Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-10-26
WEST VIRGINIA.
eITTeResT CoNTesT-ThE CARPET
BAG AND TEST-oATH ERA
uarp,fcent Tarin-Reform BattIe-8e-
pubIicans Show the White Feather
state and Congrcssionsi
rs,oc,,l telegram TO tho Dispstch.l

WHEELING, W. VA, October 20. The
State OF West Virginia is now IN th'
tbroes of one of the bitterest politica
contests that has been waged within it
borders since the reorganized Democra
cv wrested the State from the carpet
baQgers and test oath statesmen in 1870.
Since 1880, when the Democratic MAORI
~ reached its food, the Republicans
have been making rapid and steady
gains Bold and INSCRIPTIONS leader
ship, supplemented by internal OLSEN
sions among their opponents, has
brought them into position now
10 make desperate fight for control OF
the State. The close contest OF 1883,
when hundreds OF Virginia and North
Carolina negroes were imported by the
Republican managers and gave Golf an
apparent majority, intensifies the in.
terest in the fight. The gubernatorlal
contest is being made leading issue.
Goff himself is on the stump for the Re-
publicans, and Elkins and host OF
lesser lights arc doing active work. The
Democrats, on the other hand, while ac-
cepting the issue of the gubernatorial
contest, have not confined their attention
to it alone
GREAT PLATFORM ORATORS.
A magnificent tarif-reform battle is
being fought in every county and dis
trict. A force Of orators, headed by
such noted speakers as Senators henna
and Faulkner, ex-senator Camden, Gov
ernor Fleming, Ex-Governor L. W. VIII
son. Hon. William L. Wilson, ex-Secre-
tarv-of- State Henry S. Walker, District
Attorney G. G. Watts, and Attorney
General Caldwell are making a canvass
which was never before equalled IN
West Virginia. Meetings of unpa-
rallt led size and enthusiasm are being
held in every school precinct. Repub,
lican orators have been nearly forced
ont of the field. Gof, Hubbard. Har-
mon, and Smith, the three latter being
Republican candidates for Congress,
have been challenged to Joint debates
and have been forced to show the white
feather In this sort of an educational
campaign the Democrats put their faith,
and the evidences are that they will be
abundantly successful.
JUDGE DANIEL d. LUCAS.
The only State officer to be elected is
n Judge of the Supreme bench. For
this position the Democrats made sig
nifcant nomination. Their standard
bearer is Judge Daniel b. Lucas, the
man who in 1887 lead the legislative re-
volt against ex-senator Camden and de-
feated him for reelection. Lucas was
nominated without opposition, and with
the enthusiastic approval of Camden
and his followers. His candidacy IS
pledge Of restored harmony in the
party, and proof that the Demo
cracy will fight unitedly and solid
" for victory. Lucas is immensely
popular among the agricultural classes.
Reynolds, his opponent, is railroad
lawyer Of no especial capacity, and Re-
publicans themselves concede h-S defeat
by at least l, 200 majority.
CONGRESSIONAL OUTLOOK.
The congressional situation is unusu-
ally interesting. In the First district
George w. Atkinson, the Republican
who was given Congressman Pendleton's
seat by the present House, was turned
down by his party in spite Of the Demo
cratic challenge to renominate him, and
w. 2. Hubbard, COTS leading counsel
in the gubernatorial contest, named in
stead. Pendleton was renomlnated by
the Democrats, and is making a gallant
Eight. In an interview with the Dis
oatch's representative this evening he
,laimed his own election by 600 majority.
Odds of three to two are given on him in
betting quarters.
Wilson'S DISTRICT.
In the Second district Hon. William
+. Wilson, the distinguished tariff re-
ormer, is opposed by George Harmon,
|, farmer and follower of Steve Elkins.
The district is very close. Wilson's ma
ority in 1886 was only 90. In 1888 it
vas 375. A desperate fight is being
made against him. acknowledgements
Commissioner Mason, whom Wilson de-
eated in 1882, is using all the power of
ais Office against him. On the other
hand. Wilson is making a great fight.
The Democratic leaders are rallying 70
MS support more solidly than ever be-
ore, and nothing less than the lavish use
If money will defeat him.
TO vISDICATE HIM.
A similar condition OF affairs exists in
he Third and Fourth districts. The
Democrats renomiDated Hon. John ID.
Anderson in the Third, and thereby
proved their confidence in the honesty
If his election. The Republicans re-
used TO renominate Mc(iinnis, who was
lis competitor in 1888, and named The
,philus Gaines, of Fayette county. The
is unpopular. McGinnis's
friends will knife Gaines, and the dam
,erous split among the Republicans in
Kanawhs county will cause him to lose
heavily.
In the Fourth district James Capehart,
popular farmer and leader IN the ALI
nee movement, is the Democratic nomi-
leo against {. Il. Smith, who was the
irst Republican seated on a contest by
he present House. Smiths appoint
nents have been very unpopular, and
will lose him many votes. The district
$ the most safely Democratic in the
state. and Capehart will certainly be
elected.
STATE PROSPECTS, DOUBTFUL.
The Legislative situation Is enveloped
n doubt. Owing to the peculiar APP
)ortionment it Is possible for the Re-
Dublicans TO carry the Legislature and
ose the rest of the State, but such
. thing is not probable. The Demo
rats. however, realize the importance of
carrying the Legislature and will make |
very honest effort. In the First and |
Ninth districts they will gain two sena-
ors, which Will give them decided ad-
Iantage. From careful review of the
situation the prediction is justified that
It least three Of the congressman TO be
elected in West Virginia this fall will be
Democrats. A Democratic Judge will
70 elected, anda Democratic Legislature
gill be chosen to redistrict the State.
A Friend OF tho Dispatch.
LEwIsBURo, W. Va, Oct. %, 1890.
To tho Editor Of the Dispatch:
All honor To the DISPATCH. | also