Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-01-10
VERY BADLY COMPLICATED.
Curious Condition Of Affairs i'm the West
Virginia Legislature.

Special Dispatch to THE EVENING STAR.
CHARLESTON, W. Va, Jan. 10-The legisla-
ture which was to convene at noon yesterday
was not called to order for some time after
ward owing to the desultory arrival of the
members, resulting doubtless from the strained
situation of affairs. Organization was effected,
however, with the advantage somewhat in favor
of the democrats, though the republicans ap-
pear to be confident
In the house il was smooth sailing and the
caucus nominees were chosen: Hon J. J.
Woods, of Ohio county, was elected speaker
John Hamilton, of Calhoun clerk; W. II. Gibbs,
of Roane, sergeant-at-arms, and A. W. Knott,
of Marion, doorkeeper.
The house then took a recess until 2:9O this
afternoon.
Upon reassemSling Secretary Of State Walker
delivered the election returns to the house,
with the exception Of Kanawah county's vote on
governor, together with a cofy of an in
junction from Judge Campbell, Of the tenth
judicial circuit, enjoining from laying the cer-
tiff cate of that vote before the legislature.
In the senate matters were very different
Each party seemed afraid of the other, and the
formality Of caucus was dispensed with 30 far
as president Of the senate was concerned. The
republicans made nominations for the other
Offices, and the democrats held no caucus at all
The republicans approached both Senators
Carr, of Kanawha, and Minear, of Tucker, but
both declined to go into caucus, and when they
found that Senator woodward, of Roane was
somewhat disaffected, their CONSERVATION was
supreme for the moment. The republican
leaders set to work at once with zeal TO
straighten out matters, for il was evident that
combination had been effected between Carr
and Minear and that everything depended upon
the action Of these two gentlemen.
ANEW ELEMENT OF UNCERTAINTY.
Matters are further complicated by the ap-
pearance of a new element in the situation.
The Knights of Labor have just held their an
nual state convention, and, Tuesday. passed
unanimously resolution requesting the labor
men in the Legislature not 10 caucus with or be
governed by either party. In the senate, Carr,
of kanawha; Kirk, of Putnam; Corcoran, OF
Ohio, and Harr, of Marion. are labor men, the
two former republicans and the two latter DEM
ocrats. Corcoran was chairman of the Knights
of Labor Legislative committee. One sugges-
tion is that the knights expect by this action to
bring about the election of one of their own
men to the United States Senate. IL the re-
publicans and democrats stick solidly TO their
men and the labor element hold aloof there is
no telling when or how the matter will end
Thus far the labor men refuse TO express their
opinions, and only say their course will be
known in time.
the organization of the senate yesterday by
the nomination Of Senator Carr for president
by Senator Minear and the nomination Of Sem
ator Minear by Senator Carr. Though Carr
was elected as a republican he received the
votes Of twelve democrats and Minear Mineaf
received eleven republican votes and that OF
Carr. One went 10 Senator Maxwell, Of Har-
rison.
As il was tie no election occurred. and Q
second, third and fourth ballot were taken. A
motion for a recess was offered and voted
upon thirteen times before adjoining till $50
and the matter left in that condition until to-
day when the fight viii be renewed this after
noon.
THE REPUBLICAN PROGRAM.
The republicans now propose to bring up to-
day the contest cases and unseat DIR. Yeater Of
the second district This and the sweeny case,
an account of which appeared recently in THE
STAR, are the only contests before the senate,
and IL these can be unsested and republicans
put in the election Of a republican Senator
would be assured. This course is suggested BY
. telegram from sistersville stating that siias
Smith, delegate from Tyler county, ID serionsy
iil at his home and will not be able 70 be pres
ent for some time. II IL rumored he has re-
signed but that lacks confirmation He VIII
not resign unless it IL found necessary 10 re-
of United States Senator. He ID from a strong
republican county.
Senator @. T. Price, the Oldest member, y
presiding, having called the house 70 order
and swore the new members in
Mr. O'Brien Charged with Conspiracy.
DuBxxx, Jan 1.-Two summonses 10 answer
charges Of conspiracy have been served %
Mr.. VIM. O'Erien, member Of parliament The
kial on the charges win take place Jsnp>ry -
TIE Ballplayers Or Tor Ceylon.
ADszAzDE, 6ouru AusTRAxxA, jan. 10.-Tha
Chicago and An-American baseball clnbs have
s.ilsd from here for Colombo, whsrs they ~