Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-01-27
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. 81, 1899
THE WEST VIRGINIA CASE.

The result Of the senatorial election IN
West Virginia is not likely to enamor the
people Of elections 10y legislatures.
1t seems to us that the Democrats were
outwiltcd. We are also satisfied that two
of the senator's who helped elect the Re-
publican candidate had no right TO vote
The Constitution Of West Virginia is clear
and emphatic enough that any legislator
who accepts a Federal office thereby va
cafes his seat. Piersor and GetZendanner
were commissioned officers in the United
States volunteer service for several
months: but their contention is that the
Legislature was not then in session.
member of either House We think, IS
member from the day he takes his seat
until the term for which ne is elected has
expired. II would be absurd to claim that
lie was only member when the Leg'sla-
ture was actually in session.
Yes: the distinct provision Of the state
Constitution is agains; West Nirginias
legislators holding Federal Offices while
they are enrolled as members of the
House OF Senate And if these two MEM
bers were not legislators in July and
August. how came IL that later ON they
presented themselves and voted as hold
over" senators?
Again. the Democrats OF West Virginia
seem 10 have been overreached in the
truce they entered into with the Republi-
cans with reference 60 unseating men,
bers We learn from the Charleston
correspondent of the Baltimore American
that the Republican scheme for an agree
ment TO stop all unseating, and to sus-
pend all contests" was accepted by the
Democrats under the belief that Hunt
and Haptonstau would not vote for Scott,
and that a long and dreary deadlock
would follow
The result shows that the Republicans
had an understanding with these two
"kickers." and. at the appointed time,
20 the surprise of the Democrats. Hunt
voted for Scott and elected him. The
correspondent whom we have quoted, says
that Haptonstal., too, would have voted
for Scott had 1t been necessary FOR him
10 do so. Thus the Democrats were beat
.n. At this distance from Charles
ton. 1t seems as if the Republicans were
too smart" for our brethren.
The only chance Of success against
Scott that Mr.. McGraw now has Is to con-
test his election before the Senate. That
he will do. and he VIII insist that there
was no election; that the two eX-army
senators were disqualified from voting
We wish Mr.. McGraw good luck in his
hrtfQxn his nu0gr-
taking will be an easy one. He would be
greatly assisted in his contention II the
United States House Of Representatives
would decide that its members who are
like situated with Pierson and Getzendan-
ner are rot entitled TO their seats; but
Mr.. Scott. himself. is a slick politician,
and he has for his associate no less a
wire-worker than the Hon. steve Elkins.
Their influence in the House may prove
10 be great. Moreover. Scot; is an Ohioan
by birth and favoTite Of the administra-
ton, having rendered great service 10 Mr..
Mckinley IN his preliminary canvass and
having been rewarded IN part with the
office OF Commissioner OF the Revenue.
So we may be sure the United States
House will not decide the cases pending
there adverse 10 their members, II the
Scott contingent can prevent H.
At the present moment the Republicans
of West Virginia are wildly rejoicing over
tho "cute" tricks they have played
upon us and at the discontinue Of the
Democrats.
We should like TO hear what the Demo-
Gratis OK that State have to say about
electing senators by legislatures. DO they
think that is a better method than elect
ing them as we elect our governors and
members of the United states House Of
Representatives?
We can understand how Mr. Scott
should like the present system, but the
West Virginia Democrats, we guess, are
Overwhelmingly In favor Of an amend
meut 20 the Federal Constitution giving
10 tho people the voice they should have
in this matter.
Distressed as we are al the defeat Of
our West Virginia brethren, II will not
prove 90 be an unmitigated evil II 1t
arouses the masses In the Virginias TO the
duty OF trying 10 secure constitutional
amendment which viii take away from
tba legislatures and give 20 the people