Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1912-08-22


THE recent announcement OF Hon. John
T. McGraw that he will be a candidate
for the office of United States Senator
from West Virginia in case.the Democrats
carry the Legislature next fall is one OF
more than passing interest, for a contest
against Senator c. w. Watson, who will
of course be candidate for reelection,
means strenuous political fight. Col.
McGraw, it will be recalled, was can
didate for the Senate two years ago, but
was beaten by Mr.. Watson when the
latter made that successful combination
with the Chiffon forces that landed both
IN the United States Senate.
The Democratic State Committee has
made what we regard as very proper
arrangement for the selection of candi-
date for the Senate, namely: In the event
the Democrats elect majority Of the
members of the Legislature at the regu-
Lar election in November, thus insuring
the return OF Democratic Senator, a
party primary will be held on November
Both, when the candidate receiving the
highest number OF votes will be declared
the nominee and shall be voted for by the
Democratic majority of the Legislature.
This is, in effect, election of Senators by
popular vote, and has been approved by
all factions of the party.
Senator Watson long ago made known
his intention Of standing for reelection.
Col. McGraw last week threw his hat in
the ring by making the brief declaration
that he would also enter the contest and
that he would later issue a statement to
the Democrats and make Thorough can
vass Of the State.
Colonel McGraw has the advantage OF
the Wilson influence for he has long been
consistent advocate of the Democratic
presidential nominee In this we believe
that he was in sympathy with great
majoity of the Democratic voters OF the
State, although the party bosses succeed
ed in sending Clark delegates to Balti-
more, even tying up the Colonel himself
with Instructions that prevented him from
voting his sentiments until Wilson was
practically nominated. The nomination
of Governor Wilson may be regarded as
vindication of Mr.. McGraw, and he will
have additional strength for his consistent
advocacy of the party's leader.
On the other hand, there is no disput-
ing the fact that Senator Watson is much
stronger now than he was when he was
first elected Senator. He has made good
in the Senate. He not only has voted
right on practically every question that
has come up in that body, but has devot-
ed himself to the interests OF his constit-
nents in public and private matters to e
degree that cannot but be appreciated
A great many persons who were oppoS-
edto Senator Watson's election have come
to regard him as most satisfactory SEN
ator.
So the fight will be an interesting one
Senator Watson has the prestige of goot
record and the advantage of being an in.
cumbent. Col. McGraw is fortunate ir
being one of the most popular Democrat:
in the State. with thousands Of enthuSi-
astic friends making the consistent ant
telling argument that his long and unself.
fish service to the party entities him tc
reward-and that now is the time to be.
stow it. As we view it, the party is tc
be congratulated on having two such &C.
Rptable candidates.