Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1908-02-14

I!speeIaI o lhe 5tatesman-De mocrat. ]


tspecial 10 the statesman Democrat
Charleston w. Va. Feb. 12-The
Legislature has not been in session
week, and the Republicans are already
beginning to find that Dawson, itsn
attempt to strengthen his grip on the
machine and to insure Swisher's nom :
ination has openei,a very Pandora's
bax by calling the Extra Session, and
trouble is brewing and discredit tothe
bosses. Whisky and dogs seem to have
the hoo so far, and the Prohibition
a'nendinontis keeping them upnights
toying to head of the temperance
movement, in compliance with the
alleged promise made to the liquor in
teres ts-that no adverse legislation
would be included in the Call. Inc
chance to offer amendments TO the
Constitution for submission to the peo-
pie at the next general election gave
thetemperaEce people their opportuni-
ty however, and they are improving II.
The chances now seem to favor the
passage OF the amendment by the
House, as the Democrats are for it
not on it's merits go much as In the
belief that the people should be allow
ed TO vote en- this or any other measure
of importance. But, Republican Sen
ate will kill it, if it dares, or neutral
ize its effect by complicating the ques-
ton by having the Governor recon-
vene the Legislature immediately after
adjournment to pass local option
bill.
The Dog law seems doomed, despite
the protests Of the State Board OF ~
riculture, the Grange, the Sheepbreed,
ers Association and kindred organiza-
lions. 1t will be emaseulated by per-
hitting the counties to vote for or
against its adoption and not as con
tiguous units.
Sc ator Fishers Fee bill is eyokipg
much favorable comment. 1t provides
that fees shall remain as now. That
the county officer shall retain the first
$500, collected, out of which ne shall
pay the expenses of his office; also half
of the second thousand aud 20 per cent
of any thing over that, the remaining
to be converted into the county treas
ury.
The political pct is boing over. The
ntia-Swisher people are growing, but
he seems to have the State machine
and all the big corporations behind
him, and he will probably win
out at the Convention, TO be beaten at
the polls
Senator Listlepege is the only avowed
candidate on the Democratic side.
John Cornwell seems to be still the
choice of the rank and file, as well as
many astute party leaders. Incipient
booms are starting up for William Il.
Thompson, Delegate Wetzel, Senators
Fisher and Campbell and others, but
these gentlemen state they are not
seeking the honor. From the senti-
ment manifested, it is apparent that
the latter will bel sent to the Denver
Convention as one of West Virginia's
"Big Four" should he seek the honor.
Msssrs. Ossnton and Neal are also as
pirants for the honor.
Bryan is the choice of the Demo-
cratic members of the Legislature with
practical unanimlty, as expressed by
the resolutions adopted by the party
caucus.
The Virginia State Debt Suit has not
GENE to the front YET, but more money
must be voted for tbs defense, and the
people may know tho true inwardaess
of the situation.
Uniformity in text books will pro-
baby be brought about by the creation
Of State Book Board. Dawson favors
board of three, consisting of the Gov
erner, Secretary of State and Superin-
tendent OF Free Schools, bat members
look sskance at this suggestion, and