Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1908-04-24

Wheeling, April ia Republican
State leader, who is in close touch
with both Senators Scott and Elkins
and with Governor Dawson and the
men of the State machine, last night
said that there is big deal on foot
which is expected to result within a
few days in the withdrawal of both
Auditor Arnold G. Scheer and Secre-
tsry of State Charles w. Swisher from
their present contest for the governor
ship.
Elkins and Scott and Dawson have
at last come to the realization that IL
would be impossible 10 elect Swisher,
and that Scheer is not the strongest
possible candidate for the first office in
the State government. The cutting
Swisher aeceiyed in his home county
of Marion in last Saturdays primary,
aggregating over 600 votes lin the face
Of the fact that the'other candidate for
governor did not enter Marion for a
contest, out Of courtesy to his Compel
itor, has made it very plaiu that
Swisher is an inpossibility for COVER
nor. Dawson is said to have said as
m UGH to 5wisher personally, and the
story goes that Swisher was 80 anger
ed that he shaped, or attempted to slap
the governor of West Virginia in this
face.
1t is planned to secure the consent
of both Swisher and Scheer to with
draw from the gubernatorial contest,
and to secure the entry of one Of three
well Known Republicans, anyone Of
whom would be winner, say the Re-
publican leaders. Here are the three:
/ Hon. Elliott Northcott, Of Hunting
ton, district attorney for the Southern
Federal district, and who was men
TONED for the nomination . year ago.
i Hon. John w. Mason, Of Fairnont,
circuit court judge, former commits
sioner Of internal revenue at Washing
ton under Harrison, and former Ma
National committeeman.
Judge Hunter Moss, of Parkersburg,
who WAS mentioned in dispatches the
other day as possible candidate.
OF course it will be necessary to pro-
vide certain salyc for the two present
candidates for governor, and this has
been provided. 1t is proposed to al
low Schser to have another term a.
auditor and Swisher another term as
secretary of State:
This brings other complications, in
GLIDING the provision Of fat offices for
James K. Hall and John Sherman
Darst, now running for auditor. The
plans are said to include another term
rs postmaster Of Wheeling for Hall,
and the retention of his present office
of assistant State tax commissioner.
Then there are the other candidates
for secretary of State, who must be
taken care of. They include 9. l..
Topping, Of Charleston, late clerk Of
tho House of Delegates, and former
Postmaster Stuart f. Reed, Of Clarks-
burg, and it is declared they will be
provided for by the Elkins-Scott-Da w-
son crowd now working together for
the first time.
CT the three men mentioned by the
terms of the Lew deal, Judge John w
Mason is said to be preferred, but there
is not much hope of his being induced
to enter the race. He was importuned
along this line from all over the State
last fall, but steadfastly refused TO con-
slider the matter.
After Mason, Mr.. Northcott would
be the preference. He is brilliant
lawyer and stump speaker, has win
ming personality and unusual ability.
de would have been in the race year
age but for the fact that he made a
promise to his friend Swisher not to
oppose him for that nomination, a
promise which he endeavored unsuc-
cessfully to release him from. With
Swisher out, there seems no reason
| why Northcott could not consent to
run.
Judge Moss is the least known of the
trio, bnt il conceded to be man Of
ability and character.
The developments Of the moves now
being m ade by the Republican bosses
will be awaited with the greatest in
terest all over the state.
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