The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-25
CAN DAVIS CARRY His STATE?
SIGNS THAT WEST VIRGINIA WILL
GO REPUBLICAN,.
The state Hummng With the Prosperity
Tha, Comes From Protection-Mr.
Davis Making Personal Appeals-Not
Regarded as a Consistent Democrat.

CuMpI RIA: d, Nd, Sept 24.-Republicans
looking at the situation from every stand
point do not see how West Viz ginia can
do otherwise than remain in the Republican
column. As much Of a protection State
as Pennsylvania, with the Democratic
State papers daily publishing Republican
doctrine in their columns In the shape OF
stories of development, of tie launching
Of new enterprises, it seems the veriest
rainbow chasing On the Part Of the Demo
Gratis to claim West Virginia for Parker
and Davis.
At Elkns and at Cumberland the two
places where ex-senator Davis is best
Known, he has always been regarded as
lukewaIm Democrat. While he rode
around with Bryan when the latter visited
this region, it was known that he was at
heat gold man. At times his sympathies
have been almost openly Republican.
He has mixed considerably in local Demo-
cratic politics in West Virginia, and because
of this there is not plain sailing ahead for
him in this campaign. His associates in
business way, the men who helped him TO
build his Zig fortune, were nearly all Re-
publicans.
The stations along the line Of the West
Virginia Central Railroad, which Mr.. Davis
built. bear the names Of Blaine. Elkins,
Window, Harrison. Kerens, Shaw, Parsons
and Brett The greatest tribute paid to
H. Davis, nov a matter Of history, was
hy James c.. Blaine.
Mr.. Davis ia dyed in the wool 20 far as
the name Democrat is concerned. He
never had the courage to shake 1t Oft. it is
asserted, although it is known that during
the last tbiit y years his convictions have
often been otherwise.
Ex-senator Davis is man OF democratic
tastes~and plain in manner, and his methods
have been easily gagged His neighbors
know his characteristics, and they are in
a position to make accurate deductions.
Generally they have not regarded him as
consistent Democrat.
Ex-senator Davis and his brother, Col.
Thomas B. Davis according to Democratic
authority, never failed to slash the Demo-
cratic ticket when they thought their in
terests were In any way involved. 1t is
charged that they contributed to the defeat
Of William L. Wilson, father OF the Wilson
TariH bill because he favored free coal.
Wilson was defeated, and his vote was least
where the Davis influence was greatest.
boosted Of spending $50, 900 to defeat Wilson.
Many BOURBON Democrats, especially in
tire agricultural counties, 2arbor feeling
politically against the Davises because Of
this.
Further. 1t is charged that they mixed
in county politics, and that when they did
not want a Democratic Legislature the
results showed their hand In Mineral
county. the home Of Col. Thomas b. Davis,
the latter was elected to the Legislature as
Democrat when no United States Senator
was 10 be chosen, but Vause Alkre, Demo-
cratic leader. was showed under in the same
county at another election, when Senator
was to be elected. Alkre's friends think
they see the hrads % the Davises in lis
defeat.
Ex-senator Davis is making a strong
fght He enjoys p vida acquaintance
among Republicans, and is writing them
personal letters asking FOR their support.
: The men who helped to develop the West
Virginia Central region, the railroad OF
Davis having given them the opportunity,
are now being asked to vote for him, The
grounds OF the request in most instances
are OF a personal nature and supposedly
for favors alleged to have been done them.
Mr.. Davis is going to try 10 carry the State
on personal grounds.
IL would be h ard TO fr a n an who would
call protection "a robbery" as far az West
Virginia il concerned, And this Ia the
reason why the Democrats are saying
practically nothing on national issues in
the State and are pushing State issues to
the 'front.' ,'.isssss<-aNsS .vss-t--N