Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-02-12
REPUBLICAN CAUCUS HELD.
THE REGULARS ARE SWORN TO
SECRECY CONCERNING WHAT
TRANSFERRED.
THE INSURGENTS WERE NOT IN.
Names are Sacredly Guarded-This
Action Was Taken to Anticipate
tie Action by the Democrats at

the Meeting of Council Tonight.
The regular Republican Councilmen
held a caucus last night. This time it
was caucus, and not a conference. The
insurgents were out in the cold, cold
world. The caucus was held in under
taking rooms, which may be very sig
nificant.
The call was circulated during the
afternoon, and Unassigned by the regu-
lars. When the meeting was called to
order in r. F. Hills parlors, on Fiji
teenth street, there were twenty Re-
publicans present Mr.. Beu, of the
First ward, was unable to be present
ON account of illness. The strategists
were also conspicuous by their absence.
They have interposed their more or
less gracious offices and Jailed signal
~, and they were no longer n good
repute among the regulars.
When the members assembled they
cast furtive glances at one another and
there appeared to be iamentable lack
OF that spirit of trustfulness which IS
characteristic of harmonious political
gatherings. This one was anything
but love feast. There was manifest
ed a sort "grouchiness" begotten of the
lamentable state of affairs which ex-
lists on the majority side. No fellow
appeared to trust his neighIbor. The
first thing done was to place every
regular under solemn oath not to re-
veal what transpired in the meeting.
There was some kicking about this.
One member said he was Tired of pledg-
ing secrecy, only to find that every
detail leaked out. This brought a
chorus of "amens," but to make assur-
ance doubly sure, as it were, they put
steel spikes into the oath, and clinch-
ed them on the reverse side.
After thus passing what was in eff
feet, resolution declaring lack OF
confidence in themselves, the regulars
proceeded to discuss the situation. The
first order of business was the 'insur-
gents" The ambassadors reported
progress A desultory talk followed,
ana the members then proceeded to
caucus. They selected material for all
the offices within the gift of Council,
and had a really lovely" ,-me in doing
it. There were suggestions made III
the nominating speeches which wound
appear very interesting in print, bdt
the Register stenographer lost his
notes.
1t lasted until 11;30 o'clock, and
when the caucus adjourned, and the
regulars filed out of the undertaking
boi n nYnrpSSIOn
usually found upon persons who have
occasion to visit such places. The reg
ulars declined to talk.
The Republicans were really driven
into the caucus last night, by what
might be termed the eXigencieS OF the
situation. The belief is prevalent
among them that the Democrats have
made their nominations, and it was in
fear of a Democratic coup-d' etat at the
meeting of Council tonight that they
prepared their slate They will try
to prevent elections tonight, but if it
comes to a show down, they will be
united upon the same candidates, and
will not split up their vote. This is
the situation in a nutshell.
The members of the caucus would
not divulge proceedings, but some of
the regulars stated that no action was
taken with view to further negotia-
lions with the insurgents. 1t is ex-
tremely likely that the action which
was taken will develop in Council to-
night. A report was in circulation that
the regulars are flirting with the DEM
ocrats, and are willing to make trade
with them on some of the Offices.
The insurgents maintain compla-
cent air, and say that they stand firm
1y upon their original proposition,
which has not been modified in any
respect. A Register reporter talked
to Messrs. Chew, st. Myers and Mar
shall while the caucus was being held.
In answer to questions, they stated
that they were not in communication
with the regulars, and had no under
standing with them that they might be
found at certain place.
The insurgents indicate in almost so
many words, that they will decline to
vote for candidates whom they stated
in their ultimatum that they could not
endorse. At the same time, they may
vote for some of the regular Republi
can caucus nominees. If the election
taxes place Tonight, Lney Will elLner
cause a deadlock upon some offices, or
vote with the Democrats.
The three boilers are encouraged by
the letters they have received from
prominent Republicans, and by the
personal commentator they have re-
ceived from others. They are indig-
nant about the criticisms to which
they have been subjected in a social
ed independent" newspaper They
warmly resent the insinuation that
they have an understanding with the
Wheeling Traction Company, and are
dividing the Republicans with a view
to aiding-in some mysterious, but I'M
explained way-the street railway COM
pany.
Il have never been approached by
the street railway company or any per-
son connected with it," said Mr.. Chew.
Messrs. st, Myers and Marshall made
the same statement.
All signs indicate that there will be
"doin's" at to-night's Council meeting.
A Big Docket.