Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-11-14
The Senatorial Succession

IN determining the succession to Senator
l Thomas Martin. Governor Davis will, OF
course. be influenced only by his desire TO
select the man most worthy OF the honor,
who possesses the ability TO care for the
States interests at the national capital as
they have been cared for, and TO uphold the
dignity Of the Office as it has been upheld by
Senator Martin and the able men who pre-
coded him. 1t is not to be expected that any
man can attain quickly the prestige and the
influence which the senior Senator had
achieved for himself and his State through
quarter al d century Of painstaking. unSelish
labor and personal sacrifice. But there is
wealth OF available material from which the
Governor may choose In public as we'll as
in private life Virginia has many capable
sons. any one OF whom would reflect credit
upon it should he he requested by the Cover
to serve. One has only to look at the
roster to realize that the Governors task is
made difficult by the affluence Of splendid
material at his command rather than through
any paucty of men capable Of serving accept
ably at this critical time in the countrys
history.
For instance, there is Hal Flood, Repre-
sentative from the Tenth District, perhaps
the closest political friend OF Senator Martin
whose Statewide popularity often has been
attested, and whose standing in the House is
proof OF his sound craftsmanship There is
famous Mann-Tucker gubernatoriaI cam
pagn. long popular figure, recognized
authority on international law and Il publicst
OF epviable reputation. There is Carter
Glass. for many years Represent alive from
the Sixth District, author OF the Federal re-
serve banking system, now Secretary of the
Treasury and one OF the leading men of the
nation. And there is Andrew jackson Montn-
que. Representative from the Third District,
former Governor Of ho
strongest men in the State, who has been
recognized internationally and whose eIeva-
ton to the upper branch OF Congress would
meet the popular approval. There is Richard
Evelyn Byrd. former Speaker OF the House of
Delegates, one of Firginias outstanding
hgures. whose eyes are known TO have been
cast toward the governorshp but who would
prove as capable Senator as any now sery-
ing. And why not John Shelton Williams,
who has proved his bigness as COMPTROLLER
OF the Currency? His appointment would he
sufficient answer from Virginia to the Re-
publican Senators who for petty political.
Wall Street reasons have blocked the rati-
fcation OF his nomination for another term.
These are only few OF Virginia's public
men. any one OF whom the Governor might
select without danger OF making IA mistake
or mourning the popular disapproval. There
are many more, perhaps just as CAPABLE.
Should he turn from the men who have NOT
been SO prominently before the public and
seek Senator from the ranks OF private
citizens, there. too. he will find material as
rich aa any State can offer.
The Governor Is wisely keeping his own
counsel, hut it may be expected that when
his announcement is made his choice will be
found in keeping with the traditions OF the
high Office to which he is called man
worthy to take his place in line made famous
through his predecessors, and, above all
one who will support the administration in
its present trying days as cordially and as
Loyalty as il was supported by the Senator
whose place Is now vacant