The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1912-11-28
RTE COUNTER FIGHT
IN STATE IN SIGHT
Woodrow Wilson VIII. Have a
Busy Time of 1t as
the Referee.

WASHINGTON, D. G., Nov. 21--
VIII lie It has been apparent since
the election OF November s, that
West virginia had utterly repudl-
ated WatsonIsm and the Watson
Chiffon state machine, the full e1-
tent OF the overthrow OF the leaders
of that machine has scarcely beeI
realized by the people of West yir-
ginla. Not only was the machine
overwhelmingly defeated by vote
OF the people. but the leadership OF
the party has been Withdrawn from
the hands of Senators Watson and
Chiffon and again turned over to
the former leader, John T. McGraw.
Having been active in the sup
port of Governor Wilson for the
presidential nomination. and having
persisted in that support until West
Virginia was forced to give its vote
in the convention to Wilson; and
having been one OF the most active
workers in the state for the election
OF Governor Wilson to the presi-
dency, It ia not strange that Col. Nc
Graw should be recognized by the
party leaders as the most deserving
Democrat in West Virginia. And
because of the recognition accorded
to him by President-elect Wilson. by
William ]. Bryan and other Demo
cratic leaders. 1t is not surprising
that he ls now being discussed IN
Washington in connection with the
appointment to the most desirable
position in the new presidents cab
inent, that OF postmaster general.
Not only is Colonel McGraw said
to be in high favor with the presi-
dent-elect but it is understood that
Mr. Bryan, who 1t is generally con-
coded is 10 be the power behind the
throne in the coming administration
and will be in a position to control
all appointments, is his strongest
supporter for the cabinet position
Mr.. Bryan and Col. McGraw have
been friends for many years. They
have fought side by side in politics
and at times when the loyalty OF
Senator Chiffon and other West Vir-
ginia Democrats 10 Mr.. Bryan has
been questioned there has never
been any doubt as to the fact that
Col. McGraw has stood steadfastly
through failure and success with
Mr.. Bryan. 1t is not strange then
at the present tine, that Mr.. Bryan
should % stross in his advocacy OF
Col. McGraw for this important po-
sition in the new administration.
Nor would it be surprising II the
new president should be entirely
guided by Mr.. Bryan's wishes in the
matter and take the West Virginia
Democratic leader into his cabinet.
The Importance of the position OF
postmaster general In the manage
ment of party affairs is indicated by
the number of appointments to be
made. in the postoffice service by the
new administration. There are in
round numbers about 275,0O0 en-
ployees of the postofflce department.
A large number OF these are under
civil service, but it is estimated that
nearly 100000 appointments Will be
given out by the new administra-
ton to Democrats in the postoffice
service. 1t is even possible that
many Of the fourth class postmasters
who in same states are under civil
service viii be removed from the
civil service and their places will
be filed as part OF the spoils ssys-
ten. The postmasters4of the first
second and third classes are not
under civil service and their total
salaries amount to about s25,O00,=,
900 annually. Practically all of
these would be appointed by tho
postmaster general or at least his
recommendation would have much
to with their appointment, by the
president.
There are in West Virginia about
$500 postof1ces. . Not one of the
postmasters in any Of these Offices
is under civil service and should
Col. McGraw become postmaster
general it would fall to him To I'LL
ali these offices. This would mean
that he would DO once more the ac-
knowledged leader of the Demo-
cratic party in West Virginia and
that he would have at his disposal
practically all the federal patronage
for the state.
1t is not to be presumed that Col.
McGraw will get this position with
out opposition on the part of those
who have been in control of party
affairs in West Virginia. But the