The Washington times., 1920-10-29
HOT FIGHT ON
ND. SENATOR
D. C. Residents Much Interest.
ed in Strong Race Being
Made by Weller.

With the election only q few days
away, reports from various Mary
land districts indicate that the final
lap Of the senatorial race between
Ovington E. Weller. Republican
candidate, and Senator John Walter
Smith, who Is up for reelection
promises to be neck to neck.
MUCH LOCAL INTEREST.
More than $500 residents OF Wash
ingtpn who are entitled to vote in
Maryland are taking more than usual
interest In the senatorial race because
they have been impressed by the fact
that o. f. Weller. a former Govern
ment employe in Washington. 10 TAX
ing a live interest in District affairs.
Pledging support to better District
legislation. Mr.. Weller has made
steady gains during the final weeks
OF the campaign in sections OF the
State that have been counted hereto
fore as strongholds for Senator
Smith.
Mr.. Weller is known as the build
er of Maryland's State road system.
recognized as one Of the best In the
United States. Advocates OF better
roads and streets in the District have
received assurances that the Repub-
lican candidate, IL elected to the Sem
ate. will do his utmost to put through
generous appropriations for washing
tons neglected streets.
WELLER FRIEND TO DISTRICT.
Long associations in the National
Capital. Republican leaders assert.
would make Weller a valuable friend
to the Dist trict in the Senate; a friend
who would understand the problems OF
the thousands OF Government en-
ployes here from the viewpoint OF be-
ing a former employe himself.
Some twenty-five years ago Weller
lived and worked In Washington. He
was a clerk in the Postoffice Depart
ment. Later he practiced law in the
District and always has been in close
touch with District affairs.
While Democratic leaders still
cling to hopes of carrying Maryland
for Gov. Cox and Senator Smith, a
drift toward the Republican candi-
dates in the final weeks of the cam
paign has caused serious uneasiness
in their ranks. Weller's personal
popularity and his achievements in
putting over the Maryland State
budget system and highway system,
are strong points in favor of his
After many years of falling health.
Mr.. Weller was recalled to the pub
lie service by Governor Goldsborough
and appointed to the Maryland Good
Roads Commission. In 1912 he be-
came chairman of the commission.
Under his administration the COM
mission expended $16.o00,0O0. built
1885 miles OF excellent roads and not
a breath Of scandal crept into the
work or management. A major part
of this money was voted for the
by a Democratic legisla-
ture.
MADE RACE FOR GOVERNOR.
So great was the appreciation OF
Maryland over the work he had done
nominee for governor in 1915. He
was defeated by Emerson c. Har-
rington, Democratic nominee. but he
polled n vote greater than had ever
been polled by any Republican candi-
date for Maryland seeking office. He
received $500 more votes than were
cast for President Wilson, who car
ried the State in 1916, and only a few
less votes than received by Presid, mt
Mckinley, who swept the State in
1895.
Building their hopes on this dem
onstration OF popularity, Republican
leaders in Maryland are predicting
confidently that Senator Smith, Demo-
cratic nominee for reelection, will
be nosed out in the final lap Of the
race.
Supporters OF the two candidates
are lining up Maryland voters in the
District OF Columbia, with a result
that the number Of voters going into
Maryland from this city will be un-
precedented. Government employees
who are Interested in the candidacy
of Mr.. Weller as former employe
are working actively in his behalf