Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1912-02-08
The Political Pot Begins to Simmer
IN jefferson

III sbGlAGENyNkS
The zero weather we have been
experiencing has apparently not
chilled the ambitions, nor lessened
the activities of those wfowi1L in
this year of big politics seek
to serve their fellow citizens IN
the various offices to be voted for.
Already many tentative announce
i1ents Of candidates. for National,
State and County Offices have been
made, and the game has hardly
begun.
In National politics, as they
are reflected in the County, the
one fact that is beyond dis
pnte, lis that ain overwhelming
majority of the Democratic voters
are for Woodrow Wilson for the
Presidency, and will support no
man for Delegate, whoever he
may be, who will not voice. the
Iseptiment of those who send him
40 Baltimore, by voting for the
New Jersey Governor.
If eSget a Presidential Pref
Ference Primary land we ought
to, for the National Committee
has sanctioned it. and the people
want it--this fact will be CON-
vincing1y demonstrated.
It is understood that the name
Of our countyman, Hon. George
R. Wedding, is being mentioned
iii connection with one of the
nominations as Delegate to- the
National Convention, and the
suggestion is meeting with much
favor.
Or. Vending, it is stated, is in
no sense seeking the office, and
under no circumstances would
contest for it.
But it occurs to many Demo
Gratis that the choice, if made,
would be, an admirable one, and
a fitting distinction to bestow on
one who has unstintihgly aid
without reward, given his best
services to the party during his.
lifetime. He is fof\ Woodrow
Wilson, and believes that the
West Virginia delegation should
go to Baltimore with iron clad
instructions to vote for the great
Virginian. In that gathering no
more eloquent voice would be
raised in behalf of Democratic
principles than that of our fellow
townsma11, should he be drafted
into service.
AS TO State politics, nothing
tangible has developed, but it is
believed that jefferson will offer
tne on more candidates for State.
Offices when the State Cofven-
ton: corvenes.
Speaker Wetzel has been men-
toned both as a candidate for the
newly elective office of Commits
sioner of Agriculture, and to-
succeed himself in the Legisla-
ture, but has made no authorita-
tive announcement as yet.
Hon. William ]. Knott IS being
spoken of as candidate for the
State Senate from this District,
but likewise has not made his de-
cision known. =.
1t is also rumored that Hon. B.
q. Gibson is being urged by his
friends to announce his candidacy
for the legislature.
Fortunately, all friction. con-
sequent to the selection Of al
Democratic. United States Senator
has been eliminated BY the agree
ment to hold a Senatorial Primary
either ait or after the general
election, the time for holding it |
being the only matter nndeter-
mined
Legislative candidates, can,
therefore, Be voted for ons their
ability and political merits rather
than as to how they are going toll
J vote IN Legisla tive- Caucus Oh the
Senatorial question.
In Berkeley County while the]
candidates themselves are not M
volveds and are acting in 4 man
ner consistent with the dignity Of
the0fice sought, the Martinsburg |
Ring IS reported as at each others |
threats over the Jugdeship fight.
AS to County Offices: two def
uite announcements have been1
made as to the Sheriffalty byl
Messrs. J. w. Gardner and J. B.
Osburri, respectively, Neither Of
these gentlemen has finally, as
yet, given ont his proposed list oil
deputies.
For Prosecuting Attorney, Mr..
Geo. d. Moore, the incumbent
has So far no opposition to rel
nomination. II
For Assessor, Messfs. w, G. 4