The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-01-31

Six years ago the Democrats had one
majority In council on joint ballot, but
through the refusal of two of their
members to act with them, they were
compelled to divide the fruits OF victory
with the Republicans. Al the time,
these two Democrats were bitterly de-
nounced by their fellow Democrats, and
the result was discussions In the party
ranks that have not healed to the pres
ent day. Another result. was inability
in succeeding campaigns to effect Il
strong organization, and not since then
has the Democracy of Ohio county or
Wheeling fought winning battle. a
principal reason for this lack of har-
mony and absence of perfect organiza-
tlon was the brcak-over of the two
Democratic councllmen on the caucus
slate Of their party. The lesson is easy
OF understanding. and II Is not likely
that any Republican councilmen will be
willing to precipitate their party into
such a disastrous experience, from
which It would require years to recover.
Yet. with eight Republican majority
in the newly elected city council, the
Democratic minority is laying trap
for unwary Republicans In council. an
ticipatinS that personal selfshness will
outweigh the good Of the party.
1t is learned that the Democratic mi
nority has made overtures to certain
Republican aspirants for Office vino
were defeated at the caucus OF last
Saturday night, which are in effect that
If they can secure the corporation OF
five Republican councilmen, the Demo-
cratic eighteen will unite with them,
thus giving the coalition twenty-threc
votes. while the remaining Republicans
would number only twenty-one. or
majority Of two for the coalition.
The Democrats, it seems. are quite
magnanimous. as well as very despcr-
ate. and offer to allow any five Republic
can councilmen who unite with them to
name the men VINO will receive the CO.
alition support for the Offices within the
gift of council. The Democrats do not
want the oilices-they do want to dis
rupt the Republican organization in
this city and county. and they are right
In their belief that it will be disrupted
hopeleSsly if they can put through such
outlined above.
To the credit of the defeated Republi-
can candidates, be il said. the over
lures have been spurned with disdnin.
and there is not the slightest
chance that such scheme will be
worked through at to-night's meeting OF
council. when the regular Republican
candidates for the several Offices in the
gift OF council will be elected by the full
vote of the Republican side. Republic
cans generally realize that it would be
the height of folly TO heed these over
lures from the Democracy. whose only
object is to cripple il not entirely de-
stroy the Republican organization.
The Republican members of the first
branch of council met last night in the
Office of the water board and among
other matters discussed the representa-
ton Of members on the several stand
ing committees Of council.
Council will meet this evening. Con-
siderable business will be transacted,
including the appointment OF the COM
mttee on committees. the swearing in
Of the mayor. city clerk. city sergeant
and deputies. wharfmaster. and the ap-
proval OF bonds. after which council
will proceed to the election Of the Re-
publican caucus nominees to the of
fees in the gift OF council.
Chief Of Police-clect William NJ.
Clemans said yesterday afternoon that
there would be probably not more than
eight changes in the police force. OIL
Ger Bickerton. 1t Is said. will remain on
the force, though another officer may be
made day lieutenant.
The Register says Island people are
kicking because the ward has no repre-
sentation on the new board OF public
works. a glance at the city directory
will inform the Register that the resi-
dcnce OF Mr.. Fred J. Park Is % North
York street, Island.