The Rep-Pop Convention
Roanoke Beacon
23 Sep 1898
The Republican and Populist County Convention was held at Pleasant Grove on Tuesday last, where and when the following fusion candidates were nominated: For House of Representatives, Thomas HOPKINS; for Sheriff, John L. PHELPS; for Treasurer, T.J. BASSNIGHT; for Register of Deeds, W.H. STUBBS; for Clerk Superior Court, W.M. BATEMAN; for County Commissioner, Geo. SPRUILL, W.H. HOWCUTT and Rufus SWAIN.
What of these nominees? HOPKINS is a fusing Populist, being the fusion candidate of the Dem-Pops two years ago for the same place. PHELPS is supposed to be a Republican, though he was a candidate for Sheriff two years ago before the Democratic convention. BATEMAN and SWAIN are classed as Populists. BATEMAN was the Pop-Dem candidate for Sheriff two years ago. BASSNIGHT, STUBBS, SPRUILL and HOWCUTT, the latter a negro, are old line Republicans.
