Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1908-08-01


for their failure to properly govern
the state and nation, and recalling to
mind the days of democratic suprenn-
acy In the state when the affairs OF
government were honestly and econ
omicaIly administered, condition
which, he declared, would be re-estab-
lished in case the democrats should
again return to power.
Platform is Offered.
The committee. on resolutions not
being ready to report, an attempt was
made by the supporters of Bennett
for governor, to proceed to the naming
Of candidates for governor, the bal
loting to be begun after the platform
was adopted. The Littlepage and
Hodges supporters opposed this at
tempt and by dilatory motions sue
ceeded in staving it off until the plat
form committee brought in it's report,
Which 1t did at 1890 O'Clock.
Declare Money is Wasted.
The platform declared allegiance TO
the Denver platform and candidates,
the former being declared the great
est declaration Of principles in favor
of the plain people enunciated in a
quarter of century. 1t denounced
the republican party in this state for
extravaganza and waste, which had
spent the money raised by taation by
much larger amounts than ever be-
fore and yet allowed the state instr
tutions to fall into dilapidation and
decay until the governor had an
nounced himself in favor of a bond
issue of two or three million dollars
to raise the money to put them in
proper condition.
For a Suffrage Amendment.
1t severely criticised the present
tax laws, promised reform that will
bring about equality in the burdens
Of government, honesty and economy
in administration and favored a con-
stitutional amendment to disfranchise
the negroes and the enactment of
Jim Crow car law. An equitable
employers liability law, a modified
injunction law that will require some
sort of cause for injunctions in in
dustrial as in other cases, primary
election law, public service commits
sion, the submission to a vote of the
people of any amendment to the con-
stitution on which they may indicate
a desire to vote.
Debate on Race Planks.
The race planks brought on a sharp
discussion, Joseph E. Chiffon, of Ka-
nawha, moving to strike them from
the platform and making strong
speech in favor of his motion. George
Byrne, who has been leading the fight
for such a declaration for the last
four years, replied to Mr.. Chiffon ana
was in turn replied to by w. E. Chil-
ton.
After considerable discussion, on
motion of Mr.. John T. McGraw the
resolutions were adopted, with the ex.
ception of the negro planks which
were re-committed, the motion carry
ing with it the proceeding with nom
nations for governor.
Hodges Gains Favor.
Although supporters of Litt1epage
and Hodges were reported to have
combined to prevent the nomination
of Bennett for governor on the first
ballot in the hope of defeating Ben
nett eventually, the Bennett man
ayers professed to be more confident
tnan ever. Following his speech
Tuesday night Hodges, who is a pro.
fessor at the West Virginia univer-
sIy, grew rapidly in favor before the
opening of the convention.
Will Support Cornwell.
1t is reported that a majoity of the
democratic leaders opposed to Bennett
have quietly settled upon John j..
Cornwell, who was defeated four
years ago for governor, as the candi-
date to beat Bennett if they can keep
the latter from getting the nomina-
ton on the first ballot.
New State Committee.
The new state committee is as fol
lows. by senatorial districts:
First-W. w. Beall, Wellsburg.
Second-J. j. Slippner.
Third-Joseph Murphy, Parkers-
burg
FOURTH. II. Depue, Spencer.
Fifth--George S. Wallace, Hunting
ton.
, Sixth-W. II. Stoken, Williamson.
Seventh--W II. Sawyer, Shinnston.