St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-12-12
WEST VIRGINIA MIDDLE.
a Ridiculous Contest Inaugurated for
the GubernatOrial Chair by a
Temperance Crank.
special Telegram to the Globe.

WHEELING, w. Va, Dec. IA singular
complication has arisen in West Virginia
state politics, which, though it is foolish and
useless to the last degree, may occasion some
little trouble, and will surely create great
deal of interest. AT the general election on
October IA, L. Wilson, the Democratic
nominee, was duly elected governor by
majority of 4, 9s5. at the Presidential elec-
ton, November 4, about 1,200 tickets were
found scattered among the ballot boxes Of the
state containing complete state ticket headed
by the name Of David McGregor for COVER
nor. The fact was given little heed and was
almost forgotten. When now McGregor
comes to the front and formally notifies
Wilson of his intention to contest his seat
as governor on the ground that he (Me-
Gregor) was lawfully elected, whereby hangs
u tale. In January, 1888, the legislature
adopted joint resolution, proposing an
amendment to the constitution, changing
the time of holding the general election from
the second Tuesday in October to the first
Tuesday after the first Monday of November
which proposed amendment was to be sub
mitted to the people for ratification or rejec
tion on October IA, 1884.
At the time Of the adoption of the Joint
resolution an interesting discussion was car
ried on through the state press, the substance
of which was this: One of the leading pa
pers contended that If the people ratified the
amendment in October, it would take effect
immediately, and second general election
would be necessary under the constitution
in fha follnxrfurr Ao-
ton was fairly hooted at, and, after some Of
the ablest lawyers of the state had written
voluminouslY against it, it was dropped and
heard of no more. At the election
on October II the amendment was duly rati-
fed, and West Virginia passed from the roll
of October states. The amendment was de-
clared ratified and was forgotten, when now
Mr.. McGregor revives the old discussion by
his contest.
1t transpires that the several candidates
voted for on this singular ticket had held a
caucus, and, deciding new election nee
essary under the amendment, had Quietly
nominated themselves and circulated the
temperance ticket. No other candidates
were voted for, and now they claim
the election of their candidates and
propose to contest every Office. The law re-
quires such contest, after legal notice has
been given by each side, shall be before the
Legislature, and prescribes the course of pro-
cedure. But as no members of the legisla-
ture were voted for on the temperance ticket,
where will these contestants carry their
claims2 Since to take them before the legis-
lature would be to admit its election and
consequently Mr.. Wilson'S also, Mr.. Nc
Gregor says he viii ignore the legislature
and go direct TO the supreme court
if necessary, and procure writ Of
prohibition. Your correspondent asked
| Gov. Jackson for his views of the case.
''It must necessarily fall" said he. ssThe
legislature will not stultify itself by declaring
itself not legally elected, which it certainly
must do to consider the McGregor claim
Two of the four judges of the supreme court
were chosen at the same election, and Of
course they would not declare themselves in
illegal possession Of their seats on the bench.
This conception of the effect of the amend
ment is entirely falacious, and it is foolish
in the extreme to suppose it could be re-
trosctive In effect.''
This is the opinion of every prominent
man in the state, but McCregor insists on
his contest, and says he viii present himself
at the seat of government for Inauguration,
and viii certainly take the oath of office. He
has for years been temperance leader in
the state, is rampant Democrat, aud for
two terms held down seat in the state
senate. He is man of wealth, and will
spend his money freely. In the interest of
law and right, the case is being commented
upon by the state press, and promises to be
interesting when the legislature assemblies
on the 18th of January.