Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1889-02-09
FLEMING's LAST RESORT.
He Uses the Party Lash to Count Out
Goff.

CHARLESTON, February 6.--The
Democrats completed the outrage to-
dav by which they hope to steal the
governors chair in the State. Their
series Of outrages against law, JUS
tice and the Constitution eliminated
in an action that, it is safe to say,
was never before tried in any legis-
lative body in the land. The prop
osition was so monstrous that no one
seriously believed it would be enter
famed. It was SO extreme that Dem
ocratic members themselves hesita-
ted. Yesterday it looked like 1t could
not be accomplished. Four Demo
Gratis, with the Speaker of the House,
boltcd the caucus dictation, and. for
the time, it was defeated. Last night
a conference ofthe Democratic men,
bers was held. It continued its sit
tings far into the night. Judge Tlem-
ing's attorneys were present and
practically controlled the delibera
tions. All OF the refractory men,
bers were there, with the exception of
Speaker Woods. The party leaders
cracked the lash over their heads as
was never before done in party
convention in this state. Finally
Fleming's attorneys drew up reso-
luton. 1t provides that the vote on
governor should be read in none of
the counties whose vote was yet to
be canvassed. There vas strenuous
objection to it, but ali objection was
drowned out. A motion was carried
making it the party policy. A COM
mittee was then appointed to inform
the speaker ofthis fact and what was
expected of him to-day.
Wood at first revoltcd at the idea
of reversing all his rulings and stul-
tifying himself at their demand.
Fleming and his attorneys labored
with him for hours, and threatened
political death unless he complied.
At length, it was arranged that
Woods should pair with Carr, the
independent Republican. When all
had been arranged the resolution was
presented this morning. The DEM
ocrats waited until enough counties
had been read in alphabetical order
to show majority for Fleming (;
| then it was sprung. The Republi-
cans protested fiercely, and exhaust
ed every parliamentary resort. The
debate lasted all day; and several
stormy scenes ensued. At last the
previous question was carried, and
the resolution put on its passage. 1t
was carried BY strict party yote-42
to 4l-and the outrage was complete.
1t simply amounts to robbing Gen.
Golf OF his prima facia right to the
governors seat, which the returns
would show if read and put upon the
record. The constitution plainly
says that the speaker Of the House
shall open and publish these returns.
In spite of this provision, the Demo-
Gratis determined to smother the
truth, and prevent any publication
of the vote.
The Republicans are furious but
helpless. Golf is not here, and his
action in the premises is not known.
The Republican party in this State
would sustain him If, on the 4th day
of March, he went before q notary,
swore in according to law and as
sumed the seat by force If necessary.
The leaders confidently believe that
the national government would re-
cognize him as the lawful governor.
If he took this course he would GER
tainly have better claim to the po-
sitiont than either Fleming or Wilson,
the present incumbent. Itlooks now
as ifa condition approaching anar-
chy is at hand. The constition and
laws of the State are no longer Of
binding force, and no one knows
what to look for next. OF course, 1t
is possible that the Democratic ma
jority of one may yet weaken or be
entirely wiped out, but il the action
to-day is any indication, there is lit
tie hope for Goff. The gubernatorial
fight has absorbed all interest.
There is nothing new in the contest
for Senator. The vote to-day stood,
Kenna, 40; Goff, AZ; scattering, I.
CHARLEsrox, W. Va, February t.
The outrage by which the Democrats
are trying to rob Goff, OF the Office,
to which he was fairly and honestly
elected by the legal voters of West
Virginia, was made as complete to-day
as the stage of the proceedings will
allow. Nothing remains to be done
but to hold a mock trial Of the contest
case before committee of artisans,
and toilet that committee rAnnrt aorain