Evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1907-1913, 1907-12-17
MR.. WETzEL SPEAKS
Admits He Would Accept The Nom
nation For Governor.
He IS NOT SEEKING THE HONOR
Also Talks of the Work of the In
vestigating Committee and the
State Tax Laws What JEFF
ferson Man Has to Say.

iCl Dull 1Udn I1dc W Cd1s
Mr. G. w. Wetzel, of jefferson coan-
ty, member of the West Virginia leg
islature and the democratic floor lead
er of the house of delegates, who is
at present engaged with the other
members OF the legislative investigat-
ing committee in inspecting the state
institutions, talked to a representa-
tive of The Evening Journal at the
Berkeley hotel Monday evening pre-
yious to his departure for Weston to
resume his work.
Delegates Wetzel spoke interestingly
of the work of the investigating com
mittee, Of the political situation in the
state from democratics standpoint,
and of the tax laws. He also frank
ly but modestly admitted that, while
he was not an active candidate for
the democratic nomination for COVER
nor, he would not decline that honor
ii the democratic convention called
upon him to lead the fight in this
state next year. Mr. Wetzel said:
"The work of the investigating COM
mittee is progressing as rapidly as
we could expect, but it will be some
time before we viii be able to COM
plete it. There are many state insti-
tutions to visit, and each must be
gone over carefully. While we will
have no details to give out in advance
of our official report to the legisla-
ture, ! believe | can say with pro-
priety that the state institutions are
generally in good condition, and that
the management in nearly every in-
stance is reasonably economical and
efficient Just what recommendations
concerning even those institutions we
have already inspected | am unable to
say, and, of course, cannot tell what
we will find at those institutions yet
to be visited"
What about the political situation
in. the state, especially with regard
to the democrats?" inquired the news
paper man.
II find the outlook encouraging, all
though the democrats are not saying
much at this time Many democrats
profess to believe that we have q
good chance to elect our state tick
ct next year, but frankly admit
that it will take hard scratching to
overcome the big republican majori-
ty. What offers great encourage
nlent, however, is the apparent reac-
ton throughout the country against
the republican party, especially dur
ing the past few months. President
Roosevelt is fallen idol, and the adj
ministration of Governor Dawson
does not appear to have been the sue
cess the friends Of the governor have
wished. The tax question is still UNI
settled, and the laws, as at present
constructed do not seem to have prov
ed the boon to the people that the
republicans promised. True, certain
classes appear to be paying less taxes
than formerly, while others seem to
be paying more. But close analysis
of this situation makes it easily APP
parent that those who seem to be pay
ing less are in reality paying just
as much, if not more. in an indirect
paying more are really not, for the
reason that like the corporations,t they
simply added the additional taxes to
the price the people are compelled to
pay.
This is true of the railroads, the
land and property owners, the mer-
chants. ETC. SO that, in the last analy
sis, the farmers, the mechanics, the
laborers and the wage earners pay
every dollar Of the increased revenue
derived from taxation"
1T is stated that you will be can
didate for the democratic nomination
for governor, Mr., wetzel,' said the
newspaper man.
Frankly, in the sense Of being an
avowed candidate, am not, respond
ed Mr.. Wetzel Il do not think any
democrat in this state should make
a fight for this honor. 1t would be
nndignified and entirely out d
place.
But il the democrats should
nominate you?r was inquired