The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-04-15
WILSON CANNOT
GET DELEGATION
Virginia's Representation in Bal
timorc- Almost Sure to
BE Uninstructcd.
CLARK GETS MUCH SUPPORT
Harmon Strength Apparently
Going to Speaker-Byrd
Keeps Up Fight.

Observers of the signs of the times
. in Virginia find it difficult to escape
! two conclusions with regard 10 the
contest for the presidential nomina.
ton One OF these is that all chance
for an instructed Woodrow Wilson
delegation from this state has vanish
ed. The other is tina, The supporters
of Governor Harmon and other candi-
dates are slowly vccrinE around 10
the ranks of Speaker Champ Clark.
The fight made for Governor Wilson
by Speaker Richard Evelyn Byrd. Of
the House of Delegates. has resulted
In uncoverinE "a good deal of scnti-
mcnt for the New Jersey man. One
county has instructed FOR him, while
other delegates named to the state
convention in Norfolk next month are
said to be favorable 10 his nomina-
ton
Machine Is Opposed.
But with the exceptions OF part of the
political machine in the city Of Nor
folk. 1t would seem that the organIaa-
ton or the machine" In Virginia has
no intentions of permitting an in
structcd allegation to go from this
state. 1t is argued that delegates free
to vote their choice can WELD much
greater power in the Baltimore con-
vent!om than II tied down by instruc-
lions in advance So it Will 70, to all
appearances.
This argument does not suit Sir.
Byrd. who does not believe the dele
CATION should be put IL, tho hands Of
a few men 10 swing ns they may see
ut. But his protestaticns are likely
to be unheard, An uninstructed dele
cation Is an apparent certainty. 1t
also seems sure that this delegat ton
VIII be headed by Senator'S Martin and
Swanson, Governor Mann and Repre-
sentative Flood
Only in Norfolk.
Tho fact that part OF tho Norfolk
machine pinus Trchy. IS for Gov
ernor Wilson merely constitutes ono
more of those paradoxcs sometimes
found in politics. 1t would seem that
stand by the boys" IT would be that
of Norfolk. And the end may not yc,
be in sight. The Norfolk machine
without James V. Trchy IL much like
the famous play with Hamlet not in
the cast.
So 1t Is that ATr. Byrd would be sat
istlcd with resolution expressing the
sentiment that the FIRST choice OF vir-
Iinia is for Goyernor Wilson. as this
would be tantemount to Instructions, II
Is improbable that no viii sc: II
The Champ Clark move is rather
more subtle and less manifest There
is no definite organization for any
presidential candidate In Virginia
save that built UP by Speaker Byrd
for Governor Wilson. There are scat
tered clubs here and there. but no
state lineup.
Concentrating Forces.
Nevertheless. Influences have been
at work looking to lively orposi-
ton TO Governor Wilson when the
Norfolk convention meets Mr.. Byrd
has repeatedly said thar he believes
tho opposition to the New Jersey can
didatc always concentrates on snmc
one man, in order to prevent q two
thirds majority in Baltimore.
or course, there may be another rca-
son for the apparent growth of Clark
sentiment in this State. Clark has
been winning delegates. and It would
seem that he Will be second In the
running on tho first ballot In the ma
tional convention. People like 10 get
on the front seat Of tho procession,
and nothing has succeeded better In
Virginia during tho past week than
Clark's success
Little is now heard OF Governor IIar.
mon. although he was invited by tho
Legislature to address tan invita-
ton at first accepted the later dcclin-
ed. OF course, IL the delegation Is to
go without Instructions or recommcn-
dations, no definite boom Is needed
now. That will come in Baltimore.