Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-06-11
REPUBLICAN CONVENTION
Of Belmont County, Ohio Will Con-
vene at Bridgeport
To-Day Promises to be a Very
Exciting One-The Different Can
didates and Their Prospects.

mont county, Ohio, which will be held
in Bridgeport to-day, promises to be a
most exciting one because of the large
number of candidates for the different
offices and the interest aroused by spir-
tied contests for delegates at the pri-
maries in many precints.
The nomination of Howard Kirk for
Treasurer, L. E. Emerson for Clerk,
and Chas. Wright for Inhrmary Direc-
tor is conceded and will doubtless be
made by acclammation.
There are five candidates for Auditor,
namely, Aldridge, of Martins Ferry;
Murphy, of Belmont; Bradley Smith, of
Bridgeport; Longley, of st. Clairsville,
and Bond of Morristown, and their
present strength is about in the order
in which they are named, but in the
event of a deadlock, which is likely to
occur. between the three first men
toned, it is not improbable that Long
ley. who is identified with the taXpay-
ers' movement, may be chosen. Aid
redge made the race against the pres
ent incumbent two years ago when his
chances for election were acknowledged
to be hopeless, and this fact is being
urged as a reason for his renomina-
ton.
The primaries reduced the number
of candidates for Recorder from nine
to six, but the choice of the convention
was left a question of as great uncer-
tainty as before, and it is impossible
to make even a decent guess as to who
it will be.
The Office of Commissioner has an
attraction for fairness which seems TO
be irresistible, and as usual there are
number of candidates for the place
from the rural townships, but the i'm
portance of nominating a capable bust
ness man for this office is beginning to
be generally Recognized, and there is a
strong probability that George Wise,
of Pultney township, whose fitness is
admitted by everyone, may be nomin-
ated notwithstanding the fact that the
delegates from his own township have
been set up in the interest Of Blackburn
for Representative.
The lovliest fight of the convention
will be over the nomination of two
members Of the General Assembly.
There are six candidates: c. ]. How
ard. of GAINESVILLE; J. E. Blackburn,
of Bellaire; A. II. Mitchell, of St. Glars
vile; James Cope, of Colerain; Abner
Wilkinson, of Jacobsburg, and e. B.
Armstrong, OF Armstrong; Mills.
II 70
his nomination is being urged purely as
matter Of political expendency, as his
township has not been favored by a
place on the ticket for several years.
However. it is rumOred that notwith-
standing the apparent solid front which
the delegates from Warren presents,
there is a larger faction in the town
ship. who would not be disappointed
mt Howard's defeat, as it would open
the way for future nominations OF
other favorite sons.
Blackburn, of Bellaire, IS the poll
ticians' pet He is not relying upon his
popularity, but he is depending wholly
upon the shrewdness of his political
hackers and their ability to manipulate
the convention in his interest. In or
der to have the delegation from his own
township solid it was necessary to
suuelch George Wise's boom for Com
missioner, and this was effectually
done. Notwithstanding, Wise has a
large and respectable following in Putt
new and is the prime favorite for Com
missioner among the people OF the
whole county. The fourteen delegates
of Pultney are, therefore, under the
absolute dictation of Blackburn and
their votes are being bartered around
among the different townships where
they may bring the greatest return
The candidates for other offices are so
numerous, however, that this plan may
not be very effective.
There is evidence, amounting almost
to positive proof, Of an agreement be-
tween Blackburn and Howard that IN
the event of the latter's nomination his
strength shall 90 to the former, and
unless the field combine to break this
combination It will doubtless be sue
cessful A movement is on foot TO be-
gin at the minor offices and nominate
unwards and should their effort sue
coed Howard and Blacburn Will throw
their StrenRIu u loONANS, W
Richland township, and nominate MIN
for Recorder in order to get Mitchell,
who is also of that township, out Oh TN
way. ., +to ro
II remains to be seen whether there
are enough delegates in the convention
of independent minds to nominate the
hest men for the places regardless OIL
the wisdom Of the politicians.
The Opera House orchestra Will fur
nisb the music for the Lawn Fete at
Mrs John Lists, Tuesday evening. Ad-
mission, 10 cents.
WATER RENTS
FOR the term ending September 80,
1897 are now due Ii paid on or before
mne so. 1895, a discount OF 10 per
cent will be allowed. The City Water
Board.
Lawn Fete at the residence Of Mrs.
Jobn List. S21 Main street, Tuesday
evening