Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-25
POLLARD WILL STAY
IN GOVERNORSH|P
RACE UNTIL CLOSE
Declines to Accept Sugges-
ton That He Withdraw
in Ellyson's Favor.
DENIES ANTI-SALOON
LEAGUE OPPOSES HIM
Says Majority of It's Officers and
Members Are Giving Him
Their Support.
WILLIAMS MAKES STATEMENT
Former Democratic Leader Expresses
Fear Of Wet and Dry
Alliance.
WILLIAMS MAKES STATEMENT
Former Democratic Leader Expresses
Fear Of Wet and Dry
Alliance.

John Garland Pollard last night de-
clined unequivocalIy to accept any sug-
sestion that he withdraw from the race
for Governor. and denied that the Anti
Saloon League is opposed to his nomi-
nation.
1T Is not true" he said to a cores
pondent OF The Times Dispatch in Nor
folk. in reply to the question as to the
position of the league and the posi-
bility that he might withdraw, that
the Anti-Saioon League is supporting
Mr.. Ellyson. The report of the head
quarters committee appointed to inves-
tiEate the record of tho candidates and
to PROFOUND to them certain questions
stated that the records both Of Mr..
Ellyson and myself were entirely salts
factory.
The Anti-Saloon League has over
and over again declared that the league
ts not In politics. and that its only
function with reference to candidates 10
to inform the public as to their records
and attitude. An Overwhelming ma
jority of the officers and members OF
the executive committee OF the Anti
saloon League have assured me of their
individual support. but no officer oil
the league can. without violating It's
principles. use his Office to influence the
interest OF any candidate. and especial
ly not to defeat candidate whose
record has been declared entirely sat
isfactory by the league itself
POLLARD SAYS EFFORTS
ARE MIsDIRECTED
II think the efforts being made to get
either Mr.. Ellyson or myself TO with
draw are entirely misdirecled. For my
part have not the slightest idea OF
forsekinE the $1,000 men " no have de-
clared their intention to support me-
There remains nothing to be done ex-
cept Tor every man to vote for the
candidate that The thinks will best
serve the interests OF has State"
Repeated efforts TO secure the retire
ment OF one or the other Of the dry.
candidates in order to concentrate the
dry vote against Mr., Davis have been
reported. AT the recent session of the
Virginia AntiSaloon League at vlr-
sinia Beach 1t was topic of in
formal discussion in the lobbies, and il
Ia stated that leading official OF the
league approached one of the attaches
OF the Prohibition Commissioners office
on the subject OF such negotiations.
The man approached turned out To be
into any such negotiations If 1t mean,
the concentration of strennrn in favor
OF Ar. Ellyson. In view OF Mr. Pol
lards positive announcement that he
Will remain In the feld, an authorita-
tive statement from leaders of the
Anti-saloon League as TO their choice
between the two dry candidates is ex-
pected shortly.
MARTIN WILLIAMS Erp1nnra
POLITICAL BOMBSHELL
Sensational charges that the cleo
tton OF Sir. Ellyson as Governor of
Virginia will place the State under the
rule OF what he terms the big four"
three of whom are known to have had
wet" tendencies. made yesterday by
Judge Martin Williams. former Demo-
cratic floor leader of the House OF
Delegates. who recently retired from
the race for Lieutenant Governor, came
as bombshell In political circles. De-
spite the many qualifications offered
last night to offset the sweeping state
ments made by Judge Williams, and
the denials that they would have harm
full effects on the campaign of either
OF The three candidates. It was evident
that the charges had caused no little
concern In various quarters.
In his statement. Judge Williams de-
clared that the election of Mr. Ely
son. who is receiving the support Of
several Of the leaders of the Anti
Saloon League of Virginia. would re-
suit in his administration being con-
trolled by Judge William F. Rhea, of
the State Corporation Commission;
Colonel Rorer A. James, OF Danviile,
chairman OF the State Democratic Com
mittee; ]. N. Brenaman., secretary of
the State committee, and Clyde w.
Saunders. chairman Of the City Demo-
cratic Committee Of Richmond. After
saying that he could not approve Of
the 'tirade some of the so-called tenn
perance people are hurting at West
moreland Davis" Judge Williams says
he will vote for Mr.. Ellyson In the
gubernatoria1 race because he thinks
his long party service entities him to
the honor"
SILLY AND RIDICULOUS, n
g DECLARES JUDGE RHEA
Efforts were made to obtain state-
ments last night from all of the men
named by Judge Williams:
Judge Rhea said:
81 have nothing to say except that
the whole story is so silly. absurd and
ridiculous that 1t is unworthy OF
notice.'
State Chairman Eorer A. James tele-
graphed to The Times dispatch from
Dapyilie the following statement:
~ am not concerned with Judge will
liapns's belated political Views. Since
my one-tirne friend nrst seriously re-
gardea himself 9 asicandidate for Lieu
~ 9(C Continued on Second Page) E7T-