The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1908-06-17
George |. Neal Discusses the Gov.

ernorship.
Petersburg Sentinel.
I'VE see the statement that the
Hodges organization is relying
upon the support of the Upiyersity
students and graduates. You are,
1 believe, a graduate of the Uni
yersity-how about thatp"
II am not" replied Mr.. Neal,
"supporting Prof. Hodges candi-
decy. Neither do / believe the
University students and graduates
are united in their support of him.
1 regret the attempt 10 make po.
elton in that institution of learn.
ing political asset for the nd
vanoement of unybody's ambition
in either party. If persisted in
long enough the university will
become the playhouse of politio-
ians and officeseekers. l can not
believe that Prof. Hodges is a
party to the soheme of rounding
up the University boys' for the
'Uniyersity candidate 1t must
be the work of his over jealous
organization; but the precedent
once established will be embraced
and used to the limit by our Re.
publican friends who let nothing
escape them in their mad rush for
office"
"How about the suggestion both
from Charleston and Morgantown
that Bennett is using money to
subsidize the press of the state and
to procure delegates favorable to
his nomination."
"That," retorted Mr.. Neal, "is
false. Because it is false is the
reason why il WAS merely ineinu-
ated and not charged. The news.
papers of the state will best know
how absurd the insinuatiou is.
Mr.. Bennett seeks the nomination
on his merits and his availability as
a candidate. His record, both in
private and public life, has been
clear. He has been and is suo.
oessful lawyer, farmer, manufao.
turer. banker and vote getter. He
has made success of everything
he ever attempted. If nominated
he can start out with a united de.
mooraoy behind him, and his name,
work and influence will appeal
strongly to the independent and
disgusted Republican voters.
mo, Mr.. Bennett has been very
careful indeed not to expend money
for the procurement of delegates.
He does not have to. He can stand
on his merits alone and get the
nomination. But right here l want
to say, that the anti.money follows
will, if their candidate should be
nominated, be among the first to
hollow for money 1t takes money,
and good deal of it, too, to per.
teot thorough organization of our
lighting force in this state.
Without suoh an organization
we are whipped before We start. 1t
is mere ohilish theory to talk about
we'll give 'em hi on the stump
while the other fellows give US
hi at the polls. If we go to the
polls without an organization tho
Swisherites, as unpopular as they
may be, will successfully steal the
election. It is tomfoolery to talk
about carrying on an election with
out money. The way to beat Swish.
or is by the use of the broad. axe,
aud it takes some money to buy
broad. Bxes. Hot air will not pur
ohase stamps, pay printing bills,
procure poll of the state, the ex-
penses of our hundred or more
speakers for weeks before the cleo
ton, etc.
I'VE want good candidates for
Governor and the other Offices, and
plenty of reform; let us not get too
internally good for fear on elect
ion day we find ourselves man
gled and bleeding corpse under the
iron hoofs of the Swisherites."
"What are Bennetts chances for
the nomination."
Bennett now has," said Mr..
Neal, more votes than necessary
to give him the nomination, and he
will procure two to one from the
counties yet to hold their oonven:
tions. We are not given to Drag.
ging or predicting, but Bennett
will be nominated on the first bal.
lot. But whether first ballot or