The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-01-13
HOUSE WILL MAKE
COX SPEAKER At /
CAUCUS TONIGHT
White and Stubbs Re-
tire in Favor of Rich
mond Member.
HARMONY URGED
BY ALL FACTIONS
General Assembly of Virginia
Convenes Tomorrow for Busy
Sixty Day Session-Senate
Finance Committee Has
Appropriation Bill AL
most in Shape.

Edwin p. Cox, of Richmond, will be-
named as Speaker of the House of Dele
gates at Democratic caucus Of that
6ody tonight Hugh a. White, of
RoGkoridge. withdrew from the race
early yesterday. finding that Mr. Cox
already had q majority of the votes
pledged. Major ]. n. Stubs. of Clou
cester, announced his withdrawal last
night In an appeal to the party 10 get
together for constructive legislation.
NO announcement has come from C. r
MeetSe of Prince William County.
whose name may go before the caucus.
Succeeds Richard Il. Byrd.
Not In years has the city of Rich
mond had the honor OF providing the
speaker from Its delegation Mr.. Cox
succeeds Richard Evelyn Byrd, or
frederick County, who did not offer fo1.
reelection from the Winchester dis
trict. Although still n young man. he
is the dean of the Richmond delegation.
he Is a lawyer by profession. is n
former grand commander OF the Sons or
80 confederate Veterans, was born in
Hlchnond In 1870, and IS the grandson
or the late Judge James H. Cox. or
Chesterfield. He was educated ar
Hampden-S Sidney College and the Uni
versity of Virginia. For several terms
he mas oecn chairman of the Important
committee on General Laws. and has
also been the chairman of the Joint
caucus: Some years ago he served as
member OF special committee which
made thorough study of the public
school system OF the State
Tho almost unanimous choice of Mr..
Cox Is said to have no political signih-
cance. as he had among his supporters
men identified with every faction in
politics. Personally he is opposed to
State wide prohibition. and has always
been affiliated with the party organs
! cation.
Preliminary Meetings Tonight.
Both Senate and House Will hold
their preliminary meetings tonight.
with the speakership fight out of the
way. the House caucus promises to be
almost as tame as that OF the Senate.
Senate officers were elected last ses-
sion Tor four-year terms, and hold
over. Clerk Marshall Booker has re-
signed. and the Senate will confirm
me ad-interim appointment of o. v.
ranger as clerk. Edward Echols.
Senator from the Staunton district.
and president pro tenn. will preside.
The House caucus will be called to
order by Captain w. w. Baker. of
chesterfield County the oldest man in
point or continuous service John w.
Williams has no opposition for re-clec
tion as clerk OF the House. For tho
position or chairman of the Joint ca6-
Gus to be vacated by Mr.. Cox on as
huming the speakership the acllnowl-
eugco candidate is Harry r. Houston,
of Hampton. In the earlier part OF
the race Mr.. Houston was a candidate
for Speaker. and had gathered a con-
siderable following. Finding that con-
Test very much split up, he retired in
favor OF Mr.. Cox, and announced his
candidacy for the caucus chairman-
ship and Is without opposition since
captain Baker declined 10 run
Mr.. Whites Announcement
In retiring from the race
Mr. White made the following an
nounccment
Upon assurances OF considerable and
influential support 1 entered the race
Ior the speakershtp OF the House of
Delegates, and, having entered deter
mined TO stay to the finish. Upon a
careful poll OF the House. 1 find that
the nnish has come. and that my dis
tinguished opponent has n majority OF
the votes Under these circumstances
| feel that it is but justice to my
friends to free them from possible ent-
barrassment. and at the same time e1i-
aoie Mr.. Cox to act with greater case
and freedom to himself in the organi-
@atton OF the House. Therefore,
withdraw from the race with warmest
thanks to my friends. with no griey-
ance to those who We're against me,
and throw up my hat with congratulate
tions to my friend. Edwin p. Cox
4 Major Stubbs has made habit OF
coming to the House since 1869, though
he has dropped out ut times He was
Injured in the Capitol disaster. being
the only member OF either house whose
service dates back to that catastrophe
In retiring from the speakership con
test yesterday. he issued the following
card:
Major Stubbs Retires.
when l announced my candidacy for
Speaker stated that I would favor
the committees OF the House being ap-
pointed by caucus, but now I am not
a candidate, wish to state think wa
can trust the Speaker. whoever he may
be, TO do ample justice In appointing
committees.
After many years OF legislative
hte, l can safely say the Democratic
members OF the House will not make
mistake I'm electing Speaker. and
pledge him in advance my cordial
support In aiding when | can to mako
his administration Il success. I prs
dict this General Assembly WIFI
measure up to the expectations of the
people of Virginia From what know
and have seen OF the Senators and
members of the House. they will com.
pare favorably with any Legislature
that have known since 1869.
My advice Is TO grasp the many
important questions and study them
carefully; to discuss them In friendly
way and with respect to each Others
opinions; then compromise and give the &
State OF Virginia the best we can on
all important measures AL, laws OF
great moment are the getting together y
OF the majority OF the lawmakers, ara
at last nothing but compromises
I'VE are proud OF Virginia; proud
of Richmond: and hops our course
will be OF such Il character o. to- re xs