Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1918-08-03
VIRGINIA POLITICS.

by law 1Of the COuSfeSSloHdl primary
in this State finds party politics con-
spicuous by their absence. For the
first tine in the history of Virginia
virtual truce has been declared be-
tween the leading parties as such. In
default of an opponent Senator Mar
tin has been already declared the
nominee of the democrats as his own
successor and it is improbable that
he will have any opponent Tor re-
election. The leaders Of the repub-
lican organization have expressed
themselves against putting up con-
testants for seats in the House IN
the districts which are normally dem
ocratic, and in the remaining district,
the Ninth, the democrats have decided
to give clear field to the republican
incumbent, Mr.. Slemp, in consider
alton of the fact that he has been a
consistent supporter of the war
measures of the Government. In
seven of the districts nominations
will go without contests in their own
party to the democratic representa-
tives seeking reelection. In the First
district there is a vacancy caused by
the death Of Hon. ". A. Jones and
there several aspirants are compet-
ing for the nomination, between
whom there is no issue on public
questions, all being in full accord
with the policies of the Administra-
-tion.
The remaining district, the Eighth,
is the only one in which personal am
bition has over-ridden the concensus
of opinion throughout the country
that members of the present Con-
gress who have proved loyal to the
nation in its time Of need, and who
desire another term, should not be OPP
posed. In this case, however, Mir.
Carlin, the sitting member. who has
served capably for number Of years
and holds important committee as
signments, has an opponent Ill the
person of Mr.. Elijah White, a gentle
man wholly without experience in
public life. who seems to base his
claim to displace and replace faith
full and efficient representative en-
tirely on the ground that in addition
to his other pursuits rs banker, pro-
niotcr, speculator, he owns and cH!-
tivates some land in Virginia las
also does Mr.. Carlin) and is therefore
peculiarly needed in Congress at this
iuncture to voice the rights and
needs Of the farmers. OF the mo-
mentous affairs now absorbing the at
tcntion of every branch of the Gov
errment, affairs vitally affecting the
interest of every class Of the people,
he has no practical knowledge. As
q novice in the House he would have
no part n>shaping legislation and no
influence in securing its adoption. He
has none of the gifts or requirements
which in rare instances enable new
member TO become anything more
than locker Gu and a learner dur
ing his first term. Why should the
desire of an individual to assume IN
rntried role be gratifed at the cost
Of FORGETTING to the entire constituent
cy Of the Eighth district, the farmers
included, the services Of represen-
tative familiar with every phase Of
rs duty and fairly chargeable with
no shortcoming in the discharge Of
any? 1t is matter of concern~no
alone to the constituency referred to-
but to all the people Of Virginia, that
no unframed element should be in
PRODUCED to the States delegation in
Congress. 1t is Thoroughly uaired in
sentiment ard purpose on the sub
5ects which at this iurcture are OF
overshadowing importance to the en-
tire country. It occupies, as com
posed. position c. great weight in
TIE legislative boiy aud 1t has done !.