The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-09-21

First district, last night mailed 70
Chairman II. D. Post. Of the Democratic
committee, the following letter. which
explains itself:
Melville D. Post, chairman Democratic
congressional committee for First dis
trict; Wheeling, W. Va.
Dear Sir;-rhe Republican congress
slOnaI committee for the First dictrict
Of West Virginia, on behalf of our can
dldate, Hon. B. B. Doveper, hereby in-
wife your candidate, Hon. ]. v. Blair,
through your committee, to Joint dis
cussion OF the issues OF this campaign IN
each Of the eleven counties Of this dis
trict, each meeting TO be held at the
court house OF the respective counties
and the dates Of such meetings TO be ar
ranged by the chairmen OF the respect
I've committees. We are ready to meet
and arrange at once the dates ana other
details for said meetings.
The short time remaining before the.
election requires US to ask that you GtVe
this invitation your prompt attention
and an early reply. Very respectfully
yours, S. G. SMITH.
Chairman Republican congressional
committee, First district OF W. Va.
Wheeling, Sept. 20, 1888.
Captain Dovener authorized this
communication yesterday and In
statement made to an Inteiligeneer re-
porter last night said that he hoped the
ofier would be accepted by his oppo-
nent, Mr.. Blair. He stated further that
he thought now, before the campaign is
formally opened on either side. was an
opportune time to issue such chaI-
lenge. since the itinerary Of neither can
dfdateh as been announced, and any ar
rangement made cannot interfere with
an announced programme Of either con-
corning future engagements, as might
be the case later on.
II was hoped Chairman Post would
reply as soon as he ascertained the de-
slres Of AIr. Blair in the matter. As
stated IN the above letter, the time -
short and 1t was felt the Democratic
candidate would appreciate the request
for an early reply. The proposition is
plainly for one discussion In each OF the
county seats. making eleven debates in
all
The Republican committee viii be at
work within day or SO at the head
quarters which will be located In the
Calm building, 1913 Chapline street,
where al business will be conducted, as
announced yesterday. The secretary
L,Oos, whom everybody knows where 10
find at 1920 Market street.
The superstition that Chairman Post
of the Democratic committee would frst
communicate with Candidate Blair and
learn his wishes before replying 10
Chairman Smiths letter, was away on.
The IntellIgencer heard through q pro-
mlneht Republican politician last night
that he declined to accept the chal-
lenge for Joint debate on the Issues OF
the campaign by the two candidates.
Later Il was ascertained that this decli-
nation was in the shape Of letter TO
Chairman Smith.
The Intelllgencer asked the Register
for a COPY OF the Post letter but the
member OF the editorial stan OF whom
the request vas made denied any know
ieuEe 81 such letter being In the hands
OF the paper. No doubt he VIII be sur
prised when he sees 81 spread to the
breeze this morning.
The Intelligenccr was determined TO
learn whether or not Mr.. Post had writ
ten letter In response to the Republic
can challenge. and at 2 o'clock this
morning a representative OF this paper
called at the home OF Chairman Post,
i29 Fourteenth street.
Mr.. Post came to the door wearing
dressing gown and bored expression.
The reporter apologiZed for routing
out the object OF his quest at such an
unearthly hour. Mr., Post received the
explanation with the suaYity for which
he Is justly famed.
Have you decided 10 accept or de-
cline the challenge issued by Mr..
Smlth?' was the opening wedge OF a
conversation that was entirely too one
sided to suit the newsGatherer.
., 10 hV.a,tg In Fanlg
Have you written a letter In reply TO
the challenger" was the reporters next
essay at eniiveninB the occasion.
Mr., Post glanced up at the arc lamp
that was the sole illumination OF the
scene. He also gently stroked his upper
lip.
"Can we have your order on the Reg
lister for a COPY Of the letter." said the
reporter In growing desperation and
fear that ne was destined TO be scooped.
81 have nothing TO say for publlca-
tlon," answered the First district De-
mocracy's chairman.
The interrogation felt encouraged. Mr..
Post had actually said something, even
II It was not for publication.
In his eaEerness and exultation over
the remarkable progress he was max
ing, the Intelligencer man sprung sew
eral questions In row.
why you are cross-cXaminlng me,
was the observation OF Mr.. Post. This
was rare good humor, for Mr., Post Is
some shucks himself, In the cross-exam-
lining line.
The "man who wanted to know" felt
encouraged again, but he was doomed
10 disappointment. Mr.. Post declined
to say word that would make OF him
an IntelllRencer news-producer.
tits politics, you know he said, and
gently closed the door.
MIR. Posts next literary effort--after
the campaign, of course-mny be entt-
tied, How Not to be Interviewed"
However, Intelllgencer readers Will
not be disappointed. The Register, be
II understood, issues n midnight edl-
tlon, and after experiencing some dltii-
culties, the Intelligencer reporter se-
cured copy. on the first page, under
the head, "a BLUFF" were printed the
letters OF Chairman Smith, issuing the
challenge. and Mr.. Posts. declining
With profuse apologies TO the esteemed
Register. Chairman Posts reply Is
printed In full below;
September 20. 1898.
S. G. Smith, ESQ, chairman OF the Re-
publican congressional committee OF
the First district OF West Virginia.
sir:-I had the honor 10 receive your
note at o'clock this evening. In re-
ply permit me 20 state that the Demo-
cratic congressional committee Of this
district has arranged It's plans Of cam
paIEn. / shall not now interfere with
even the minor details Of that plan.
am, very respectfully. your obedicnt
servant, MELVILLE u. POST.
Chairman.
I.LteraAy this statement Is true. Il IS