The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1886-04-17
FlRsrnIsrnICr.
IhO Democrats Distracted About n Caudi.
date-.Too Many to ChO0uO From.
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dAts-.ToO Many to ChOOSO From.
special DtTaIch to ts lnislIOneer,
WAsuISGToN, D, u, April lG.-West
Virginia politicians in the city are dis
cussing with much interest the proba-
biliHes with reference to the Fitst Con-
gresslonal district, 1t Is very evident that
the Democrats intend to put forth their
best endeavors to redeem the district; and
there has been great deal CauCussing
ON the subject In Washington by the large
number Of Democratic politicians who
have been here during the past week.
1t Is evident that they are at somewhat
Of loss to decide upOl an available man
TO run as a candidate Tor General GoiF's
place, There are very few Democratic
politicians prominent enough in the First
district, who have not been identified
with one or the other Of the two leading
factions, and concerned in the fac!ional
strifes OF the party, their availability as
candidates being thereby made doubtful.
Two REQUISITES.
The policy Of nominating man who is
not entirely free from this objection Is be.
ing seriously considered as a dangerous
one, as they are exceedingly anxious that
the campaign shall have smooth failing.
Another question that Is being discussed
in this connection by the Washington
cauCusses is that Of how the nominee
shall stand upon tho tariff question.
Twice insuCCession have General GotI and
the Republicans OF the district forced upon
the Democrats and their candidates 9 dis.
Cussion OF this issue, and both times have
the latter been Obliged 10 either wave the
question or talk on both sides
Of 1t in order to stand in with
both elements In their party. It
Is thought, therefore, that a man who
stands recorded and pledged to the pro.
lection OF American Industries ought to be
nominated. But who shall lie be2 Ben
Wilson's name has besn mentioned, as q
uan who has All acceptable taril record,
but some think he Is Objectionable on &C.
count OF his identity with the Camden
ring and his friendliness to the Senator's
candidacy for reelection. The anti.CRm-
den men may "knifo" him, as they are
likely to "knilep Snyder in the Third dis
trlCt, and Gibson In the Fourth. John
Brannon Ia objected tO for the same reR.
son-exCept that he belongs to the other
faction, and would be "knifed" by the
Camden men.
LESSER LIGHTS.
Besides, they argue, his tariff views are
uncertain. Frame and PendIeton, in the
Wheeling end, would have the factlonal
difficulties to contend with; besides, they
are not well enough known In the lower
part ot the district, not 80 well known as
any OF the Republicans who are talked Of.
Hubbard, Dovener, Beall, Logan, or any
OF the able Republican leaders upon whom
the whole Republican party would unite,
would sweep the district against any oi
the men named. In fact, the CauCusing
has resulted in sort Of unanimous con.
Clusion that none Of the above named gen
tlemen are available men. Colonel Wilson
comes the nearest their ideal OF what the
candidate ought 10 be, but there remains
that objection | have already mentioned.
NARROWED DOWN TO TWO.
The discussion has narrowed down
until the managers are now arguing the
relative strength Of two men-John Bas.
sell, OF CIarksburg, and Judge John j,
Jacobs, OF Wheeling. Mr.. Bassell, they
argue, is an able man, splendid cam
paigner and ono whose record Is un.
tainted. He is counted among the Gam.
den crowd, but has never made himself
offensive TO the other fellows. About the
worst thing he ever did was to favor Nc
Graws appointment. Alderson's friends
may feel sore enough 10 oppose him for
that reason. 1t 10 also whispered that he
smiled approvingly when McGraw called
nWindy"Wilson q "howling demagogue, !"
but that was nothing TO his disCredit.
Notwithstanding the enthusiasm which
the mention Of Judge Jacobs name ere.
ates among the gentlemen who have been
fixing up the matter In Washington, they
frankly admit that lie would not likely be
strong man before the people. The
stalwart Democratic voters Of The First
district have not forgotten, say they, the
action OF Judge Jacob In bolting the reg
ular Democracy, running for Governor
aud defeating the regular Democratic
nominee. AS the present leader Of this
stalwart faction, Mr. Camden, was the
nominee then defeated by Jacob, their
fidelity TO him aud the memory Of that
campaign would cause a lukewarmness
on their part that would result In defeat.
RATHER MiIED.
So, taking all things into consideration,
| IL seems that the Democrats OF the First
District will be at loss 10 select a strong
candidate. Necessary elements are de.
liCient in the political makeup Of every
iAarl 90 far named for the place. On the
other hand, the Republicans meet here
from the district seem 10 be united on the
proposition that no matter who 10 rionl.
mated by the party convention, he will re.
Ceive the earnest support Of all. They re.
Rret Gen. COTS determination not 10 be
q candidate again, but are confident they
can hold the district with any other good
man whose nomination will be the result
Of the wise deliberations Of the Rspubll
can convention.
italians on the Ohio Rlvsr Railroad.
Spsrial DilpaIoh 10 IN Ipidlt0hoer.
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