Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-01-12
In DETAIL.
Proceedings Of the First Day Of the
Legislature as They Transpired.
All Strictly Routine-.Contests to
Come Up Later.
Special to the Register.


When the House of Delegates assem-
bled to-day the interest of the public
in the opening proceedings was mani
tested long before the time appointed
for the gavel to fall at IL o'clock. The
gallery was packed to its fullest capac-
ity and outside the railing or the floor
the spectators were crowded to the
wall like sardines in box.
At 1905 the House was called to or
der. Delegate Byrd Hill, Republican,
was called to the chair, being the old
est member in point of service, as the
law provides. Rev. DR.. M. f. Tenn
pleton, of the Methodist Church, of
Charleston, opened with an eloquent
prayer.
Speaker pro tenn Hill then called for
any communication from the Secretary
of State, who appeared with the Off
cial returns of the election and the list
of members and their certificates. The
clerk read the list prepared by the Sec
rotary of State, which is as heretofore
published. When Monroe was reached
Was name was read. He is the Re
publican whose seat is contested
The roll of members was called again
and they appeared in blocks Of five to
be sworn in, which was done in the
usual form.
When the name Of Ash, of Marion
county, was called, Mr.. Outright, Re-
publican of Upshur county, objected to
his being sworn in on the grounds that
he held lucrative Office being major
in the National Guard. The objection
was overruled by Speaker Pro TEN
Hill, and Mr.. Ash was sworn in. Ash
is not in the volunteer service, but
merely in the new National Guard or
ganized.
When Was name was called, objec-
ton was raised to his being sworn by
Mr.. Davis. of Harrison county. He
raised the point of order that Logan
was the legal representative, as he held
the certificate. He began to argue the
cause, but the chair called him to or
der as the point Of order only could be
made. Mr. Davis then asked that
Logan's and Was certificates be read.
The chair ruled that the house could
attend to the matter later in due pro-
cess. Mr.. Davis repeated the demand
on behalf of the majority of the House,
the chair ruled it irregular and Mr..
Via Republican, was sworn il.
Notice was given that a protest
against the chairs ruling would be en-
tered at the proper time by the Demo-
cratic side This was virtually notice
of a contest in Logan's behalf.
Objection was made from the Repub-
lican side to the swearing in of Shu-
mate, of Summers county, on account
of his holding a postmastership. The
chair overruled the objection.
Mr. Davis demanded that the certi-
ficate of Brohard, Of Taylor county, be
read He held that neither of the con-
testants held a legal certificate.
Mr. Bennett, of Cabell, protested
against the chairs position that the
Secretary of States list was the only
thing to go by until the House was or
ganized, and the contests could be set
tied by the House. He declared that
the Secretary of State was not a judic-
ial officer Mr. Brohard was sworn in.
His case is subject to contest.
After the swearing in came the per-
manent organization of the House. On
behalf Of the Democrats, Delegate Stew
ems of Wetzel county, placed in nom
ination Hon. O. S. Mckinney, of Mar
ion county. Delegfate Schul, of Pres
ton, nominated w. B. Outright for the
Republicans. The roll call resulted as
follows: Mckinney 81, Outright 81.
Mr.. Davis, of Harrison, objected to Mr..
Orchards being allowed to vote. and
1.-THE objection was overruled but re
eorded. He also protested against Was
vote with the same result. Mr.. Me
KINNEY and Mr.. Outright voted for each
|other, a courtesy which was appre-
kciated by the big crowd.
On the election Of Mr.. Mckinney be-
ing declared he was loudly applauded
3by the Democratic side, in which some
Republicans joined. Mr.. Outright and
Mr.. Stevenson escorted the new speaker
to the chair, where he was greeted
with applause and cheers.
Speaker Mckinney, upon taking the
chair, spoke as follows:
Gentlemen appreciate the honor
you have paid in selecting me as your
presiding officer, and I am not unmind-
full of the important duties and the
serious responsibilities which are in
volved in executing the trust | be-
speak in advance your earnest CO.
operation in the work of performing
III the most expeditions manner con-
sistent with necessary elaboration the
public business demanded by the in
terests Of the State. In the perform
ance Of the duties we owe to our re-
spectiye constituents there is much
common ground upon which we NAV all
stand. | hope our proceedings Will be
conducted in q spirit of fairness, and
as far as | am personally concerned I
will endeavor to treat with full and
exact justice every member of this
body and every public interest. / shall
probably at times require your indul-
gence, as no matter how earnestly a
presiding officer may endeavOr to dis
charge his full duty, even in the most
palnstaking manner errors Of Judgment
are frequently likely to happen.
know that each and all Of you will an
preciate this, and hope that you NAV
lend ME your earnest and cordial sup
port and assistance in transacting the
business for which we are convened.
| thank you, gentlemen, for the dis.
tinction you have conferred upon me.
His speech was well received.
For clerk the Democratic nominee
w. E. r. Byrne, of Braxton was elect
ed by his full party vote over Can't. 3.
b. Hood. of Kanawha county. the Re
publican nominee. For sergeant at
arms, J. l.. Ryan, of Fayette county.
Republican, was defeated by Z. II.
Martin, Democrat, Of Webster county.
For doorkeeper, J. NJ. Buckley. of