Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-28
ALL FOR ROOSEVELT
WEST VIRGINIA REPUBLICANS
BELIEVE IN HIS POLICIES.

WHEELING, w. Va. January 2I-Du-
bious approval or calm indifference in dem
ocratic circles has greeted the suggestion of
Col. John I. McGraw for a democratic state
convention this year. Republicans have
subjected 1t to some good-natured raillery.
AS feeler. however, it will probably an
swer the Taylor county statesman's pur-
pose, and some definite action looking to a
getting together of the democrats on bat
tie issue for the approaching campaign is
due to result shortly, though 1t be nothing
more than meeting of the state committee.
Apparently the preponderating sentiment
among democrats is that a still hunt VII be
the proper caper. This style of campaign
will hardly suit that growing element of the
party which is clamoring for aggressive ac-
ton which will stir up the people This ele-
ment has been thinking more about state
issues, and will doubtless be satisfied If ma
uopal questions are showed to the fore, and
indications point to some ''paramountcy''
along that line.
Republican Chairman Swisher has de-
clared that tax reform is again to be the
republican slogan. and that the people do
not want to hear about tariff. or gold or any
other national question. Naturally the dem
ocrats will use their pleasure about confin-
ing campaign oratory to the limitations pre-
scribed by Mr.. Swsher.
Col. McGraw believes. l. is said that the
foremost figure in the political d9ings In this
state this year is Senator Elkns and that
the railroad rate problem is the senator's
Vulnerable point. Il TIE senior senator can
be smitten on The hip ana thigh in this field
OF endeavCT tie democratic batteries viii so
be trained.
Overwhelmingly for Roosevelt
The rank and file Of tie republican party
of West Virganil are Overwhelmingly for
Roosevelt ana for anything lie stands for.
Senator SCOTS position on railway rate
legislation, present and prospective, is not
discussed at present. because he is in
trenched for four years more in the Senate
and because he is not prominent in the rail-
road controversy, like his colleague who is
the Sanate's interstat e commerce committee
chairman.
pending discrimination suit before
Judge Dayton Of the federal court, in which
the railroad company and the coal company
owned 10y Senator EIkins are charged with
trying to freeze out tie Fulmer Coal Com
pany of Morganto"n. serves to place the
senator, at present. It least. IN an UnfTiend-
ly light in connection with the rate problem
in the Senate. No effort to make political
capital out of this case has really been
made yet. but the testimony of \. Spates
Brady. given the other day, is certain to
furnish campaign material against him.
The popularity of Roosevelt in West Vir-
ginia is relied on TO act against Elkins
should the administration rate measure go
down to defeat in the meantime.
senator ElklnS. however, is looked upon
confidently TO land right side up before very
long his followers Confessing in the mean
while their apprehension should be persist
in an attitude which popularity classes him
as opposing President Roosevelt Knowl-
edge of his versatility incines them to the
view. nevertheless, that in good time he will
land right.
Mr.. Dovener Explains.
Representative Dovcncr felt called on this
week to explain to his constituents in the
first district that his vote against the Phil
ippne tariff bill was actuated solely by the
conviction that this bin was a blow at the
protective policy cherished by his constitu-
ency. Doveners was the only insurgent
vote of the West Virginia delegation, and
he did not repeat il on the statehood bill.
Chief Justice Fuller. at Washington this
week, decided Ihat Judge Dayton had no
authority for absClviTg State Senator Char
ley Caldwell and District Attorney Reese
Blizzard from answering the cali of the
special legislative committee to make good
sheir charges against Gov. Dawson and ex-
Gov. White. Both gentlemen resorted to
the habe2S corpus sidestep to avoid testify
ing. The Legislative committee, which was
appointed on Gov. Whites demand. consists
of three members of the house of delegates,
and 1t now remains to lie seen whether they
will reconyene with Caldwell and Blizzard
at the bat.
The allegations weS- that White and Daw-
son divided the fees of the secretary of
states office between them. Much political
pulling and hauling. will ensue before the
outcome