Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-02-26

Special to the Register.
Charleston, ". Va, February 25-
The rugged character of the West Vir-
ginia hills, the crisp breezes, the fertile
valleys and sparkling streams of the
Little Mountain State" all tend to the
development of a physical manhood
which is conspicuous because of its
rarity in these degenerated days.
Such men made up the personnel of
the Legislature which has just ad-
journed.
The harboring of resentment, the en-
tertainment of petty spites resulting
from partisan chickering's would be in
campatable with the dignity of such
type of manhood.
West Virginians are proverbially big
hearted and broad minded, and there
were few exceptions in the State law
making body. In no manner were
these commendable traits manifested
in a greater degree than in the season
of handshaking and we'll wishing which
afternoon.
In spite of stubborn and often acrim-
onius contentious along political lines,
there were very few members who did
not part from their associates of the
last few weeks with sincere regret.
There was then hurried packing of
trunks, and departures on every out
going train. A big party left for
Washington, including Messrs. Con-
nelly, Mccoy and Behrens. Mr.. Beh-
rens will go to Philadelphia. Mr. Nc
Lure left for home. Mr.. Whitaker will
return tomorrow.
THE LAST HOURS
of the session were exceedingly tame
In the Senate, the report of the confer
enee committe on the general appro-
priation bill went through with but one
dissenting vote. 1t was cast by Mr.
Whitaker, who explained that the bill
appropriated money unconstitutionally,
and he felt that he could not con-
scientiously support it. He referred to
the hucker item upon which he ex-
pressed himself in such vigorous fash
ion a few days ago.
Il the House there was show of
opposition, and for a time the fate of
the measure was uncertain. 1t was
fought by a number of the Democrats,
Who have steadfastly opposed large ap-
preparations. There was a difference
besween the Senate and House in the
aggregate of the sum they appropriated
amounting to approximately hundred
thousand dollars. In the conference
committee, the House members sue
ceeded in cutting down the Senate bill
about $4,000. Upon the roll call in
the House the bill was defeated by
majority of several votes, but the re-
suit was not announced.
AS a result of considerable hard
work, a sufficient number allowed
themselves to be persuaded that it was
rather than to necessitate the calling
of an extra session by the Governor.
Upon these representations, and so
stated by the members who changed
their votes, the bill
SECURED A MAJORITY,
and was passed.
In the afternoon there was a bare
quorum to await the enrolling of the
bill. A number of resolutions of
thanks were offered and adopted in
both branches.
1t is reported that the Governor will
refuse to sign the bill to tax the ex-
press companies upon the ground that
it is unconstitutional. The Governor
is known to be very fertile in excuses,
and such action would not surprise
friends of the measure. In such event
the entire movement to compel monop-
olistie corporations TO pay a just share
OF the States taxes will have come to
paught.
The Senate did not take up the bill
to tax the telegraph companies, and the
House, for the sufficient reason that it
passed the bill too late in the session,
did not act upon the omnibus bill.
The taxation of the monopolies will
be one of the greatest questions be-
fore the next Legislature. The failure
in the present session furnishes a
striking object lesson of the power of
money. II. Ankle.
JOHN III. DANIELS