The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-07-27
wESr VIRGINIA POLITICS.

~
ober-ytews OF the Democratic
Nominee for GOvernor-The State
claimed for Tiiden and Hendricks
The Democratic Money Plank Ac-
eeptsble.
correspondence New York Herald.
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, w. Val
July 22d, 1876: !
West Virginia's FIVE electoral votes are
put down by Democratic politicians as
safe for Tilden in November, and, as far
rs present information goes, the indica-
lions seem to justify that assumption.
Local Republican leaders, however, claim
that with proper organization of the
party, and q supply of the sinews OF
war from the National Republican
Executive Committee, they can carry
the State in October and November
too. "If," said q noted Greenbrier Re-
publican, who is an aspirant for Congress
and for the Governorship, "the National
Executive Committee would give MS
$4,000 we could carry the state with all
ease, but of course ! don't want you to
mention that, rs it would look as though
We lacked strength" There has never
been an election IN the state which has
properly tested the relative strength Of
the parties, but the best sources of infor-
nation and authorities estimate the DEM
ocrotic majority at about s, 600, divided as
follows:-First Congressional district,
1900; second, $500; third. 1000. With
this assumed strength the Democrats will
90 into the October fight hopeful and
almost confident OF success, but the Re-
publ,cans claim that this 5000, if it ex.
lists it all, can be easily overcome by the
adoption of a good local platform at Par
kersburg on the 9th instant, and the
nomination of good Republican ticket.
Both the parties are divided on the
money question, and on local issues,
which makes the contest doubtful one
from any standpoint of calculation. The
Democratic State ticket and platform
put forth at Charleston on the Sth of
June last, are strong and acceptable to
that party; the latter being so peculiarly
constructed as to meet the wishes
of all its factions. 1t is e1-
pected that the Republicans will, on the
9th, nominate an unexceptionable state
ticket, with United States District At
torney Gofi as their candidate for Gov
ornor, and adopt such a platform as will
catch q large majority of the Granger
element and the Independent vote, which
they claim will give them the State. A
vigorous campaign is looked forward to,
and the Democratic leaders are of the
opinion that the November fight will
really be made in October. This would
probably be good policy with the party,
ss perhaps it would be more advisable TO
make sure Of West Virginis's FIVE votes
than try to capture Ohio's twenty-five.
Hon. Henry NJ. Mathews, the present
Attorney General and Democratic pomi-
nee for Governor, was here few days
since on his way to meet the State EXecu.
tive Committee at Grafton to assist in
mapping out pan of campaign Hav-
ing q previous and very agreeable &C.
quaintsnce with the prospective Gov
srnor remarked, IL see West Virginia
is an October state. Do you spprehend
much Of contest"
Mr.. Mathews Yes, it is an October
state. l have no doubt of our success in
the state election and feel confident that
Tilden will carry the state in November.
1t is true that West Virginia gave Re-
publican majority in the national con-
tests in 1868 ard 1879, but this Is suscep.
,ible Of easy explanation. In 1868 no
one was allowed to vote unless be would
TAKE THE TEST OATH.
And many Union men who could take
this oath were either not registered or
their names were stricken from the list
OF registered voters when it was believed
they would not vote the Republican
ticket. In 1872 numbers of Democrats
would not vote for Greeley. Some Of
voted for Grant. West virginia. is thor
oughly Democratic.
Correspondent-Whst effect will your
state election have on the national csm-
psign, or will it have any?
Mr., Mathews-I don't suppose that
the election in this state will materially
effect the national campaign. 1t is, l
think, conceded by both parties that our
state ticket will be elected. The Reput.
licsns, however are organizing. and will
do all they can 10 reduce, If possible, the
Democratic majority Our party is now
more thoroughly organized, united and
harmonious than it has ever been before
CONSEQUENTLY is currently report.
cd, and to some extent believed that
West Virginia is greenback State, and
that like The Ohiosns, the people are
somewhat dissatisfied withfthe financial
plank in the St Louis platform. Is this
the case?
Mr.. Matthews-The people of West
Virginia are not think, in favor Of
imitation. In some portions Of the State
the people would have preferred diff
fsrent financial plank. Still, all West