Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-02-09

Special to the Register.
Charleston, w. Va, February S.-The
unsigned letter confirming Democratic
suspicious anent the Republican revo-
lutionary programme in the Legisla-
ture, which was published in to-day S
Register, pinched the toes of Mr.. Old
field When the House convened Mr.
Oldfield admitted that it was written
by him, and charged that it had been
stolen from his desk. He demanded an
investigation and gave notice that he
would ask that if the theft could be
charged against any reporter that the
reporter be excluded from the floor of
the House.
The chair appointed a committee of
investigation consisting of two Repub-
licans and one Democrat. Later in the
day it was shown to the entire salts
faction of Mr. Oldfield that the miscar-
riage of the letter was due solely to his
own carelessness.
Most of the members regarded the
publication as hoax until Mr.. Oldfield
made his frank admission. With equal
(candor Mr.. Oldfield told the Register
man that the organization of a trump"
house was really part of the Republi-
can programme. ct was not only con-
sidered," he said, but very seriously
considered. If the Democrats had
taken another step a solidly Republi
can house would have been organized
and it would have been recognized by
the Governor"
There is another phase of the diabol-
ical programme of Elkins, White, Daw-
son, ct al, which merits attention at
hrst few 1idy OF assert Hf lfi9t United
States Marshal Thompson had fifteen
deputies here to assist in the organiZa-
ton of a trump house. There were
strangers in Charleston, whose business
has never been revealed, and it is now
generally believed that they were the
deputies.
The sensational story was not cred
tied at the time, for the simple reason
that Democrats did not believe the Re-
publicans would carry out their threats.
One-half of the story is certified by
Mr.. Oldfeld, the leader on the minority
side of the House. Officers would be
necessary for carrying out the revo-
MIR
in the minds of the Democrats not only
belief in the probability, but the firm
conviction that the United States mar
shall and force of hired thugs were
relied upon to consummate the an
archistic steal of the Legislature.
House bill 81, the valued policy in
surance bill, caused considerable debate
in the House. Mr. Fishers amendment
making the bill apply only to real
estate was adopted without opposition.
Mr.. Davis, of Harrison, offered an
amendment to protect companies
against fraudulent representations or
epreciation in value between date of
. Iolicy and date of loss. 1t was reject
I'd. The amended bill was passed to its
(third reading.
Both branches are now hard at work.
and the first night session has been
held by the House. After recess this
afternoon, Senators and Delegates list
ened to an admirable address on wo-
mans suffrage by Rev. Anna X. Shaw.
OF Philadelphia.
Z. E. Schenerlein. Bernie Mcclure. 7.
r. Adams and d. NJ. Baird are among
the late arrivals from Wheeling. Mr..
Adams is assisting Mr.. Fidelius Reistor
IN acqualnting members with the ppr-
(nlclous qualities Of the valued policy in
Surance bill, Mr.. Baird came down to
the capital on his way home from Lex
llngton, Ky. Mr.. Schenerlein left for
nome to-day. He represents the Island
citizens, and came here to make a little
investigation concerning the bridge bill.
lie states that he was informed that
there is opposition to the bill bur he
cannot find it. He is convinced that
the measure can be pushed through
with the proper effort. He will urge a
committee of representative Island Cit
liens to come to Charleston. and before
leaving will endeavor to arrange for a
hearing by the Senate Committee on
Roads and Navigation
The Board of Education bill is in the
House Committee on Education, where
it will probably die. Mcpherson has felt
sufficient interest in the measure to call
1T up for consideration, and it is not
likely that it will ever find a place on |
the House calendar. Mr. Behrens. who |
offered it. States that only two men in |
Wheeling have advocated it's passage. !
The other Ohf9. county Delegates are in
different, if not actually opposed to it. |
In the yernalcular of the sidewalk, |
the Senate didn't do thing" to An |
thony Smiths lbill to suppress prize /
fighting, when ii was put on its passage |
yesterday. 1t WAS rejected by a vote |
OF II to 3, on1y| Senators White, Smith |
and Whitaker supporting 1T. The vote |
hardly represents the sentiment of the |