Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-07-16
President Confers With West
Virginia's Governor.
NEEDS ELECTORAL VOTES
Reorganization Of Republican Party
in State Probable.
SENATOR wATs0N's ACTIVITY
Member Of the Upper House Of Con-
gress Preparing for Vigor-
Gus Campaign.
Special Correspondence Of The Star.

Special Correspondence OF The Star.
WHEELING. W. Va, July Is. 1911.
Gov Giasscock visited the White House
this week on the invitation of President
Taft. The political situation in West Vir-
ginia at present, but with more reference
to 1912, was the bit between bites. There
In reason for the presidential anxiety over
the Mountain state, because West Vir-
Einia may be the pivotal point in the cam
paign. This states electoral votes may
be just enough to decide the presidency
In what at this time looks like a close
contest.
1t is conceded that the democrats are
In the best position to carry the state
they have been in for nearly twenty
years. The dominant factors in the party
have promised the state to Harmon. They
are cordial to the Ohio governor, because
he Is from neighboring state and be-
cause he is regarded favorably otherwise
Whether the so-called rank and file, or
Bryan element. are more enthusiastic for
Wilson or Clark IS another story.
State Gives Concern.
However that may be, the fact remains
that Taft and his advisers are concerned
over West Virginia, not as regards secur-
ing the delegation in the republican ma
tional convention. but Of the outcome In
November following. This was the piece
de resistance of the Taft-Glasscock con-
ference at. the capital.
Gov Glasscock could have told the
President that so far as the federal office
holders and the state committee go there
Ia no shadow in their turning. and the
leaders in the counties, as WELL are pre-
pared to work hard for Taft's reelection
But II the governor were entirely frank
and fully acquainted with the sentiment
he must have informed Taft that there
is undoubtedly a particular but not Pc
culiar lack OF enthusiasm in the republi-
can ranks. and that II is due very largely
to the chickering's and diSSensions with
whhic the republican party of West Vir-
ginia has been afflicted for about twelve
years.
There is some La Toilette sentiment,
pronounced, but not active. Taft will
have little or no trouble in getting a
solid delegation to the convention. He
is admired more than he was three
years ago, but the fact remains that he
will have to suffer for certain patronage
dispensed, notably postmasterships in the
first and second districts.
President Favors Reorganization
With some knowledge of the condi-
d
reorganization Of the republican party in
West Virginia. He has urged Judge
Nathan Golf to get back into the game
1t is said the President would like the
popular federal Judge from Clarksburg
to run as the candidate for the United
States Senate, or as governor, and the
suggestion has met with favor among
the old timers of the party who recall
no CIV
years ago, when the legislature then
Democratic. decided that Judge Fleming
had beaten Golf, although the returns
seemed to show Golf had over 200 votes
TO the good. In those days Gofr was the
idol OF the republicans, in the fullest
meaning Of the word.
The state leaders have some plans with
reference to new order of things. They
would like men Of the Golf standard to
adorn their ticket, with a view to re-
storing party prestige, for they have not
forgotten the terrible bump they got
last November. Chairman S. v. Matthews
has announced that he will call the re-
publican state committee to meet in Sep
TENDER. at which time, 1t Is expected,
there will be some designations. The
insurgent element or really the anti
organization people. want the federal
and state office holding members to step
down and out for new blood. 1t Is a
question whether the off1ceholders will
comply. Several months back 1t looked
like they would, but recent events in
dicate they may hold on.
Statewide Primary Probable.
II is certain President Taft talked with
Gov. Glasscock about the personnel Of
the committee along this line. Probably
the committee will indorse Taft for an
other term before shifting its member
ship. The committee is also expected to
call a statewide primary, both to COM
ply with sentiment and also to embarrass
he democrats, who are certain to NOM
mate by the old convention system.
W. ". White, who was a supervisor of
the census in the fifth district. has re-
called his resignation FROM the commit
tee, rendered during the census work
Charles p. Light. who rendered his resig-
nation while state highway commissioner
has also reconsidered. Neither resigna-
ton was ever acted on.
Pressure II being brought to bear on E.
w. Ogiebay. millionaire steel man.
banker and fancy farmer, of Wheeling
2 run for governor or for the House Of
Representatives.. Gov. Glasscock has en-
deayored to induce Oglebay to enter the
race. and Is expected to have Taft's
pressure applied. In other words, the
proposition the republican leaders want
10 put through IL q ticket In West vir-
gtnia that WIN appeal to the better ele-
ment. outside OF the top Of tho ticket
the present squad at Charleston will be
candidates to succeed themseIves-name-
~. Auditor Darst, Secretary OF State
Reed. Treasurer Long. School Superin-
rondsnt Shawkey and Attorney General
Conl1y. It Is not q safe bet on Conley, as
he Is deliberating on running for Con-
srees In the second district against Jun
ior" Brown. democrat
In the meantime Senator Watson is
busy trying to make q record for faithful
attention to duties at Washing ton, not
having missed q roll call since his cele-
brated slip-up on the first day, when he
was found wanting on the ship subsidy
measure. The prominence that gave him
taught him an effective lesson.
Watson as Entertainer.
Also. and much to the point, Senator
Watson is getting to be something of an
entertainer. He has had Bryan for q
meal at Fairmont Farms. His noted
horses also are to be reviewed in show
style by a distinguished list OF guests, in
Gliding Senator's Bailey. Kern, Chamber
lain and two or three other democratic
senator's and all the democratic members
of the legislature, likewise the public il
there is full response to the Invitations
sent out by him. OF course the affair is
sxnecfed 70 helm Senator Watson poItf;