Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1893-02-17
OUR STATE LEGISLATURE.
CHARLESTON, w. VA,
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believe that any other State can
show up body of men in such a
body that will compare more favora-
bly, in point OF intelligence and gen
eral ability. The membersare solid,
sensible, honest set OF men. They
put on no airs nor do they make any
great pretensions to style. But they
are level-headed and sensible and are
not liable to commit many legislative
errors. The one great need OF the
Legislature, we think, is leader
some strong. energetic man who can
and will push matters with an aggres-
sive force that is absolutely necessary
if any legislation is to be accom-
plished.
The House is composed Of II mem
bers. OF these 40 are Democrats and
81 Republicans. We do not see that
either side has an advantage over the
other in point OF good looks. The
members are industrious and atten'
tive to business, and few desks are
unoccupied. Our own Delegate Dan
bridge is one of the leaders on the
Democratic side, and is one Of the
most popular men in the House.
Stuart w. Walker, of this district, is
an able and watchful young man,
and he can smell Republican politi-
cal scheme mile off-and check it,
too. He is regarded as the Adonis of
the House. cambridge, Walker and
Albert Sydney Johnston constitute a
mighty good trio. The latter is the
editor OF the Monroe County Watch
man, and i. bright, earnest gentle
man who is watchful at all points.
These three Delegates have a big in
fluence in directing the affairs OF the
House. Mr.. Brosius, the member
from Morgan county, doesn't say
much, but he generally votes right.
Delegate Tabler, of Berkeley county,
the one Republican from this district,
seemed lonesome away over on the
extreme left.
Judge Edwin Maxwell and Mr..
FLOYD and Mr.. Edwards Of Kanawha
are the Republican leaders. Judge
Maxwell is Republican from top to
bottom and from center to circum-
ference. He can do more to aggra-
vate the Democrats in an hour than
the balance OF his side can do in a
week. He is not beloved OF Demo
Gratis. Some of them say his gall
overfiows We heard one big fellow
from Putnam say that he fully in
tended to throw Judge Maxwell out
OF the window before the session was
over. Mr.. Floyd is also a red-hot Re-
publican, although it has not been
many years since he was red-hot
Democrat. He looks good deal like
the late Senator Kenna. He poses
good deal on the floor. Mr.. Edwards
is refined looking man and is cul-
tured gentleman.
Mr.. Shaw the Speaker of the House,
fills the chair with ability and fair
ness, and is we'll liked.
The Senate only has &c members
81 Democrats and Republicans.
The President Of the Senate is Ran
kin Wiley, Jr., who is known to many
of our readers as member Of the
Board OF Regents Of the Normal
Schools. He makes first-rate pre-
siding officer. Business is conducted
in the Senate in a very decorous
manner. Senator Earl does not take
prominent part in the debates, but
he is an attentive observer and a
safe man. Senator Parks, of Berke-
ley county, has the reputation OF be-
ing one Of the hardest workers in the
Senate, and no man has a better in
fluence in the conducting OF business
than he has. His ability is conceded
by everyone, and he is agreed to be
most valuable man in his place. In
deed all the members from Berkeley
and Jefferson counties are noted for
their ability and courtesy. They look
closely after the interests OF their
constituents, and if you want to know
how we'll they treat their friends
from home, just come out and see for
yourself.
One OF the characters Of the Legis-
lature is Senator John L. Peck, from
Nicholas county. His speciality is a
song, THE West Virginia Hills"
which he sings at every opportunity.
Senator Peck has nerve in quantity.
He could sell nerve by the cord and
still have plenty left. There was
concert here Saturday night, at
which wa. gathered in the opera
house the beauty and fashion of the
town. Peck was on the programme
for a song. When his turn came
tall, country-looking man marched
out on the stage. 1t was Peck. Be
fore he began his song he made lit
tie speech. Then, without culver or
shade of embarrassment, with no &C
compartment OF piano or organ, he
faced the audience, and with whoop
began his song. His style reminded
us of an old-tim Methodist revivalist
at a camp-meeting. As he was con-
GLIDING the first verse four solemn
looking young men appeared from
behind the scenes and with heavy
tread marched across the stage and
stood in row just In time to join in
the chorus to The West Virginia
Hills" The tenor of this remarkable
aggregation had a voice higher than
high G on fiddle, while Peek roared
like the bull Of Bashan. or course
tba snnO hroupht down the hOuSe