers publish
ed in every part OF the State, and
In conversations with people who
have visited all parts OF the State,
TO have less behind it than the can
didacy Of any gentleman for State
office who has appealed to the yo-
ters since the primary system was
established In this State.
II looks now as il Senator Mar
tin would have n perfect walk-over
in the contest. The reports from
Southwest Virginia indicate tina. that
section is practically solid for Mar
tin and we hear similar reports from
all sections of the State except the
First Congressional District and the
city OF Norfolk In the latter city,
however. Mr. Martin has strong
friends, and the business interests OF
the city are standing Loyalty by
him. lie will undoubtedly carry
Norfolk by large majority The
same Is true Of many portions OF
Mr. Jones own district. and while
we recognize the popularity OF the
Congressman from the First district
In that district, we shall be surpris-
ed If he is not tremendously disap-
pointed at the vote between himself
and Senator Martin.
Senator Martin has won his way
TO the confidence and affection of
the Virginia people by his sterling
character, splendid abilities and I'M
selfish worth.
In 1888. and in subsequent years,
when the Hon John s. Barbour was
leading the hosts OF Democracy in
an effort TO oyerwhelm Mahoneism.
Mr. Martin was one Of his most val
ued and efficient ieutenants and
one upon whose judgment Mr..
Barbour relied probably more than
any other man in the State.
When Virginia was in the throes
Of debt litigation and making every
possible effort to satisfy the insati-
ate demands OF her bond-holders, a
non-Official committee was named by
Governor Mckinney TO take up the
discussion of this matter with the
bond holders Senator Martin was
the controlling and dominating fig
ure Of this committee. He made an
exhaustive study of the debt ques-
ton and the resources Of the state.
He spent much time in New York,
Washington and Richmond In con-
ference with the representatives OF
the bond-holders. He made the
position of Virginia so clear and
demonstrated so satisfactorily TO
those representatives that Virginia
was willing TO pay all her re
sources would justify. that these
representatives came to terms OF
the Virginians and the debt settle
ment of 1892 resulted
For this work Mr.. Martin refused
to accept one cent Of compensation
and insisted in paying his own eX-
panses. In many other instances his
services were requested by State Of
ficials and he always responded
checrfully and gave the State the
benefit Of his industry and ability
For none oil this work did he re-
ceive one cent OF compensation; in
deed. It has been stated frequently
that he never received a cent for
any public service rendered except
his salary as a Senator, and never
received cent in any matter pend
ing before any legislative body IN
Virginia or elsewhere.
In 1892. as soon as the State re-
covered from the shock OF the
death Of Senator Barbour, three
fourths Of the members OF the Leg
islature petitioned Governor Mckin-
ney to appoint Mr. Martin as his
successor to the vacancy. The gov
ernor. however. appointed another.
In December 1898. he was elected
TO the Senate, taking his seat on
March 4. 1895. lie was again elect
ed in 1899. and in the primary
election of 1905 was nominated by
the Democrats and elected b y the
Legislature for his third term.
The splendid abilities and absolute
reliability and courteous manner of
Senator Martin soon made him pop
ular with his colleagues. both
Democrats and Republicans To-
day he has a commanding position
I'm that body.
He occupies a position in the Sen
ate that no new man could acquire
in a decade He is in q position
TO render Virginia great service
and will be I'm a position 10 render
greater service TO the State and her
people when the Democratic admin
istration takes charge OF the atiaiIs
OF the nation in 1913. We he
lieve he will be nominated 10 sue
coed himself by an overwhelming
majority Winchester star