Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-01-07

Since the campaign closed and the VIC
torious party is acknowledged as the
winner of all spois, both State and ma
tional, the political fight has been taken
from between two parties and waged
among the various Republican politicians,
whose cardinal tenet OF faith is that party
service should be rewarded by public
office.
The politician of the last campaign who
found himself on the winning side is
still as much on the anxious seat as ever
until he knows whether ne is to be given
the recognition he asks for and demands.
For the first time at least, in a quarter
OF century, West Virginia will have a
Republican Governor, and after the fourth
of March next, the whole State admins
tration. from Governor to janitor. will be
member Of the same party. The rush
for Offices under the incoming State adj
ministEation will equal the memorable
rush after the battle of Bulls Run. With
one exception. the official members of the
State administration. or those who will
compose the Governors family, were
elected last November This one excep-
ton is the State Secretaryship. which is
ing the two best paying jobs in the whole
local political system. As the other Of
fees. which carry with them special honor
or large salaries, have been filed, great
interest has been felt among State poll
ticians and the people generally as TO
whom Governor elect Atkinson would app
point to fill this prominent and highly
lucrative position. The precedent has
been established by past Governors TO
appoint the chairman of their State Cen
trail Committee as q reward for service
in the campaign and In recognition of their
political leadership. Thus Governor
Fleming appointed William r. Ohley and
Governor MacCorkle appointed William
+. Chiffon. There has not been the least
doubt in any persons mind who is at all
posted that Governor-elect Atkinson will
follow the example set by his predeces-
sors, and select for the next Secretary OF
State the Hon William NJ. o. Dawson. Of
the county of Preston. This place has
long been conceded TO Mr.. Dawson by
prominent State and local politicians in
close touch with the situation. For the
last two campaigns that have been waged
in this State Mr. Dawson was the chair
mttee and as the head of the political
machine got the greatest part Of the
credit for the victory which an over
whelming change of popular sentiment
gave the Republican party. The campaign
two years ago resulted in Republican
Legislature. a Republican United States
Senator being elected. and a solid Re
publican delegation being sent from West
Virginia to the lower house cf Congress
This victory brought Mr. Dawson into
prominence and made him one Of the big
politicians OF his party. So much conf
dence did his party put in him that it
was insisted upon that he should come to
Wheeling and assume the management of
the last campaign. lie complied, it is said,
only after a substantial reward had been
promised him. What this promise was
will be known and made public in a few
days. Mr.. Atkinson has announced that
the matter has been settled, but will not
make formal statement at the present
time as to whom this plum and others VIII
fall 1t is the understanding and feeling
generally that there will be no great
surprise when the announcement is made
The visit of Chairman Dawson to the city
last week is significant. and is evidence
Of which way the wind blows.
It is rather astonishing how many
apparently harmless people loaf all day
and most of the night at police head
quarters. these DAYS When the Off