Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1899-04-08
SENATORS ELklNs AND SCOTT
Are Busy Looking After West Vir-
uiuians for the Census Bureau.

Washington, April 3.-Senator FL
klns and Senator Scott are both sun IN
Washington looking after West Virginia
interests. Each senator has been anx-
ious to leave the city, but finds II inl-
possible for the present They have
held several conferences concerning the
the patronage due the state, and re-
Gently called on Governor Merriam to
consult with him on the representation
West Virginia should have IN the census
Bureau.
During this visit Governor Merriam IN
formed the two senator's that West Nlr-
ginia would in all probability be given
about thirty-fve places in the bureau,
and that the congressman from the three
Republican districts would be awarded
their pro rata of these places equally with
the two senators.
Governor Merriam further informed
them that but very few clerks would be
appointed before the first OF January,
1900, and that the places would then
gradually be filed from that time until
the first of June. The only force now
being organized consists of several ex-
perts, the heads of divisions, and few
minor officers around headquarters
These latter places are being given to the
people of the District of Columbia, as the
salaries paid would not justify the bring
ing of persons from distance. All who
desire to make applications forclerkships
in the bureau should write for blank APP
pication forms to either Senator Elkins
or Senator Scott, who will furnish them.
Notwithstanding the fact that Con-
press adjourned nearly a month ago,
both Senator Elkins and Senator Scott
are overwhelmed with West Virginia
business. Their mail is exceedingly heavy,
and both gentlemen are kept busy Civ
ing their attention to the requests which
pour in from their friends at home. Ev-
cry request, no matter how small, receives
as prompt attention as 1t is possible to
give. Senator Scott is devoting himself
especially to Third and Fourth district
matters, and intends to see that that
part OF the State receives the recognition
which is its due He is forced to move
slowly, but not the less surely
Senator Elkins is very proud of the
record he has made in the improvement
of West Virginia rivers. When he en-
tered the senate four years ago he was
told that it was impossible TO secure
any money for the improvement OF any
of the West Virginia rivers. The Dem
ocratic senator and representatives. es-
pecially Representative w. L. Wilson,
had tried time and time again and fail
ed
Senator Elkins was ne1 disheartened
by their failure and. in connection with
the representatives from West Virginia
commenced his work AS a result the
improvement on the Big Kanawha was
completed; money was secured to build
locks and dams on the upper Mononga-
hela from Morgantown to Fairmont
the Monongahela Navigation Com
pany's rights over the lower Mononga-
hela were purchased and that river made
free for navigation; a system OF improve
ment was adopted for the Big Sandy
and finally surveys ordered of the Ell
and Guyando1te rivers. Senator Eblin'
points to this result as the greatest mon
ument to his services that could possibly
be raised He knows that these improve
ments will stand long after he has passed
away, and feels sure that in serving Yves
Virginia as he has served her best.