Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-24
Estate DEBT ISSUE
West Virginia's Share oil
Mother States Obligations.
BOBS UP IN THE CAMPAIGN
Democrats Charge the Inefficient
Handling of the Case by Re-
publican Administration.
Special Correspondence OF The Star.


WHEELING. W. Va. April %. 1910.
he confronted with the Virginia debt as
an issue this fall. To date it is a ques-
ton up before the United States Supreme
Court as to whether West Virginia shall
he liable for part or all of the claims
of the holders of the Virginia war GER
tificates, but there are significant portents
that it will reach the dignity Of an issue
with the democrats, the aggressive party.
Succeeding legislatures for years went
on record to the effect that this state
owed nothing-or II anything, but a very
email amount-to the mother state by
reason OF their separation. Democra tic
platforms in particular more than once
took a similar stand. But the ghost
would not down. and so it comes that a
decision In the pending litigation, expect
ed before the election, will be an issue
the republicans unfolding the state adj
minfstrationS conduct of the case the
democrats assaiIng 1t as ineffective and
inSincere. The democrats intend to at
tack the administration conduct whether
decision is reached this year or not.
Preliminary Report a Surprise.
The people were staggered by the pre-
liminary report of Master Littleield.
whose approximate estimates indicated
that at best West Virginia might be in
for millions AS the state cannot con-
tract a debt, ii would have to effect
a settlement by a bond issue, pro-
vided an adverse decision is reached
The administration is hopeful of a favor
able decision. but this confidence is not
generally held. Prospect OF a heavy ad-
verse verdict is not entcing. since it
would entail a heavy levy through
bond issue on the taxpayers. and this,
IN v.ew of the more or less recent tax
reform campaign of the republicans.
Would. OF course, be embarrassing
Already the connection of ex-Gov.
Dawson. as associate counsel, is being
criticised. Some uncomplimentary refer
onces TO his legal ability were made at
the time OF his appointment. a few DAYS
after he left the governors chair but
these protests have grown into storm
since The political season opened The
statement that Dawson is looming up
a. Il dark horse in the United States
senatorial race has brought harsh criti-
clSmS from republicans supporting Sena-
ter Scott. and when they criticiSe Dawson
n tins connection they give prominence
TO the Virginia debt proposition, a promi-
nence heartily relshed by the democrats,
VINO see glimmerings of a popular state
issue. something which they did not be-
lore seem to have in sight this year
Use of Catch Phrase.
The Shadow of Dawsonism' is the
catch phrase used by the Scott sup
porters 10 convince people inclined to
support Representative Hubbard for the
Senate that they should not encourage a
movement which has for it's sole object
the defeat of Scott, ostensbly in Hub
bard's interest, but really in Dawson's
behalf. and IL is apparently a cry eff
fectlve. Representative Hubbard made a
brief visit to Clarksburg, Fairmont and
wheeling, and returned to Washington
without declaring himself on the mooted
question of whether he Will be a candi-
date TO succeed himself in the House.
There was report from Farmo1t that
he would not be a dual candidate but
would stick for the Senate Hubbard.
however. did not mince words in attack
ing Senators Elkins and Scott saying
II is alleged, that both should be beaten
1t IS reported that he also scored Presi-
dent Taft, charging that he was under
the influence of Postmaster General
hitchcock. This was Hubbards reason
for failing to get his recommendations
Tor new postmasters at Fairmont and
olarksburg put through.
AT Wheeling Mr. Hubbard refused
10 confirm or deny that he made such
utterances at Fairmont and CIarksburS
he mas not disclosed his plan of cam
paiSh except when he appeared before
the Ohio county committee and smoke
along general lines and in favor of nom
nations by primary election The COM
HiIlee nXed the primary for Nav 20
scott and Hubbards names will 60 on
the tcket, the same in every other
county n the northern part of the state