The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-02-24
Special Dispatch 10 the Intclllgencer,


torney General Edgar P. Rucker under
went. this morning. in the semitic, at the
hands OF Senator Nelson Z. Whitaker,
most unmercitul scoring. For nearly an
hour the Ohio county senator poured in
TO the attorney general u relentless fire
OF criticism and censure. such as has
not been heard In the chambers OF the
West Virginia legislature for years The
scene which occurred the other day,
when Senator Kidd made his vicious
attack on Senator Whitaker and Presl-
dent Marshall was mild In comparison.
The scene In the senate this morning
was nothing short OF sensational The
incident occurred during the considera-
ton Of the appropriation bill. Mr.. Cole
made Il motion 10 strike out an appro-
priatlon OF $1,000. recommended for the
attorney general. FOR services perform
ed by him In the prosecution OF certain
saloon dealers In Ohio county, charged
with selling under short licenses. Sena-
tor Whitaker seconded the motion, and
H. WAN ull VI
the attorney general. He said that Mr..
Rucker had, In violation OF all custom
and official propriety, appeared repeat
oily on the floor OF the senate as a
lobbyist. In the consideration of the
bill taxing express companies he, d..
c!ared the senator, had taken parties.
larly pernIcious part, and attributed his
motives in dong so 10 desire to in
fuencc Democratic senator's TO vote for
the appropriation which he asked. He
characterized the request as outrageous
and the very essence OF gall. He said
he knew from positive information that
the attorney general had made but
two trips to Wheeling, and that he had
taken 4 very small share in the prose-
cution OF the cases.
Virtually did Nothing.
Mr.. Whitaker read telegram from
Wheeling. stating that Rucker had up
peared but twice In the court room.
was not wanted there. and had not ut
tered a word In the cases. He denounc-
ed the appropriation as a violation OF
the law.
The entire speech was most vigorous
and during It's delivery the senate. visl-
tors and galleries remained perfectly
quiet. Immediately after /; was con-
Guided there was confusion and ex-
element.
Senators Cornwell, Osenton and Kidd
arose to questions OF personal privi-
lege, claiming that Senator Whitaker
had impugned their motives In voting
io:' the passage OF the express bill.
Senator Anthony Smith replied to
Senator Whitaker, whom he accused 81
Inconsistency and injustice. He made q
remark, which provoked from the Ohio
senator declara ton that he is not q
candidate for governor. 4 crossfre OF
personalities ensued.
From all sides the Ohio county sena-
to- was hard pressed. but he abated
not an inch Of ground. and finally COM
Ipelled vote on the motion TO cl!mi-
nate the attorney generals claim The
motion was lost. Those who voted with
Senator Whitaker were Senator's Cole.
woodward and Baker. Republicans. and
Asirby and Marcum, Democrats. Dur
Ing the time the attorney general was
present.
Senator Whitaker stated afterwards
That he had no feeling whatever to-
wards any member OF the senate 10
whom he might have replied over zeal
ousiy. and that his attack OF the attor-
ney general was provoked by his de-
sire 10 prevent that official from getting
n claim which he considers unjust. He
argued that the attorner general Is paid
a salary 10 perform the duties OF his Of
flee. and that is all he deserves.
An attempt was also made IN the
house 10 cut out the appropriation. bu.
after some little argument. 1t failed.
The senate this afternoon finished the
appropriation bill. Oaly few further
changes of any consequence were
made. The appropriation for the con-
tlngent expenses of the labor bureau
was increased from $1,000 to $1,000 and
the appropriation for uniforms for ca
diets al he State University was re-
duccd to 5000.
The house reconSidcrcd its action o,
yesterday In cutting down the military
appropriation from $4,000 to $4,000. As
1t now stands, the bill approprIates
$4,000. The senate bill allows SIC ,00C.
Vctocs by the Governor.
Governor Atkinson vetoed his frs,
bill to-day. The measure thus be-
bill. The governor bases his action on
two grounds:
First, that the bill Interferes with
the right OF the people to conduct their
own county affairs; and second, because
II contains n retrospective clause which
Is unfair and unjust. The house, by
vote OF 70 to is sustained the veto.
AS predicted yesterday. the governor
has declined 10 sign the celebrated val
ued policy insurance bill. He states
that the bill Is Objectionable In many
respects, but as there was such 4 de-
mand for Its passage he Will let II have
n trial. This afternoon he sent 20 both
houses. lengthy message, setting forth
in detail his reasons, which are here
given in abstract:
lit is against public policy.
2-lt cannot accomplish the object for
which II WAS intended.
2-lt applies only TO real estate ind
not TO personal property, and 1t is
therefore class legislation.
tit requires full payment OF the
face of the policy in case OF total loss,
without reference TO the amount OF the
actual loss.
sit Is 80 indefinite as to partial
losses, as TO require law to determine
the result, and will therefore throw In
to the courts Of the state the dctermi-
nation OF particularly al! the nrcs on
real property insured. unless the loss Is
total.
Git requires the adjustment OF n
loss by the Insurance companies be-
fore any loss occurs.
lit offers Inducements to owners OF
property 10 commit arson.
SIT is an open bid 10 Insurance
agents, in order to secure commissions,
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