Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-05-17
From a staff Correspondent.


There was a lively contest in the First
district convention over the election
of delegates to the National Conven-
tion to be held in Kansas City July
4th. There were eight candidates for
the three appointments, and there was
considerable wire-pulling before the
decisive ballots were taken. There
was no cut and dried programme, no
slate Supporters of the candidates
were remarkably active in their behalf,
but the contests were friendly and
harmonious. The interest manifested
is regarded as significant, and indica-
ton of an awakening all along the
line, and determination to win, born
Of firm conviction that the masses Of
the voters are not only willing but anx-
ious to wrest West Virginia from Re
publican control, and administer re-
Duke to both State and National ad-
ministrationS.
Ohio county had two candidates for
district delegates, in the persons of
Hon. John A. Howard and Col w. w.
o Arnett. Mr.. Howard was engaged in
a trial in New Martinsville, and was
therefore unavoidably absent. The
Arnett boom had healthy growth on
the train en- route to Clarksburg. and
was recognized as a very important
factor by the time the convention was
called to order this morning. There
was a disposition on the part of dele
gates from other counties in the dis
trict to concede one National delegate
to Ohio county, and it was feared that
the presentation of the names of both
Mr.. Howard and Col Arnett might
jeopardize the interests of both.
In this view of the situation an eff
fort was made during the noon recess
to unite the delegation upon one candi-
date. A caucus was held in the Ira
ders Hotel. After a thorough discus
sion of the situation, which delayed the
opening of the afternoon session for
nearly an hour, the delegation re-
pdiLSu " Tie NOnNtUllOn udll MlluOul
having taken any action. Both names
were presented to the convention, and
Mr.. Howard was chosen on the second
ballot.
There was also a very interesting
contest over the selection of the sec
ond District Delegate. but Hon. J. V.
Blair had a comparatively easy task
in being elected Delegate at Large.
Although Hancock county was not
represented, the attendance of dele
gates was much larger than usual, and
the spectators included many promi-
nent Democrats from different parts
of the District who were not regu-
larly accredited delegates. Consider
able enthusiasm was displayed, and
Clarksburg citizens say the recent Re-
publican District convention was very
tame in comparison.
Called 10 Order.
The delegates assembled in the Court
House at eleven O'Clock, and were
called TO order by Gen. t. S. Riley.
who named Hon. John w Davis, of
Clarksburg, as temporary chairman.
Mr.. Davis extended welcome on be-
half of citizens of Harrison county
and added that Democrats would
show the delegates that the party in
Il terest is not at low tide in the coun-
4 ~. He briefly explained the object of
the convention to be the selection of
delegates to the national convention,
and the enunciation of platform of
principles.
Thos. G. Brady, of Clarksburg, was
appointed sergeant-at-arms. and pro-
ceeded to seat the delegates.
c. F. Shaw, of Marshall county, was
chosen as temporary secretary. The
roll call showed each county except
Hancock represented. Mr.. w. B. Nc
Gary, of Weston, moved the appoint
ment of committees on permanent or
ganization and order of business, ere
dentials, and resolutions. The motion
prevailed and the committees were
selected as follows:
Permanent organization and order of
business-Braxton, H. l.. Hornbed:
Doddridge. L. r. Charter: Gilmer. G.
E. West; Harrison, ]. f. Randolph;
Lewis. ]. l. Warder; Marshall, ]. NJ.
Pendergrast; Ohio, JOS Handlan; Ty-
Ter, A. II. Heating; Wetzel, H. L.
Smith.
Credentials-Braxton, j. H. Law
renee; Doddrige, W. A. Chess; Gilmer
], N. Shackleford; Harrison, ]. C..
Johnson; Lewis, W. W. Hall; Marshall.
w. NJ. Kineaid; Ohio, Peter F. Farrell:
Tyler, w. G. Agnew; Wetzel, John
Blatt.
Resolutions-Braxton, Jake Fisher:
Brooke. Henry NJ. Zillsken; Doddridge.
j. Y. Blair; Gilmer, Joe N. Craddock;
m Harrison, Ira c. Post; Lewis. M. S.
olt; Marshall, f. J. Bauer: Ohio. II.