The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1908-06-04
A Complex Situation.

A Complex Situation.
Editor r.. E. aornor was regarded
q part OF the McGraw slate until he
issued an interview declaring he
would not vote for either McGraw or
Chiffon for committeeman. After
that he dropped out altogether and
the Chiffon slate went through with
the exception OF Wilkinson, who
withdrew in order to let McGraw
have Just one lone delegate.
w. e. Chiffon in talk in the
Charleston Gazette about the conven.
tion does not hesitate to declare that
he had McGraw worsted. He claims
three OF, the big four and says he had
McGraw badly beaten in the conven-
tion. advancing these figures: 700
for Chiffon and 400 for McGraw,
Chiffon also says he is satisfied
with W, status off, the Dencer dele
CATION as to his candidacy for ma
tional committeeman, which is taken
omean that he feels he has the posi-
ton in his vest pocket already.
On the other hand McGraw says the
convention results SUIT him and that
IL he wants to succeed himself as
committeeman, he can. But, 1t is
strongly suspected that McGraw is
merely saying this in the best grace
one can, who has been defeated, and
that he will make but little effort to
get the vote of the delegation for re-
election. At any rate, taking the cue
offered by many at the convention,
he will engage himself in trying to
persuade the delegation that third
man should have the place, II 1t is
not given to him. There are evil
dences already OF this movement on
his part, and. 1t is to. be anything to
beat Chiffon.
While both sides endeavor diligent-
ly to make the Impression that it was
q harmonious convention with every
one satisfied there is situation that
is not at all pleasing to either side.
The governorship figures in this CON
sideration Chiffon, the victor, is
behind Adam Littlepage, and Nc
Graw, the defeated, is backing Ben
nett The slatter's campaign advanc-
ed to such proportions before it was
definitely revealed that Bennett is
McGraw's candidate that the Chiffon
victory in the contN1tion does not
necessarily mean victory for Little
page Nor does that victory have the
stimulating effect on the Littlepage
candidacy It would have had had 1t
been earlier in the campaign.
From the Democratic point OF
view the most serious feature of the
present situation and what is to fol-
low is that Bennett is sure winner
for nomination, hut after that will not
have the hearty cooperation of the
national committeeman Chiffon, IL 1t
be he, and the Chiffon following will
not be enthusiastic supporters of
Bennett in the campaign.
This feature of the Chiffon victory
and the probability of McGraw's can.
didate being nominated for governor
is the most serious OF all with the
Democrats. 1t has. compexity
about it, that is not easy of solution.
1t is argued the Chiltons can not af-
ford to help elect a McGraw man to
the governorship as that would be a
long step in wrestling from the Chill
tons their newly acquired control of
the party, and would re-enthrone
McGraw.
On the other hand the Bennett
{ pledges and instructions have pro-
pressed to the extent, where integ-
rity and honor would prevent be-
trayal of Bennett by the delegates and
the McGraw forces are so strong be-
hind him that it would be folly and
party suicide to do so. Nor would
McGraw give up this last great OPP
portunity to recover control OF his
party. That means Littlepage's de-
feat and the utter powerlessness of
the Chiltons, who are in the ascend
ency to nominate ticket OF their
own choosing.
Complex in truth is such a situa-
ton for Democracy but a good one
for the Republican party, which will
receive the advantages of the strug.
gle yet to come between McGraw and
Chiffon, though they do pretend their
differences are settled and that all Is