Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-10-13
Vain G. o. Z. Hopes in Virginia

a TTEMPTS on the part OF the congress
4 sional committee to make further in
roads on Nirginia'S delegation apparently
are being centered on the Fifth District
where S. l.. Landreth is making a more or
less spirited fight for Representative
against Colonel Rorer y. James. This and
the Ninth. where the usual tense battle is
being waged. are the high spots in Virgina's
congressional campaign. Viewed at this
distance from election day, it may be
said that the Democrats have far better
chance of winning the Ninth and making
the State delegation solid for the party
than the G. o. =. has OF Wrestling the Fifth
from their control.
Colonel james is no inexperienced cam
paigner, no newcomer IL the political fray,
and the fact that in his opponent he has
man of admitted popularity and ability
only adds the zest and enthusiasm of u real
fight to the race. 1t is n battle to the
taste of the fighting Democracy in the Fifth,
and colonel James is proving himself an
adroit leader, just as he has proved him
self capable leader of the party in the
State OF which he is the chairman. AS an
organizer he has few equals in Virginia,
and that. added to the fact that lie is
known favorably to almost every man and
woman in the district, gives him a tower
ing strength that no Republican candidate
will be able to overcome Even with q can
ddate less able than the colonel, the Fifth
would stand true to its sterling Democratic
principles.
In the Ninth, Virginia's one stronghold
OF Republicanism, the customary spectacu
lar struggle is in progress, with perhaps
better chances of Democratic success than
in any campaign since Ex-Governor Stuart
came within handful OF votes Of victory.
Mr.. Slemp, saying he would never consent,
promptly consented to be a candidate again.
but he will have no walkover even if he
escapes defeat. Boiling H. Handy, a pop
ular lawyer, an ex-seryice man and a politi-
cal sirategist OF the FIRST order, is giving
the G. o. p. incumbent some uneasy mo-
inents, and, with the assistance he is be-
ing given by party leaders, it will not be
surprising II Mr.. Handy restores the Ninth
to the Democratic column.
Other districts where the Democratic
nominees are experiencing opposition pre-
sent interesting phases. but no very real
dangers. although some aggressive cam
pagns are being waged. In this, the Third
District, Mr.. Montague has independent op-
position, but there is no question of his sue
cessful return to the House, where he has
rendered notable service. In the Second
Mr. Deal, Democrat, is being made the oh
iect of all sorts OF combinations by the
followers OF Mr.. Landlord, Republican, but
while the outcome may be fairly close, it
is III no wise in doubt In the Sixth, Rep
reScntative Woods faces Republican Labor
coalition, with Mr.. Doak, labor organizer
as his opponent; but Mr.. Doak is so out OF
touch even with the principles OF his own
party that his campaign is making small
progress. So, in the Tenth, Mr.. Flood has
"a fight on his hands, led by an independent.
Mr. Grasty. official organizer OF The Farm
efs Union. But in none of these districts
is any political current flowing that would
indicate possible overturn of Nrginia's
usual Democratic majorities
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When women finally are accorded their
iul ana equal party rights, wonder If Vir-
ginia gallantry will be sufficient 10 Yield