Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1882-08-15
PROCEEDINGS Ar KEYsER,z
An Undemocratie, Convention Organ
lied by Reprehensible Methods.
a Minority Attempting TO Bulzaoze a Ma.I
joriy-Hoge Nominated By tie Minority
Lucas ly heIl Majority.


between the rival candidates whose names
would be presented to the Democrats Com
gressional Convention, excited more than the
usual interest awakened upon such occasions.
Many arrived on Thursday every train
brought numbers of anxious delegates. So
great was the assembled crowd that in spite
of the hospitality of the citizens of Keyser,
it was an impossibility to find accommoda-
lions for the swarms that gathered from the
various portions of the district, aud tele.
grams were sent Thursday night,-to those.
coming upon the late trains saying there was
NO more room, in consequence of which ma
ny sought resting place at Piedmont and
other places in tho vicinity, coming over in
the morning.
By half past nine all the clans had gath
cred. About The headquarters of Mr. Hoge
and Mr.. Lucas there was great activity, mem
bers of the different delegations coming and
going in endless confusion. Both sides were
girding on their armor for tho coming fray,
which none could doubt would be fierce, ag>
grsssiye and determined. -sisa
In Keyser the genius Of local option pre-
sides, but in spite of that reignipg sovereign,
king alcohol intrudes his reasonable press
ence, and much spirit was poured down to.
keep the spirits up. Some engaging too,
warmly in this contest with John Barley corn,
yielded to his potent Influence, and fell fight
ing manfully before the political battle had
begun.
Early in the morning the caucuses of both
sides were held, at which the preliminaries
of orgauizati ton were settled. Then came the
assemblage of the various county delegations
and the balloting among them for the mem>
bers of tho various committees.
1t was evident to any one Of ordinary pow
ers of observation that the followers of Judge
Hoge were the best organizers, for among
them were the professional politicians and
members of the cliques whose business it had
been to learn the trade of politics, and who
pull the wires of intrigue with skillful hands,
while Mr.. Lucas supporters were principally
men from the country districts, warm and
ardent in his cause, and superior in numbers
as in purpose-honest supporters of that dis
tinguished gentleman whose sterling democ>
racy is so widely known and SO universally
appreciated. One side possessed the greater
ability to organize, the other side the majors
ity of the voters and moro accurate repre-
sentasion of the people. 1t should be re-
marked that Judge Hoge had decided adj
vantage in having for his lieutenant Gen'l.
Sprigg of Hardy, who was Chairman of the
Congressional Executive Committee, in which
position he could call tho Convention to or
der, and in this way secure the temporary
organization. AT halfspast eleven that dis
tinguished, bold and active wire puller, ex>
ercising the duties of the above official posi-.
ton, of which he seemed not little proud,
called the Convention to order, and an
nounced that the Executive Committee had
chosen Wilbur F. Dyer, of Grant county, as
Temporary Chairman. AS the selection of
the Convention committees is supposed to be
just to all sides, and as a man comparatively
unknown is supposed to be fair until he has
shown himself unfair, no objection was made
to Mr.. Dyer assuming the duties of Tempo
rary Chairman. Sargent, of Barbour, Off
ciated as Temporary Secretary. Upon ceiling
the roll of counties, Pendlcton was found to
be unrepresented. AS the Wheeling Intel,
hgencer rather fairly reports the proceedings,
We hero extract from it as follows:
The fun began with a motion by the irre-
pressible Harry Worthington, of Preston, to
the effect that each delegation elect members
of the several committees This motion was
opposed by Cresap, of Randolph, who moved
that Preston county be left off all committees,
there being two contesting delegations from
that county. Pat Crogan, chairman of the
regular or Lucas delegation from Preston,
and "Junior" Brown, of tho contestants of
the same county locked horns over this SQUAD.
BILE aud engaged in a spicy set to amid great
confusion in the Convention. Sprigg iniict.
ed tedious speech on the body at this junc>
ture, to which Crogan responded in warm
terms. Again there were scenes of great
confusion on the floor, such as shouting cheer
ing and other uproarious demonstrations.
many of the delegates being on their feet and
refusing to observe order. Sprigg contiu.
ually interrupted Crogan amidst shouts of Sit
down." "You've had your say" 60. AT last
the indomitable Captain Chipley, of Hardy,
after many diseouraging attempts, finally got
the floor, and asked "Junia" Brown if he
was in the Preston county convention that
sent delegates to this body. Hero Crogan
So'eu ou1 Us, He was, anu ne stole the min.
utes of the meeting" Then followed fresh
outburst of excitement, which Sam Woods in
his pious way essayed to quiet in a speech
about how good it was for brethren to dwell
together in harmony. Under this soothing
syrup from Sam the delegates finally Quoted
down sufficiently to hear an amendment to
Crssap's motion that Guy Fairfax, of Preston,
be mate member of committee on creden-
tials. This was favored by Kercheval of Hamp.