Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1886-05-11
Two WEST vIRGINIANs.
Senator Kenna and General Con, Dem
ocratic and Republican Uhairmen.


NeV York Star.
WASHINGTON, May S.-The selection Of
West Vlrginisns IS chsirmen Of both joint
congressional campaign committees is a
rather remarkable coincidence. Both
gentlemen are young, energetic and popu'
lar with their parties. John Kenna, al.
though the youngest Senator, has an old
political head on his broad shoulders. He
is experienced, shrewd, clear and agrees
ive.' and is the Presidents close personal
friend His political career is an illustra-
ton Of what can De accomplished by
straightforwardness, diligent application
and singleness of purpose. When very
young man, Mr.. Kenns was q Confederate
soldier in the ranks He served mostly in
Missouri. After the war he studied law at
Charleston, W. Va, his present home,
under very discoursging circumstances
For a time he seriously meditsted whether
he was not better fitted for newspaper work
than the law.
John climbed pretty fast. BE became
prosecuting attorney of his county and
from that went to Congress BE was kept
in the House six years, and was an indus
trious member. He did big thing for
his district by securing hundreds Of thou
sands in appropriations for the great Kan
swha i'm provemeut. Then he rose higher.
When the rich Senator Davis tired OF the
honors Of the Senate, kenrs go; his place,
and there he is now. HIS brilliant speech
IN defense OF the President from the as
ssult of the E1muuds Republicans broke
the backbone of the attack and gave him
a standing among public men which he
has not heretofore enjoyed. Bstore his
.peech he was regarded in Congress as a
frstrate fellow who was suspected Of some
ability, if he would only set about to show
it.
His lieutenant in the campaign will be
Hen,ucky's popular Representative, Tom
Robertson, who is the Secretary OF the
committee. Mr.. Robertson is great
friend OF Speaker Carlisle. and is pro-
uounced revenue reformer. On the o.her
hand, Chairman Kenna is not 80 p7o.
nounced q reformer, having always
affiliated with the protection wing OF the
party in the House. The combination is un-
doubtedly strong one, and some good
work for the continuance OF Democratic
asceudercy may be expected from them.
On the other hand, the Republican chair
man, General Nathan GOf who was select
ed at the Arlington caucus, il one Of the
young and rising men OF his party. he Is
new 10 Congress, this being his second
term; but he has long been the leading
Republican ofhis State He was once the
candidate of his party for Governor and
has led forlorn hope twice as the Repub
lican standard bearer in Congressional
rscss in Democratic district For many
years he was United States District Attor
new, and conducted besides an extensive
private Law practice When old Dick
Thompson sold out to De Lesseps and re-
tired from the Cabinet General Golf was
selected to FIJI out his term as Secretary OF
the Navy. Golf was the youngest briga'
der in the Union army. Inssmuch as
West Virginia is considered debsts-
bic ground in the coming campaign,
its has been suggested that the selec
ZION OF General Golf was Influenced By the
;, lion of the Democratic committee in &C.
lactinp oc"ator hennsi Out tn'S ID not
probable. Both geL''lsmsn were doubtless
chosen because they are young enerssHc
aud experienced politicians. EdTar@ NC
Pherson, the spubicsu Secretary 10 an
old-timer. Everybody knows Mcpherson.
BE is strong Blaine man, and Is thor
ougbgoiug machine politician. 80,
of the two chairmen it may be said that
one is poor and the other very well OF
Kenna has made good deal Of money,
but is prodigal. he believes In enjoying
Efe as he goes along and is altogether
very happy go-lucky sort ofs fellow. Gen
erai Golf is a careful and shreWd business
man and is the possessor, through good
management and by iuhsritauc9, OF the
largest fortune in his State.