The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1882-11-22

prescribing imperatigely the tasks Of
legislation from which the FortY-sev-
enih Congress shrunk.
The Coming Legislature-Some
Suggestions.
Editor Register: Our State Legis-
lature meets in January.
Both branches, more especially the
House, will be composed largely Of
new members-men of good natural
minds, but inexperienced in parlia-
mentary usages and customs.
1t is perhaps fortunate for the flu
tnre of the Democratic party in West
Virginia, that the Republican mi.
nority will be larger this Winter,
in both branches, than it has been
for years past. This very fact will
necessitate the exercise of greater
prudence, on the part of the MAORI
ty, not only in the adoption of gene,
raj laws, but also in the selection Of
officers and standing committees.
From the start n party caucus will
be indispensable. The Democrats,
by virtue of their several aud joint
majority, in the Senate and House,
are clearly entitled to the organiza.
tion of both branches-from The Pres.
ident and Speaker down to the hum.
blest page.
| sincerely regret that the editor
Of the Point Pleasant Register, who
displayed such successful generalshit
in "whooping up" Democratic cauc
uses last winter, will not be there t.
render his valuable assistance to thai
end.
Fortunately, there will be no trou
Bile in securing Democratic uusnim
ity it the selection of a clerk for tn,
House of Delegates. If successful
experience, running through years
and eminent qualifications, proven
time after time, be any reCommenda
tion for continuance in office, then
take it the unanimous election, or
the part Of the Democratic member.
of the House, of the Hon. j. B. Pey
ton to the Chief clerkship, is u fore
gone conclusion.
The Importance TO a deliberately,
and, especially, legislative body, o
an experienced andimpartial presid
ing officer, is nearly, if not altogeth
er, equal to that of "a good Clerk.
am gratifed to see that the Democrat
ic papers Of the State, with except
ional unanimity, join in recommend
ing the Hon. JOS. j. Woods, of Ohic
county, for the Speaker.ship of TIT
House.
As parliamen!arian, he had ii
the last Senate, of which he was
distinguished member, but few, i
any, equals. Familiar with the rules
he has that quickness Of perception
which, joined with the promptnesl
Of decision, makes presiding office
power and help to deliberatiyt
body.
Comparatively young, he has nev
ertheless had the advantage Of an ex
tended legislative experience, having
been for many years u member tn,
State Senate.
Let us hope that no trivial quest
ions of local character-such as dis
trict pride-or friendly personal pref
erences, will he used, in the Demo
cratic caucus, to prejudice the select
ion Of Mr.. Woods, as the next Speak
er. O..
A decreased majority warns our
party leaders in the House, to exer
else more than usual caution an,
wisdom in the selection Of officers.
1t is proper, perhaps, in thesc
times of jobbery and interested
"puhs,' to add that this communica
ton has been prepared without tn,
knowledge or consent of Mr.. Wood
or any Of his immediate friends. L
has been prompted by what old Vir
gil dcnOminaled as the "noblest mo
tive" namely, "the public goodl'
A West VIRGINIA DEMOCRAT.
WASHINGTON LETTER.