Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-01-11
THE SENATORIAL CONTEST.

Scott and Atkinson still Lead Among the
Republicans, but There is an Uncomfor-
table Array of Dark Horses.
Special to the Register.
Charleston, w. Va, January 10.-The
fight over the organization of the
House and Senate terminating with
the party caucuses tonight, occupied
the attention of legislators and poll
ticians to-day to the exclusion of the
Senatorial campaign.
Both parties endeavored to con-
vey the impression that there would be
no test of the strength of Senatorial
candidates by the votes in caucus.
Ex-Congressman C. P. Dorr, who is
credited with great capacity for
breaking states and causing trouble
generally, arrived on the scene early
this morning and established head
quarters at the Ruffner. He declined
to submit to an interview directly, but
by proxy made the statement that he
has two votes and proposes to cling to
them.
In proportion as the indications of
Republican deadlock grow stronger
the number OF candidates increases and
multiplies.
Joseph Gaines, district attorney for
West Virginia, has heard the huzzing
of the Senatorial bee in his headgear,
and it might truthfully be added that
Gaines stock is looking up.
The name of J. H. Poffenbarger, Of
Point Pleasant, is also frequently
heard, and on roll call to-day he
would receive several votes.
Charles Caldwell proclaims the fact
that he is making his fight on his abil-
ity alone, and he INDUCES in caustic
criticism of boodlers and Doodle.
On the Republican side the fight is
really between Scott and Atkinson,
with indications
FAVORING A DARK HORSE,
and Hon. Nelson E. Whitaker a re-
mote possibility.
Scott is making vigorous campaign
and is literally tearing things wide
open at the Ruffner. His rooms are
filled at all hours, and he has more
than a full complement of his button
dozen prominent Ohio county Republi-
cans.
If lavish expenditure of money will
accomplish the end, Scott will secure
the caucus nomination.
Three members of the Ohio county
delegation are understood not to have
committed themselves and it is a safe
guess that at least one is anti-Scott
Members of the Ohio county ring who
have been very much in evidence to-
day, say Scott is a ''cinch," but the
wish is probably father to the thought
Governor Atkinson emphatically de-
MES the charge that there is any sort
of understanding between himself and
Scott contemplating the withdrawal OF
the weaker candidate. after the first
ballot in caucus. He says he is in the
light to remain, and expects to win. To
the Register reporter, who mildly sug-
gested figures showing his strength,
Gov. Atkinson said to-day: Il don't
really know how many votes l have. l
could only guess at it and l am not
guessing. Scott says he has 26, which
is more than sufficient. but l know he
has not that many"
While the condition of affairs in the
Republican camp might be likened to
the traditional convention of Kilkenny
felines, on the Democratic side there
is comparative serenity and harmony.
Gen. Watts and ex-Gov. E. Willis
Wilson are both avowed candidates
against McGraw, but the canvass is
friendly and there is a marked absence
of the bitterness which characterizes
the campaign on the other side.
Senator Whitaker arrived this after
noon. Tonight he is reported to have
said that he will not participate in the
Senate proceedings with Marshall as
president, but will remain until a sem
ator Isl chosen. This is denied by clos8
friends of the senator
CoA Eressman-elect Romeo H. Freer.
of Hak risville: ex-Congressman James
Capehv TT, of Point Pleasant; Hon.
Waited Pendleton, of Spencer, and ex-
State pator Rankin Wiley. of p.