New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-08-04
L. +. DAVIS FOB GOVERNOR.
REMARKABLY SCENE IN THE WEST VIRGINIA
REPUBLICAN, CONVENTION.

AN ovTBURST OF ENTHUSIASM FOR THE SECRE-
TARY OF wAR-MR ELKINs, HOWEVER,
HAD POSITIVELY DECLINED TIE
NOMINATION.
Huntington. w Va, Aug. 3.-Thomas f.
Davis of Taylor County, was nominated for
Governor by the Republican State Convention to-
night by acclamation after the first ballot The
convention was the most enthusiastic, thoroughly
earnest and good natured political body that has
met in West Virginia in many years. There were
numerous candidates for all the Offices 10 be filed,
but it was plain that for Governor the convention
wanted one of two men, Secretary Elkns or
General Nathan GoH, recently appointed a Judge
Of the United States District Court, who was
elected Governor in 1888, and was counted ont
by the Democrats General Gof was, Of course, in
such position that he could not accept, and
Secretary Elkns was similarly situated. Both
positively declined the honor, but the convention
was determined and would have named Secretary
Ell1ns who was its chairman, even after his dec'l-
nation, had he not positively repeated it.
A misunderstanding OF the position of Messrs.
Elkins and Gof was the canse Of the pcrSistcncy
Of the delegates, but when it was cleared up they
were almost as enthusiastic for Davis, who Was
recognized as n strong man, popular with his
PARTY.
There was a remarkable scene in the Republican
State Convention this afternoon. Secreaiy FL
Sns Ind pcrernptorily declined TO accept the nomi-
nation for Governor. He was in the chair as
permanent chairman, and had made powerful
speech. When nominations for Governor were
called, Mr.. Elsins named. lie refused to
recognize the speaker. Then followed such
scene IL sometimes witnessed in q national
convention but rarely a State convention. Men
stood benches and yelled for Elkins 1hey
said he had TO accept 1t was impossible 20 re-
store order Minute after minute Went by and
stili the shouts for Elkns went on.
Finally there was a motion to take n recess
1t was not carried, but Chairman Elkins said it
WAS, and before the convention knew 1t, he had
left the chair After supper the convention was
cooler Secretary ElkinS acknowledged the hand
some tribute and said there must he no more
mention Of his name II was all that his friends
could do, however, to prevent his nomination by
acclamation.
Upon taking the chair, at the afternoon ses-
sion Secretary Elkms predicted successful issue
in Noevmbcr and gnvc figures and reasons for
his prediction Mr.. Elkns set at rest the ques-
ton Of his residence in West Virginia by saying
that he had done moving, and expected 10 live
and die IN the little mountain State.
The platform adopted is Splendid document,
and is strong in every plank. II calls attention
10 the importance Of the protective tariff n "A
State like West Virginia. which depends upon
her coal lumber. salt and iron manufactures for
prosperity 1t arraigna tie Democracy for
pronlgacy in the matter Of expenditures in the
State government, misappropriation of school
funds, Illegal and improper evying Of taxes and
a mo.t ncNcusable and outrageous gerrymsnder
Of Congress and State Senate districts. The vote
Of West Virginia is pledged TO the Republican
candidates this fall the first break Of the Solid
South
The platform iudorsc- Harrison ard Reid and
the Republican National platform believes the
Mckinley act 10 he one the best ever passed by
an American Congress: rcoiccs that the tariff is
not involved in the Homes cad affair opposes
such invasion by Pinkcrton men; assures the
rcnpc that there will bc no deputy marShals az
tie polls in West Virginia this year, denounces
the Democrats for breaking their prouiSS for
rNtrayagancc particularly in public printing. the
ncreas, Of ofcc-holdcrs and the increase OF taN"s
and for rctardnS the progress of the state. IL
dcnouncc, the act Of the LEGISLATURE in refusing
10 scat General Gof, ard calls on the people 10
show their disapproval OF this outrage at the polls
After the adoption of the PLATFORM nominations
for Governor were begun. An effort was made 10
nominate Secretary Elkins by acclamaton, but hr
would not entertain the motion. An effort WIS
made 10 nominate X-District-Attorncy Atkinson,
but hr declined. and nominated Thomas l.. Davis
An hour and n half spent in nominating
speeches. Atkinson. Duyal. Mrnagrr Morris, Davis
and Cooper being nominated, when man from
Kanawha named Smith, got up and said that
Elkins was the only man who could unite The
party. m
Then came the outburst. The delegates rose
and waved hats and handlcrchicfS the band played
and cheer after cheer rent the air. After hNr or
SiX minutes, Mr.. Atkinson came out ana sad Nlr
Elkins wanted a couple of hours To consider the
matter and a recess was taken until o'clock.
The call OF the counties was then continued
and by tho end Of the roll, George v. Atkinson
Of Ohio County: Thomas f. Davis. Of Taylor .
T. ". Morris, of Ritche j. H. Mrnager, Of Mason :;
l. II. Duval, Of Brooke John Cooper, of Mercer
and T. T. Jacob of Wet2cl. We're named. ne
last three were withdrawn and the first ballot
begun. Rcfore il was ended All the other canil-
,lates withdrew in favor of Davis who Ms noni-
mated by accamation. Nlr Davis Is wealthy
business man, IL Grafton banker and Stat" ScnaIor
from his district -.
For Auditor, j. $. IIyer, Of BraNton: {. W.
Hall, Of Kanawha: g. W. Scnscny, of ono; /.
W. Duval OF Brooke and :. W. Wiley OF sum
mcrs, were named. ilyer was slightly ahead on
tire first ballot when Wiley was withdrawn III
favor Of lIyer and Senseny and llal Tor DnNai
The Icsulr on the next ballot was announced rs
follows: Hyer, Alb: Duval. 34'. lIycr was de
clared the nominee NJ IL 10, when the convention
adjourned until tomorrow morning.