Evening star., 1907-11-10
WILL TACKLE new BALLOT
CHANGED METHOD OF VOTING
IN WEST VIRGINIA.
Schools Of instruction Probably
Necessary-The Gubernatorial
Situation Becomes Clouded.

Special Correspondence Of The Star.
WHEELING, w. Va, November 0. 1907.
West Virginia voters will tackle a new
ballot next year for the first time. I'm
der the provisions Of a bill enacted at
the last session of the legislature they
will record their election preferences On a
ballot sheet after the fashion in Ohio,
Pennsylvania and other states. The
changed situation will require a cam
paign of education.
So far no party emblem has been
chosen. If this matter is left to popular
choice the republicans will undoubtedly
select the coon and the democrats a
rooster Under the old ballot law there
was nothing but the printed party cap
tion at the head of the ballots to dis
tinguish the tickets. The man who want
ed to scratch his ticket had to write in
his favorite, and his ballot was void un-
less all he voted for were in one col
umn. The voters intent was given a
liberal Interpretation unless the courts
demanded strict construction.
Inasmuch as the new ballot will ap-
pear strange to the average voter when
he first gets 1t in his hand, it is re-
garded surprising that nothing
Whatever mas YET DeeH SdlQ On the
subject publicly since the law was
passed last winter, and it might ap-
pear that it had been entirely forgot
ten. Among those who concern them
selves with all the details of elections
some attention is being given to the
new law, and general discussion is
certain to follow soon. Eventually ed
ucational meetings in wards and dis
tricts are likely to be conducted by
the party managers in order to In
IN o,,,il lior
with the little squares and now to
make the cross.
When the Australian ballot was first
applied in West Virginia similar means
of instruction had to be employed.
Gubernatorial Situation.
Tho republican gubernatorial nomina-
ton still continues matter for much
speculation and considerabl activity.
Swisher, Scherr and Hearne remain the
only candidates, notwithstanding each
lay brings forth a new crol of suggested
2ligbles These in turn manage to de-
cline with various and ent rtainilg rea-
sons.
When Gov. Dawson was in Wheeling
during the state fair he tola your CORE
~ondent that Swisher was his choice be-
cause Sw1sher had been loyal and faithful
20 his policies as against Auditor Scherr.
who had been either in opposition or
negative on all vital issues. The gov
arnors attitude was not regarded as sur
prising, nevertheless host of active
factors in republican state politics seem
TO doubt that the governor ever commit
ted himself by a straight declaration in
words.
These skeptlIal gentlemen have doubt
less some reason for their anxiety. Some
of them are wiling TO get on any band
wagon that the governor points out, but
others would object in this instance.
Those vino have written to the governor
since have certainly good reason for
dcvbting the assertion that the governor
wants the secretary of state as his sue
cessor, since they claim that their letters,
making pertinent and direct inquiries
along this line, have not been answered
with any comment whatever. which is
considered strange in view Of the chief
executives usual ready responses.
Circles unfr.endly to STisher but which
concede his political genius are circu at
ing the story that the governor viii finally
endeavor to retire SW'sher and bring
Elliott Northcctt Oh the scene such
development possesses elements emitting
relative rumors to credence.
Regarded as Legatee.
Northcott is largely looked upon as the
republican legatae, He was the state
chairman in Dawson's campaign, just as
Dawson was previously chairman. He
has the confidence of Senators Elh!ns and
Scott to great degree, particularly Ell
kins, and he is SAID to have received COM