Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-11-16
POLITICAL MATTERS.
Trades Assembly Meeting to Consider
the Charter Question
From Which Reporters Were Ex-
Guided - Assembly will Oppose
Certain Sections-The Result in
Ohio Republicans Hungry for
Plums - Other Local Political
Gossip.


The Ohio Valley Trades and Labor AS
sembly held d meeting yesterday after
noon from which, for the first time in a
long period, reporters were excluded 1t
was special meeting, called for the pur-
pose of considering the proposed city char
ter, which is to be submitted TO vote
OF the people in December There was d
fairly good attendance. and considerable
interest was manifested in the discussion
which took place The object of the meet
ing was explained briefly by the presiding
officer.
There was an extended discussion, but
there was no division of sentiment regard
ing the opposition to certain sections of
the proposed instrument. The debate was
on the question of the best means to ac-
complish the defeat of the Objectionable
features. and it was deemed wise to pre-
vent publication of the Assembly's plan
Of action until such time as il has ma
tured The discussion of the charter ques-
ton at previous meetings of the body de-
veloped a decided opposition to what is
alleged to ne a tendency toward central
ization of power in the new charter This
opposition is especially directed toward
that section which provides for the selec-
ton of "a Chief of Police by appointment
of a Board. instead of by direct vote of
the people. as at present. The Commission
has prepared for a submission Of this
question separately. in the election, in dr-
der to ascertain the views of the people.
and the influence of the Trades Assembly
and the local unions represented in 1t will
be thrown against the proposed change
i'm methods. There is also some opposition
to the civil service idea i'm municipal af-
fairs and TO the single Branch of the City
Council.
The Assembly appointed general COM
mittee composed of representatives from
each ward. TO outline a plan Of campaign,
and to report at the next meeting of the
Assembly The committee held a meet
ing after adjournment of the Assembly,
but the utmost secrecy was maintained as
TO what TRANSFERRED
It is likely that the Ohio county ring
will control State affairs at Charleston
during the next four years. and nothing
more will be heard of the "Kanawha
county ring" 1t is understood that a
large number of Republicans from this
city are expecting positions under the in
coming administration. and it is very prob
able that their claims will be given full
and fair consideration, inasmuch as Ohio
county gave a big Republican majority,
and has been practically ignored in the
distribution of political plums Neverthe-
less. there are so many of the faithful who
are not only willing but anxious to serve
the State. that there are certain 10 be
some disappointed ones.
Many Wheeling people are holding
wagers of considerable sums of money on
1000 plurality for Mckinley i'm Ohio. and
one or two have been so worried by the
claims and threats of both sides. that they
declare their intention OF turning the
money into the school fund unless the
parties to the wagers will come TO a
mutual agreement.
It is whispered about that Governor
elect G. w. Atkinson has slated Fred.
Smith. deputy surveyor of the port Of
Wheeling under Harrisons administra-
ton. for the position Of clerk at the Hos
pital for the Insane at Weston.
Saturday night the Republicans of Clar-
ington held "a jollifcation TO celebrate
their victory on the Sd. \ wagon. to which
team of mules was attached, carried a
large quantity of fireworks. a spark fell
among the fireworks and caused an eXplo-
sion \ man named Snyder was in the
wagon. wearing a Mother Hubbard His
gown became ignited from the flames. and
he was badly burned before they were eX-
tinguished. The mules became alarmed
and dashed into the chowd on the side
walk. but fortunately injured no person.
The animals were both slightly burned.
The accident happened at the beginning of
the celebration. and created considerable
excitement for a time.