Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-08-29

IHOUGH ARMSI RONG, JOdNSON
AND BUTCHER ARE POSSESSED
OF ELEMENTS OF STRENGTH
THAT MAY MAKE THEM WIN
NERs-NO CHANCE FOR A DARK
HORSE
Special to the Register.
HUNTINGTON, W. Va, August S.-
The campaign for the Democratic nomi-
nation for Congress in the Fourth dis
trct is at an end. Every county in the
district has held its convention and named
delegates, so there remains nothing 10 be
done but the gathering of the hosts at
Spencer on next Thursday, and naming
the man who is to beat Freer the Repub-
lican nominee. About one half OF the
counties in the district have a favorite
son, some of whom are intended only as
complimentary candidates" while 9TH
ers are genuine and active. The candi-
dates presented by the various counties
are as follows: George l. Neal, of Cabell;
James Capehart. of Mason; B. H. Butcher,
H. S. Wilson and H. c. Henderson, of
Wood; Holly G.. Armstrong, of jackson;
Clyde B. johnson, of Peasants: G. G..
Dui $3.50, VI w ds Hc, anu ~. II. w iihi4lSOIis
of Lincoln. There is some talk of dark
horse" but the general impression among
the well advised politicians is that the
nominee will come from the list named.
In fact, it is stated that the leading cam
didates have expressed themselves as
opposed to a dark horse" carrying off
the laurels over those who have
GIVEN TINE AND LABOR
to the end that they might be chosen,
and that they would combine on some
man in the field to defeat a new man who
might be sprung by some ardent friend.
The upper end of the district seems to be
covered pretty well by Butcher Hender-
son and Wilson, with Butcher in the lead.
The lower end is pretty we'll covered by
Neal and Capehart, and the middle taken
up by Armstrong, with scattering votes
for other candidates.
Capehart Is recognized as one of the
leading candidates, as well as one of the
smoothest workers in the district In
many parts of the district the fight seems
TO be waged on the lire of Capehart and
anti-Capehart. or. in other words, any
bo0y TO beat Capehart. But Foxy Jim"
is pretty hard to corner and his enc
mics will have their hands full.
H. S. Wilson will have considerable fol-
lowing. but is not as formidable as he was
some time ago expected to be. Wilson
has a big bari and is willing to open up
but he don't seem to know now to use it,
So far his large expenditure of money has
virtually awaited him nothing and his
friends now realize that his chances for
the nomination are few, and that his star
is diminishing in the West.
Ben Butcher, whom everybody knows
is certainly hustling. Butcher has not
expended much money, but somehow Or
other he has a good many delegates.
HE IS RECOGNIZED
as a very deserving Democrat and as
one who could put up a rafting good
campaign. If Ben had the united forces
of the upper end he would be a formid-
able candidate. Iut divided as they are
Henderson, Wilson and Butcher will
suffer and defeat surely awaits them
Holly Armstrong should be taken into
consideration when figuring on the re-
suits, for he is a sincere candidate a
hustler, and a good organizer of forces
If Holly had stirred himself sooner the
other fellows would not have had as many
delegates as they have. Holly is the pres
ent chairman of the Congressional Com
mittee. Consequently his acquaintance is
extended all over the district, ana may
avail him much when the break up comes
But the smoothest and best organized
fight has been made by George l. Neal
Huntington's ex-boy- Mayor. Those who
know Neal, expected such, but no doubt
he has been surprise to those who were
ignorant of his organizing ability, gener-
alship and his wonderful power at manip-
ulation So quietly and good naturedly
has he
WORKED HIS CAMPAIGN
that there can be no doubt he. to-day.
pretty well holds the key to the situation
And II will be safe to guess that he will
know how to use ii, too.
Neal will enter the contest with as
many votes as any other candidate ard
his following is so loyal To him and so
well organized. that it will never leave
him. But Neal is the second choice of
the following of every candidate in the
field, and therein lies his strength. In
some way or other he is backed by
strong under current of the voters of the
district. He has kept On good terms with
all of the candidates. and is ready to fan
heir to all they own 20 itically in this race
Few people at distance realize the
shrewdness. tact and energy possessed by
George l. Neal. and fewer still know of
his wonderful power at political manipu-
lations.
CLYDE B. JOHNSON
is young man of great ability. and
would make a nominee to be proud OF
The only thing which will prevent him
from recei, ing the nomination is that he
is not an active candidate, and has made
no efforts to secure delegates favorable TO
him But Johnson will be heard from in
the future, If not for Congressional hon
ors, then for something else. Our people
down here feel very favorably impressed