Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-01-17
Special to the Register.

Charleston, w. Va, January 16.-
Tonight the Republicans have a major
ity in the Legislature of two on joint
ballot. Tomorrow the number may be
increased. Unsettled is the best term
to describe the situation.
All predictions as to what the fu-
ture will reveal are purely specula-
tive.
their threats of ~unseating Democratic
Senators. They have already taken a
step in that direction.
1t would be folly to suppose that
Democrats. will tamely submit to the
removal of Senators simply because
they are Democrats. No Republicans
will be unseated in the House without
full investigation. If there are revo-
lutionary proceedings the Republicans
will take the initiative. In that event
there may be Democratic retaliation.
If there is to be "a condition of affairs
which will disgrace the State" such a
condition will be brought about by the
Republicans.
That much is certain.
Members on the minority side Of the
House held a conference this after
noon over which Martin, of Kanawha,
presided. The subject matter under
consideration was the
WHITE-DAWSON PROGRAMME,
which has for its motto, AN eye for
an eye and a tooth for a tooth"
While members are reticent about what
occurred, it is known that the pro-
ceedings were not altogether harmon
ious, and that some of the Delegates,
whose 81, of justice and duty is not
blinded by partisanship. were subjected
TO severe criticism. II is significant
that the caucus adjourned without an
expressed agreement of any character.
The recalcitrant Democrats were in
line this morning. much to the cha
grin of the opposition. They voted
with the party and the House gave the
lie to the blatant boasts of %garrulous
Republicans. Whites broad hint
that he carried another surprise up his
sleeve, and SCOTS promise of another
detection proved to be ~braggadocio,
pure and simple.
The minority leaders. v~irtuous in
their pretensions, discarded their
mask of fairness in the proceedings in
the House to-day. The routine pro-
ceedings in another column tell of their
degree of anxiety to get down to the
actual business of the body. That the
situation was not worse is because
they exhausted their along
the line OF dilatory tactics.
Speaker Mckinney has been emin-
emily fair in his rulings, and some Re-
publicans voted to sustain him, which
is ample evidence of that fact.
The debate was opened by Major
Bennett, Democrat, in a calm and
AUGMENTATIvE SPEECH.
Mr.. Grant, Republican, of Monon-
gala, who followed. made an attack
upon McGraw, by implication charged
that the ballots had been tempered
with, and that the recount was fraud
ulently conducted in that too many bal
lots were counted within a given time,
three thousand in fifteen hours.
How many names were counted up
on each ticket" asked Mr.. Morrow.
Three and four"
will you say that any person object
ed to the manner in which the recount
was conducted?" asked Mr.. Davis.
Il cannot say as to that"
Mr.. Stephens, Democrat, of Wetzel,
sharply criticized the Republican side
for its reflections upon the County
Courts and Supreme Court. He point
ed out the fact that a vote for the reso-
luton does not indicate an opinion as
to who was elected in Taylor county,
but simply determines the matter of
PRIMA FACIA TITLE.
Mr.. Oldfeld made an argument based
almost entirely upon Judge Brannon's
opinion, which he said should establish
a prima facie case for Brohard in the
absence of a proper certificate for eth
er candidate.
Mr.. Brown, of Hancock, made the
closing speech, and it was character
istic.
Il am not a preacher, a lawyer, or
politician" he said, but I've been vac
cinated, l have sulphur in my shoes
and I'll be there when it comes to vot-
ing"
AS the matter now stands. the Demo-
Gratis have SO members of the House.
the Republicans 80, and the Taylor
county seat will be vacant pending in
vestigation by the permanent commit
tee on privileges and elections, which
will probably be appointed tomorrow.
The Senate COMMITTEE on privileges
and elections met tonight to consider
y