The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1912-10-24

whole matter until an Investigation
is bad; but Il you men go on, then
u want totnominate man who is
big enough, physically and mentally,
and whose Democracy is pure
enough to support the faith, the hope
of Democracy which is now Well
nigh lost, and. Sir, nominate for
that position, Thomas 3. Hodges OF
the county of Monongalia."
It may be stated here in connec-
ton with the speech made by sena-
tor Bland, that Delegate Shock
stated to numerous persons that in
consideration of $1,000 cash in
hand, and the promise of an add
tional $1,000, he was to vote for
every motion made by Senator Mac
Corkle, ring-leader of the Watson
Chiffon combination, and for Wat
SON and Chiffon every ballot. II TIE
ballot was secret, then he, Shock,
was to show his ballot prepared to
smoot, Anderson, Maccorkle or some
other supporter OF the allies; and II
criticized by his constituents for
voting for Watson he was to say
that he could not v9te for Cath
Ollie.
To the credit of Delegate Shock
Iit must be said that the temptation
was rejected. Consistently he
voted against Watson and Chiffon in
the caucus and in the extra session
of the legislature he was an earnest
supporter of direct primary law.
Attempt to Postpone Election.
Following the charges made by
State Senator Bland there was a
movement to delay and postpone the
Election OF the two senators until an
Investigation could be had. 1t was
believed that the men charged with
the ofrense of bribing and corrupting
a legislature would desire to prove
their innocence. But Chiffon and
Watson feared delay. A deadlock
might ensue II the election was de-
layed. 1t was the safer plan to Sc
cure their certificates OF election
and then, il the legislature insisted
upon an investigation of the charges,
let 1t come, but they would be safe
in their seats in the United States
Senate.
Following the speech of Senator
Bland, Delegate Henry B. Gilkeson,
Of Hampshire county, offered the
following resolution before the joint
assembly:
Whereas, charges of the gravest
character have been made touching
the integrity CT the nomination OF
Mr.. G. w. Watson and Mr.. W. E.
Chiffon for United States senator's,
that said nominations were secured
by means of bribery, charges reflect
ing upon the integrity of members
of this legislature, and affecting the
good name of said candidates; and
Whereas, 1t is due to said mem
bers, and to the people OF this state
as well as to said Watson and Chill
ton, that the parties making such
charges, and any other parties, be
given an opportunity to produce
any evidence they may have, to the
end that proper action may be taken
in the premises and that said gentle
men may go to the United States
Senate with untarnished records.
Therefore, Resolved that COM
mittee of five consisting of two SEN
ators to be appointed by the Presi-
dent of the Senate, and three men,
bers of the House of Delegates to be
appointed by the Speaker, be ap-
pointed to investigate said charges.
And said committee shall report as
speedily as possible.
Resolved Further, That there
be no election of United States SEN
ators until said committee reports"
Senator Sam v. Woods raised the
point OF order that the Joint AS
sembly had no authority to consider
the resolution. and Senator Robert
f. Kidd, whose vote was instrument
tai in nominating Chiffon and Wat
son and who opposed an investiga-
ton without an attempt to make al
public explanation, presiding as
chairman of the Joint Assembly,
ruled that the point of order raised
by Senator Woods was well taken.
The Journal disclosed that Mr.. Gil
keson, the author OF the resolution
which sought the postponement of
the election, was excused from vo-
ting for either watson or chiffon on
that date, but on subsequent votes
his conscience was eased and he
voted for the two caucus nominees.
At this same session of the joint
Assembly Of the Legislature, Dele