Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-02-09
BIG CITIES NOT ADVANTAGEOUS.
West Virginia Wants Its Public
Servants to Work in Peace.

Charleston, w. Va, Feb. S.-tSpcciaD.
The experience Of West Virginia is
that the location Of State capital in
the largest city il disadvantage
rather than otherwise. Our capital was
located in Wheeling, the largest city at
the formation Of the state in 1865.
Aftcrward it was removed to Charles
ton, again established at Wheeling and
returned to Charleston, where it still
remains, a quarter Of 4 century ago
Experience here has been that the site
Of the capital is rather Il matter for the
determination of the people Of the state
than one of the population of the city
in which it is located.
Governor Dawson states that the
question is one in which the population
of town in which capital is located
should not be considered: that the site
should be selected with q view to a.
feasibility from all portions Of the
state. together with due regard to
healthfulness and other advantages.
Secretary of State Swisher says that
in his opinion The further the state
capital can be kept away from any
large city. especially a manufacturing
centre. the better for tn city, the un.
avoidable extravaganza and upsetting
of business and distracIing social
routine during the sessions Of the
Legislature. particularly having a
tendency TO disturb and disarrance
business in all channels.
Attorney General Day states briefly
that the location of the capital is n
matter to be determined by the wish of
a majority of the people Of the state
but thar it should % located ut the
most accessible and advantageous
point. eliminating ali questions Of pop
ulatiOn.
State Auditor Srherr expresses prar-
tically the same views as the Attorney
General, while State Superintendent Of
Schools Miller agrees with Secretary oc
State Swisher that the location oc mo
capital IS really Il Gctriment to n large
city. He goes further stating that -
large city is n detriment t. the Legisla-
tors and ether state officials. having =
tendnecv to distract the attention cf
tho states enl,lovcs from their dutir.;
Possibly West Virginia cannot be tax
en- as an example. as. while not tn"
largest city In the state in point of
population, It is rapidly approaching
that point and is h business ccntrc of
N'''i ,
the most central city in the state, with
two through railroads, two tcrminIl
railroads. and open navigation on
kanawha River the year round Yet
the location of the capital here is gen
orally considered 10 be an advantage t.
the community in view Of the fact that
it tends to the creation of eytr1vaCant
habits during the Legislature session
which naturally enforce rCtrcnchment
during vacations. causing consequent
unnatural stagnGtion in business cir
cles.
The capital cf the state has had but
two locations. having been twice n
each. Wheeling. the principal city. i
situated in the cytrcmn portion of tho
state and With only the Ohio Rive b.
tween it and the state Of Ohio. Will +,
Charleston. tho present capital. is To-
Gated wit Il f"w miles Of tho geo.
graphical centre of the state and access
shle for all sections. Yet it is gcnnr-
ally conceded that the present ran:
DEVELOPMENT Of TIL" city along material
lines is despite ratlcr than because If
the location here OF the capital.