The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1911-04-20
A VOICE FROM CAROLINE
S. NJ. ID. Discusses on The Senatorial
Race
ChilesbUrg. Va.



To The Free Lance:
Your report Of political events at the
last Caroline court was thoroughly en-
loved. Ii is particularly hitting that
Hon. VIM. A Jones should have had an
enthusiastic reception. Notwithstanding
YOUR statement about the large number
of Jones men in the county, there are
some Martin men scattered around IN
the brush, most of whom Will attend
the Senatorial primary.
Having heard MIR. Jones speak at
former times. though not being present
at court, we can picture him. with tears
in his eyes. beseeching the men Of Nir-
ginia TO cast off the burden OF political
oppression and corruption, to follow
him, a self-appointed apostle of liberia
ton, to political freedom and peace.
But what of this grievous burden OF
ring rule and political corruption. 1t
originated in the minds of the members
of the new league. No one had
heard Of it before. No one Is conscious
of il. No one seems to be grieyousiy
wronged by it.
No party can exist without an organl-
eaton. which to be effective must be
Efficient The present organization OF
the Democratic party in Virginia IS an
excellent one, watch the New League
could in no way improve.
Strange it would seem that II such
absolute ring rule exists as Mr.. Jones
would have US believe that no opposition
has been placed against him for the
past 20 wears. During this time he has
almost continuously antagonlzed the
party organization on the time worn
charge of ring rule.
Mr.. Jones is an able speaker, but the
LaFollette and Wilson comparisons are
becoming tiresome. He IS reported as
having made the same comparisons IN
every speech he has delivered IN this
campaign. Surely Senatorial mind Is
capable Of diversions in its oratorlcai
creations. Why not. mention CoL
Roosevelt in New York and Bob Taylor
in Tennessee in the late election!
La Follettee and Wilson are men OF
worth and merit and deserve to win.
Merit always wins. Nowhere is true
worth more quickly recognized and re-
warded than among a man 5 own col
leagues.
Mr.. Martin has been chosen Demo
cratic leader in the Senate. His col
leagues have confidence in him.
Mr.. Jones. despite the fact Of long
er service in Congress, has not even the
Craftsmanship of an important commit
tee to his credit.
He is chairman of committee on In
sular Affairs and as a member Of this
committee during former sessions he
has made trips to Panama and the Phil
ippines, presumably at the government
expense.
Some of US would admire Mr.. Jones
more if he would remain in Washington
TO his Congressional duties,
for which he is paid S625. 90 per month,
in the place of canvassing the country
in an effort to disrupt the Democratic
party and thereby add honor to his
name.
Your Accomac correspondent is right.
The Democratic party now has an
to make good. Its
members should pull together for the
common welfare. There is no necessity
for everyone to try to sit on the front
bench. There isn't enough room. Mr..
Jones has a perfect right to aspire to
the Senate, but let the campaign be
conducted along gentlemany lines and
not consist of a torrent of personal
abuse directed at Senator Martin.
Some of us in this neck of woods, are
beginning to wonder if it is on account
of the lack of Senatorial timber that
we are represented in the State Senate
by a retired officer of the U. S. Navy,
who is drawing a salary from the Ma
tional Government. Have we not
among US some stalwart Virginian, who
has always lived in our midst, who has
helped to rebuild our communities de-
wasted by the Civil War, and who is
thoroughly conversant with our condi-.
ton and needs? Speak up, Hanover!
1t is up to you to put forward good
man. S. NJ. ID.