Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1904-04-07
A Lively Convention.

The Republican mass convention
at Parkersburg last Saturday was a
riotous and ssnguinary affair. The
contest was for delegates to the State
convention, and the supporters OF
Dawson a I'd Teter were present IN
full force, both sides resolved to win
by hook or crook. Probably there
never was more disgraceful political
meeting held in West Virginia. Many
heads were cracked, bloody fights &C.
Cured on the stage where the leaders
sat around the two rival chsirmen,
the police were powerless and rioting
continued for two hours. Such men
as Judge Reese Blizzard, United
States District Attorney, United
States Marshal c. D. Elliott, State
Senator G.. T. Caldwell, Adjutant-
General S. B. Baker, DR.. W. w.
Monroe, deputy marshals and assist
ant district attorneys were in the
midst of the fray, and it is surprising
that no one was killed. 1t is said
that at least $4,000 has been spent
in the canvass for the votes of the
county. Free trains brought hun
dreds of delegates from all parts of
the county, free meals were served
and money was strewn broadcast.
The trouble began Immediately
with the calling of the convention to
order at $50. Frank S Smith, chair
man of the county committee, an
nounced that Frank P. Meats, the
manager of Teter's campaign, had
been selected as temporary chair
man. Instantly W. N. Miller, Of
Governor Whites staff, was on his
feet with motion to substitute Ad-
iutant-General S. B. Baker for Meats
When chairman Smith put the mo-
ton, Judge Reese Blizzard rushed to
the front, seized the cane being used
as a gavel from the hands of Smith
and tried to strike him. Hundreds Of
parties Of both sides Immediately
rushed to the platform and the tu-
multi began.
Not word could be heard. Meats
mounted a table and General Baker
got on a chair, each at the front Of
the stage, while the crowds yelled
themselves hoarse. The Dawson men
showed Meats off the table, across the
stage and off the platform. Hats and
chairs were smashed, blood was
drawn and hundreds were graphing
and struggling, until the scene re-
sembled dozen football scrlmmag ages
all in one.
The Teter men rallied behind Mar
shall Elliott, Judge Blizzard, Deputy
Marshal HIT and others, and re-
stored Meats to his table. The chair
General Baker stood upon was
smashed and he was hoisted TO the
shoulders Of his partisans. Twice
Meats was showed from his table and
the stage, while dozens Of men were
thrown bodily from the stage to the
floor FIVE feet below. Some fought
their way outside the hall, where
they continued the battle. The
police force was all present, but was
powerless, although some arrests
were made. Guns were drawn in one
or two instances, but no shooting &C.
Cured A janitor was seriously In
jured.
After two hour. of rioting the
fighters were exhausted and the Daw-
con people elected Baker as their
chairman. He entertained motions
and declared that the convention In
structed for Dawson for Governor, and
solid Dawson delegation was selected
Most of the Dawson people then left
the hall. Tue Teter crowd later went
through the form of electlng Meats
chairman, instructing for Teter and
selecting the Teter delegation to the
State convention Two delegations
will go to the State convention, and
while each side claims victory neither
side won.