West Virginia freeman. (Parkersburg, W. Va.) 1881-1886, 1882-02-08
WEST VIRGINIAFR FREEMAN.
OUR WHEELING LETTER.
How the Issue was Met, and the
VIII of the People
Defeated.
FEBRUARY 2, 1882.

FEBRUARY =, 1882.
1t was not my privilege to be
here on yesterday, and to hear the
discussion on MIR, Hubbard's
amendment to the proposed Prohi-
bition Amendment; but arriving
here this morning | went immedi-
ately to the Hall of the House of
Delegates, and found that body in
session. 1t was my privilege to oc-
cupy a seat by the side of Judge
Ferguson.
The Amendment is the special
order for II o'clock, and it is nearly
that time. "W:ll you proceed to
vote this morning?" | asked Mr..
Ferguson. 81 hardly know what
to do" he replied "Mr. Rowley has
gone home sick and will not return
for week-may be not this SEES
sion. Mr.. Dodrill is sick at his
room, and Mr.. Lowry is not in his
seat"
But before the conversation is
ended, the Speaker announces the
order Of the day, and on motion of
Mr.. Ferguson the resolution is laid
upon the table for the present. 1t
is soon ascertained, however, that
Mr.. Dodrill will come in when sent
for. Mr.. Lowry presently appears
in his seat, and after little consul
tation among the friends of the
measure, it is decided to proceed.
Now comes the test. This is the
hour to which we have looked for
ward with no ordinary interest.
Twice have thousands of voters
asked this Legislature to grant
them the privilege Of voting the
liquor curse out Of West Virginia.
All West Virginia is. watching.
Will they trust the people to de-
eide this great question 1t seems
to me | can almost hear the anxious
heart-beatings Of loving fathers
whose gray hairs are coming down
in sorrow to the grave, pining for
lost sons; and amid signs and tears
and unspeakable grief the prayers
of mothers and wives and sisters
going up, GLOW long, Oh, Lord,
how long?"
But there is no time for thought.
The Amendment is taken from the
table. Nobody wants to speak.
There has not been much discus
sion, but no measure has ever been
before West Virginia Legislature
that has received as much thought
and consideration as this. The
Clerk proceeds to call the roll &c.
M. Babb ?" "Aye." Crank Beck
with ?" "Aye,' Presently the name
of J. B. Crumrine, of Richie, is
called, and as he responds NO"
my heart sinks; for Crumrine told
me only last week he would vote for
the Amendment. | know we have
not single vote to spare, but the
call goes on. Mr.. Hack worth, of
Cabell, announces that he is paired
with Mr.. Rowley, of Mason. Mr..
Ferguson objects, as this is not a
question on which members can
pair off 1t requires two-thirds Of
all the members elected, and the
absence Of a member counts one
vote no, as effectually as if he were
present and so voted. 1t is well
known that Mr.. Rowlev would vote
aye, if present; but his absence is
vote in the negative, for which of
course he is not responsible, as he is
sick. Now if Mr.. Hackworth refrains
from voting that will count a mega
tive vote also. Mr., Hackworth says
that if required to vote, he will vote
no, so the effect will be all the
same. Several members object to
bad precedent, but as
it cannot effect the result, the mat
ter is passed and Mr.. Hackworth is
excused.
But troubles never come singly.
The next name called is J. L. Hall,
Of Barbour. Mr.. Hall announces
that he is paired with Mr.. Thomp-
son, of Putnam. If Mr.. Thompson
was present he would vote no, and
be (Hall) would vote aye. A mo-
ton is made to excuse him. Seve-