Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-07
GOVERNOR, SEN Major
GOSSIP AMONG WEST
VIRGINIA REPUBLICANS


special correspondence OF The Star.
WHEELING. W. Va, April ct is be-
ginning to look like the two principal con-
testants for the gubernatorial nomination In
the republican convention will be the secre-
tary OF state Charles W. Swisher, and the
state auditor, Arnold c. Scherr. Swisher
has been in the field with his boom for
months, while Scherr. to all outward ap-
pearances, doesn't care a tinker's epithet
about the governors chair If a scramble is
necessary to get 1t. The fellows who do not
want Swisher, however, are turning to
Scherr as the most likely chap to turn the
trick.
The boom launched for Judge Joseph M.
Sanders was received creditably in his home
section. but in the rest Of the state it &C.
casioned no attention. Clark w. May keeps
in the limelight when possibilities are men,
toned. but has not actively projected him.
self. and there Is nothing to indicate that
there will be any organized movement In his
behalf.
Representative-elect George C. Sturgiss
says he will not run for governor. He made
the race several years ago, when the state
was democratic, and Is content to try his
hand at Washington. He says he appre-
the largest plurality ever given a candidate
Of either party in the second congressional
district, and is determined to pursue in
definitely the duties Of congressman IL he
Sturgiss voices the need of watchmen in
the tower when tariff legislation shall come
to be discussed, and he intimates that he
will fight for censiderate treatment for the
coal, iron and other industries of his dis
trict.
Elliott -Northcott. who doubtless could
win the goyern0rship nomination If he
would say the word remarks that he has
pocketed any ambition he may have pos
sessed in that direction. Consequently the
field has but two announced candidates
Swisher and Sanders, but the and-adminis
tration men, In particular, are talking
great deal Of Scherr.
Administration's Favorite.
AS between Swisher and Sanders they
lean to Sanders, but the failure of Sanders
to make Roadway while Swisher is busy
develops the Scherr sentiment. Scherr is
even a better campaigner than is Swisher.
which is saying much. and his efficient rec
ord in Office. coupled with his wide ac-
quaintanceship and popularity. make him
worth considering as a candidate to tie to-
Scherr insists that he will not announce
himself unless 1t looks good to him and
unless the demand for him comes from a
sentiment for the healing OF old fractional
divisions
Ex-Governor Whites return to political
life by his acceptance OF Gov. Dawson's
made vacant by Charles w. Diiion's resig-
nation, has been marked by many kind
words for the former strenuous executive
White Is liked by all who like fighter.
yet there Is feeling that he has been SO
well provided for at the crib that some
other eligible should have got that plum
The enthusiastically is worth $4,000
year, and he will serve two years Of Dbl
Ions term.
Gov. White appointed Dillon just before
he went out OF the executive ONCE, so that
he now succeeds his own appointee. In
appointing White Gov. Dawson returns an
obligation, for White appointed Dawson
secretary OF state when the latter Office
was appointive. and worth In salary and
fees approximately $4,000 year. Dawson
was the last state secretary under the
lucrative arrangement, as the republican
insurgents. with the aid Of democratic
votes. comparatively abolished the fee
feature. and gave the secretary salary OF
small proportions. much to the disgust Of
Swisher. who made his race to succeed
Dawson with the fee system in mind.
What part Gov. White will play In the
political arena can best be judged by the
part he played In the past As an ardent
tax reformer he 10 certain to be conspicu-
Gus In determining the next state ticket,
and also in the selection Of the West ar
ginia delegation to the national convention.
Logically he will be for TAFT. as the state