Evening star., 1912-04-28
FOR WILSON VOTES
Effort on to Have virginia'S
Delegates Instructed.
DISAGREE ON PRIMARIES
Complete Reversal of Sentiment Is
Observed in Richmond.
STATE FARMERS DEVELOPING
Big Venire for the Allens-Peniten-
tiary Base Ball League-sol-
diers Cannot Vote.
DISAGREE ON PRIMARIES
STATE FARMERS DEVELOPING
Special Dispatch TO The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
RICHMOND. Va, April 27.-'I propose
10 write a little declaration of independ-
dence of my own is the statement which
Is being quoted as having been made by
Speaker Richard E. BYRD of Winchester
in speech in Petersburg in behalf of
Gov. Woodrow Wilson, Air. Byrd is in
charge of the political fortunes of the
former Virginian in this state, and he is
engaged in an effort to have the delega-
tion TO Baltimore instructed. He declares
that he will force the fighting on the floor
OF the convention, and that he will lend
hts energies and influence against any
idea of sending to Baltimore from the
Old Dominion delegate who is not
instructed for Gov. Wilson,
when the pronouncement of Mr.. Byrd
is given consideration it sounds very
much like he has set himself up against
the recognized powers in the state, all of
whom. according TO report are said to
oppose the New Jersey executive and
are thoSht TO be inclined for Gov Har-
mon.
The statement of Mr. Byrd is thought
to mean that he will stand up for Gov
Wilson, who was his classmate in the
University of Virginia, regardless of what
the machine may declare. Ii is known
that Mr.. Byrd holds to the view that the
omcers who are away from the people
have no correct conception of what the
people demand He takes the ground
that the people entitled 10 have a
cholce In the running of the affairs of
the government and in naming the Of
dcers. and he is firm in his conviction 1hat
the people of the state want to see Gov
Wilson nominated. On the other hand
there are those of the recognized leaders
who take the ground that Virginia should
not instruct her delegates but thar they
IN rnfA f,N
who may be deemed most available after
the convention has assembled.
Disagree on Primaries.
Some ten years ago-possibly a dozen
yearS-the democrats of the state frown
ed down the convention plan Of nomi-
hating officers OF any sort, and provided
that the people should be allowed to have
voice in naming all candidates. includ-
Ing United States senators. At that time
the war was on against Senator Martin,
and when the suggestion came before the
convention he was the first man ~ get
On his feet and TO urge that the people
should have the primaries. The scheme
vent through with IA whoop, and twice
since then has Senator Martin been as
sailed by opposition and had to fight for
MS political life But the first contest
was the only one of moment that of last
year being of such a character that it
sould not be counted a contest.
Here in Richmond, where the primary
idea was so strong, there has been a COM
plete reversal of sentiment. The old
guard was always opposed TO prima ries
and the reformers wanted them Now
there is this situation: The primary has
worked to the entire satisfaction of the
people who opposed it at the inception
Of that scheme, and the people who
favored the primary are now demanding
that there shall be delegates to a con-
vention to nominte candidates for the
.ify administrative board. What is more
here are open threats that If the wishes
II the supporters of the convention are
not needed they will remain out of the
primary and go into the general election
rhe advocates of the primary had made
he same threat In case a convention
we're provided for nominations.
Agriculture In the South.
virginia is well abreast of the other
southern states in the matter Of agri.