Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-02-11
rEn arYupLIcAn COUNCIL.
The Election Postponemspt and the Ex
per;erce With Caacusses-

The Election Poetponemsnt and the Ex-
per;sres With Caacusses-
Notwithstanding their majority OF
one on Joint ballot, the Republicans in
Council are not altogether happy and
find that the course of politics does not
always run smoothly. 1t was conn.
IDENTIFY expected that the election oil
officers would take place on Tuesday
night and the postponemeut OF one week
was a matter OF surprise 10 many.
Since that time, a REGISTER reporter has
been endeavoring TO get at the true in
wardness of the delay, and with but in
different success. These Republicans
who would say anything at all about it,
said it was "too late, on Tuesday, after
the routine business was completed"
But it was said in tone which implied
"you can believe that or not, as you
choose"
But light dawned upon the truth.
seekers pathway yesterday, and he was
put in possession OF full statement OF
the facts. He met a Democratic brother
in law of a Republican Councilman,
who knew il all and who was not 50
proud OF it as to refuse to tell. Said he:
The cause OF the delay is very plain 10
nv mind. Itwas to enable John Haber-
field to take his seat and part in eau
Gus before the election. You see it was
a foregone conclusion that he would be
seated. Several Republicans said they
would be governed by the right in
this case, and 90 they were-the
Republican right You see the condi-
ton this First ward vote was in. There
were three counts and all Of them
correct, vet none OF them alike!
First they had 26S each and oil e
vote in dispute, making total OF
727. Then it was made 364 each and
one over, making I29. At last they
figured it 1863 for Haberfield, $50 for
Sweeney, and one in doubt, making
total of i24. This was considered cor
rect blythe Republicans, and they seated
Haberfield in spite OF Bakers minority
report and reasonable protest"
"Why, then, did they not proceed
with the election?
"They wanted to caucus again, though
they knew it would do no good. They
have had some experience with eau
cuses, and not pleasant experience,
either"
"How SOP"
"You have perhaps wondered
how they came to select n. b.
Scott as President OF the Sec
ond Branch. He is gentleman and
an affable and courteous one, but
no parllamentarian and many have
wondered at the selection. 1t happened
this way: Almost two weeks ago the
Republicans caucussed at Will Cowden's
office. Nominations were made for
President, and then vote was taken.
OF the Is ballots cast, Sam Laughlin re-
ceived 8, the remaining being divided
between Scott and Hildreth. Accord
ingly, Mr.. Laughlin was declared the
nominee OF the caucus. But evidently,
maiorities are such novelties to Repub.
licans in this section that they did not
understand the obligations OF a caucus,
and they proceeded to sound each man
to ascertain whether he would cheer
fully support Mr.. Lpughin. Mr.. WAL
ters declined. He said Mr.. l..
was a first class man, but lie
wanted Mr.. Scott, and Mr.. Scott he
would have. By George! he made all
the rest come to him, and Scott was
nominated
"How is it about oficers?"
"Worse and worse. They have had
several meetings 10 try and arrive at an
understanding, but without success.
There are among them several liberal
men who will not, upon occasions of
this kind, be tied down to party. They
want the best men. They again there
are others who feel they were elected by
Democratic votes and they should make
some returns. And they remember the
liberal doings OF the Democrats, when
they had full sway, and feel like re-
ciprocating. Well, then, men would
not agree to be bound by a
caucus and that is the end of it. Such
men as william b Simpson, X. F. Girls.
well, James McAdams and A. NJ. Wal
tiers you will find will vote for men and
not for party. OF course, other things
being equal, they would vote for Reput-
leans"
"You think, then, that mixed set OF
officers will be e.ected"
81 do; both because OF what i have
said and from policy"
"Why policy?
"This last election was scratch and
the Republicans must play their cards
well or at the next election must stand
from under. Many Democrats regard
the result as a judgment and are pleased
10 see it, So you see it is Republican
policy to play the gentle master"
You think, then, you have given the
correct cause for the postponement"
entirely correct. And to verify it,
you just keep your eyes open and see
ii they do not caucus again before
next Tuesday night and with no better
result. And there is another thing in
connection with this election-several of
the Republicans in The Second Branch
were elected by Democratic votes given
for pledges from the candidates. Fact;
and treasure the remark in your mem.
ory."