Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-01-03
BYRD TO SUPPORT
TUCKER IN BATTLE
FOR G0vERNORSH|P
Member of Famous big
Four Of Organization
Announces Intention.
WILL USE ALL INFLUENCE
FOR LEXINGTON CANDIDATE
Backed Judge Mann in Memoir
able Fight Over Eleven
Years Ago.
is REGARDED AS SIGNIFICANT
Indicates Valley Aspirant Draws
Strength From All Factions
Of Party.
WILL USE ALL INFLUENCE
FOR LEXINGTON CANDIDATE
is REGARDED AS SIGNIFICANT
Indicates Valley Aspirant Draws
Strength From All Factions
Of Party.

Richard Evelyn Byrd, for years one
of the big -Four of the Democratic
organization in Virginia. yesterday
authorized the statement that he
would support Harry st. George
Tucker. OF Lexington for the nomi-
nation for Governor next August.
That Mr.. Byrd would back the VAL
ley mans candidacy has been tho
choice OF political gossip for several
days among few who had heard
such development hinted When
he was requested to confirm the
iumor. Mr.. Byrd had no hesitancy in
declaring that he will use all the In
nuence he possesses. on behalf of Mr.
Tucker.
Determination by Mr., Byrd to lend
his support to the candidacy OF the
Lexington aspirant is taken as an
other Significant development in Vir-
ginia politics Indicating that Mr..
Tucker. drawing strength from every
conceivable wing OF the party. Will
sweep the State for the office to
which he aspires.
Was Supporter of Mann.
Over eleven years ago, when. after
one Of the most spectacular contests
In the Old Dominion for political
honors. Judge William Hodges Mann
defeated MIR. Tucker by small mar
gin for the Sovernorship. AIr. Byrd.
then 4 powerful factor In the direc-
ton Of the party organization, was
All active supporter OF the Nottowny
candidate. lie is brother-!n iaw Of
Representative Hal ID. Flood. Sof the
Tenth Congressional District who
Was frequently mentioned. until he
definitely stated his position n short
time ago. as Il possible opponent OF
Mr.. Tucker for the nomination. Mr..
Byrd. with Senator's Martin and
Swanson and Mr.. Flood were. some
time before the death of the senior
Senator, popularity known through
out the state as the big Four"
The entry OF Mr.. Byrd upon the
stage as real political leader in
Virginia dates back to 1908, when he
was elected Speaker OF tho House OF
Delegates. He filled this position for
three terms, through the sessions OF
1908. 1910 and 1919. being succeeded
In 1914 by Edwin p. Cox, who also Is
an ardent supporter of Mr.. Tucker
the distinction OF being one OF the
first leaders OF the party in the state
to advocate woman suffrage. having
given his support TO a measure de-
signed TO amend the State Constitu-
ton. allowing women to vote. many
years ago. He was also one OF
earliest stanch advocates in Nir-
Ginla OF prohibition. AS author O..
the Byrd bill. limiting the authority
OF judges TO grant licenses for saloons
in the counties OF the Old Dominion.
he went step farther in those days
than Judge William Hodges Mann.
author OF the celebrated Mann law.
Original Wilson Man.
|. AS the original supporter in Nir-
Einin OF Woodrow Wilson as the
nominee of the Democratic party for
President in 1912. Mr. Byrd had the
satisfaction of seeing his work bear
fruit in the election OF the progress
sive New Jersey Governor. who was
his classmate at the University of
Virginia. to the highest Office within
the gift of the people.
Mr. Byrd recently resigned as
United States District Attorney for
the Western District OF Virginia.
after distinguished service OF sew
cral years. While he is In Richmond.
where he maintains law offices. most
OF the time, his home Is in Winchcs
ter, His son. Harry Flood Byrd. rep
rcsents that district in the State Sem
ate. and his former law partner,
Judge Thomas w. Harrison. repre-
sents the Seventh District in Con-
gress