The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1912-04-12
In. Behalf of Senator Watson
and Puts one Over on
McGraw.
(By Charles Brooks Smith.J

(By Charles Brooks Smith,
PARKERsBURG, April 12.-Georgo
l. Neal is to be the chairman of the
new Democratic state committee,
George is now the vice-chairman and
Judge W. c. Benentt is the chairman.
In the last state campaign when
Louis Bennett headed the ticket, Neal
was the active head Of the fight, and
he acquitted himself in such salts
factory way in that interesting en-
gagement that 1t has strengthened
his reputation as a keen and clever
manager. The fact is that he is now
regarded as superior to any other
leader In his party in his knowledge
of the political game and how to play
the cards.
Looking back to that memorable
year, 1t will be recalled that the
Democratic committee in its report OF
money collected and dlsbursed, placed
the sum at approximately $33 900. Ali
Of it excepting about $4,000, was
furnished by the Bennett family. The
only two other candidates on the
ticket who paid their assessments of
$500 each, SO 1t is said, were Jere
Miller, Of Wheeling. for treasurer,
and Oscar Jenkins, for auditor. The
balance, about $4,000. was contributed
in small dribs by the poor but loyal
patriots. With this fund, which was
paid out through Chairman Bennett,
at Meals suggestion, the latter made
a fight that was, considered splendid
under the circumstances 1T has
helped him to the higher prestige
he occupies now in the organization.
But, Notwithstanding that, the nom
nation of W. R. Thompson, of Hun
tington, for governor, which now
seems pretty much assured, would
practically insure that the manage
ment OF the campaign this year
would devolve upon Neal. He is i
close friend of Thompson and was in
strumental in getting his candidacy
taken UP by the two senators. In
addition to that phase, however, Neal
has become the mainstay of the ma
chine, more on account of Watson,s
recognition of his political sagacity
than Chilton's willingness to do him
honor IN that respect. Chilton's men,
DRY is good and he cannot forget that
it was Meals vote which kept him
from being elected member Of the
national committee, succeeding his
ancient enemy, McGraw, at the Don
yer convention.
II was Neal who engineered the
Watson primary scheme. In the first
place, when McGraw was bowling for
a primary but neglecting to state just
what kind he wanted, and how ii
should be conducted, Neal suggested
the after-the-electIon primary to
Watson and urged his endorsement
of the same, pointing out, no doubt,
that there was no getting away from
a primary, so great was the party
clamor for it. He doubtless pointed
out to Clarence, too, how Clarence
could win in such a primary whether
there was an overwhelming demand
for him or not. Watson was quick
OF see and appreciate the force of the
argument, and he came out in a pub
lie letter accepting the primary so
much desired by McGraw, but stpu-
lating that It should be held after,
and not before, the general election,
for If the party lost at the polls there
would be no need for any senatorial
primary whatsoever. On its face, that
proposition was SO reasonable that
It met with very general party favor.
McGraw seemed non-plussed and in
his confusion. instead of taking the
other extreme as to dates, announced
that he favored holding the primary
on the very day of the general cleo
ton. OF course. that didn't appeal.