Evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1907-1913, 1907-11-23
WETzEL is FAVORED
Democrats IN State Think Him SpIen-
did GuberndloriaI Timber.
COL. J.f. THOMPSON ON SITUATION
Says That Elkins Is Preparing to
Heave Scott Overheard : Legisla-
tive Committee Doing Fine
Work In the State.

Work In the State.
Col. James F. Thompson, of this
city, member of the board of direc-
tors of the state hospital for the in
sane, at Weston, returned today from
a meeting OF the board, and talked in
terestiagly to O representative Of The
Evening Journal concerning the politi-
can situation in the northern and
western part of the state. Colonel
Thompson was in close touch with
the members OF the committee appoint
ed at tho last meeting Of the legis
lature to investigate the several state
institutions during his absence. This
committee is composed of Senator
Gray Silver, OF Martinsburg; Senator
McKowen, of Roane county; Delegate
Hart, of Harrison; Delegate Wetzel,
of Jefferson, and Delegate Dooty, of
Richie
Regarding the political sitlation ar
gossip in those parts Of the state Wis
tied by Colonel Thompson, he said:
There seems to be firm conyic-
ton that Senator Elkins is preparing
a deep sclcme for the elimination Of
Senator Scott. This is to be accom-
plished by the nomination of Charles
w. Swisher, who is regarded as the
weakest man the republicans could
name for governor Elkins favors the
nomination of former Senator Davis
by the democrats, and it is believed
that he has influenced Mr. Davis, who
is his father-in-law, to agree to ac-
cept the nomination. In this event it
is regarded as foregone conclusion
that Davis would beat Swisher, and
that the democrats would carry the
legislature, thus enabling the demo-
Gratis to elect successor to Scott.
There is a pronounced sentiment
in favor of Davis among the demo-
Gratis in the western portion of the
state, but Delegate Wetzel, Of Jeffer-
son county, is strong second choice,
and the idea prevails there that eth
err Davis or Wetzel will be the demo-
cratic standard bearer Many repub-
licans with whom l talked seemed
to think that either could beat Swish
err to a standstill. l found that W.
eel is very highly regarded by mem
bers of both parties in that section
of the state His great work as the
democratic floor leader in the house
during the past two sessions has
brought him into prominence, and re-
publicans generally concede his great
ability, patriotism and fairness.
1.-THE legislative committee, appoint
ed to investigate the state institutions,
is doing a wonderful work, and the
members are rapidly becoming ac-
quainted with the needs of the insti-
tutions. With the exception of Sena-
tor Silver, every member of this COM
mittee must be reelected at the next
election, and would regard it as a
great calamity unless the members
should be returned, in order that
they may continue the splendid work
they are now engaged in.
THE member of this committee are
among the most able members of the
legislature, and there is absolutely no
politics mixed in their investigation
They are making thorough inspectio
of the state Institutions, and will be
able to do valuable work for them If
they are returned to the next legis-
lature"
For an Xms present-The Journal.