West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1914-04-30
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
Tho Contest Over the Nominations
for Congress 10 on In Esrnest-A
Decision 10 Expected Soon by tho
Supreme Court In the Virginia Debt
Suit-More Petitions for the Inn
parchment OF Judge Dayton
GEO. w. SUMMERS

oclnR sought Dy AuJutant ueneraI Y. ~.
Elliott to increase the military strength
| in West Virginia and to offer to the
Government an entire brigade i'm case
volunteers are called for. In the war
with Spain but two regiments were sent
from West Virginia and that has always
been its maximum strength in the nation
al guard. II requires three regiments TO
make brigade and Gen. Elliott assures
the War Department that no difficulty
would be experienced in raising full
brigade from West Virginia. OF course
he would like to command the brigade if
it is sent into active service and in view
| OF his vast experience in commanding
military organizations in actual service
and elsewhere he may get tine position i'm
case volunteers are called. Major Nicely,
one of the West Virginians now in Con-
gress who saw active service in the war
with Spain, is as full OF the spirit of
patriotism today AZ he was when he en-
listed as private in 1898 TO fight Spain,
and has stated that at any time when he
feels he can render better service to his
country in the army then lie can
in Congress he will cheerfully tender his
services and go TO the front. leaving his
seat in Congress for others TO scramble
for. However, il is not likely that he
will be called upon for army service.
Congressman Brown hurried back from
the South where he had been ordered by
his physician to remain for his health, on
account OF the Mexican situation. He is
with the President heart and soul in his
Mexican policy and particularly wanted
to be in his seat in Congress to 90 on
record in favor Of upholding the honor
and dignity of our nation. IF the stars
and stripes ever go up over the City OF
Mexico, never want to see them come
down." said he.
The contest over the nominations for
Congress is on in earnest. That there is
more than a mere chance OF carrying the
State Is evidenced by the contest over
the nomination for Congressman at
Large. Howard Sutherland. the present
incumbent, will be unopposed for the
Dul viii IOl
be endorsed by Progressives, as he was
in 1912. The Progressives expect TO put
a candidate OF their own in the field for
the position oil Congressman at large,
which will materially change the con-
ditions under which Mr.. Sutherland was
elected. Several Democrats aspire to
the honor of defeating Mr.. Sutherland
for reelection. Col. w. WYlie Beall. of
Welisburg, was here last week and in
formed his friends here that he will be q
| candidate for the Democratic nomination
Tor Congressman at Large. Col. Beall
was formerly treasurer of the Democratic
State committee, was for one term presi-
| dent OF the West Virginia Bankers AS
ISOLATION and is enthusiastic in his support
| OF the Democratic federal reserve law
passed by the present Congress. Word
has been received here that Hal Depue,
| who was the Democratic nominee for
| secretary of State in 1912 is also candi-
date for this position. Ben Hiner, who
was the nominee for Congressman at
Large two years ago, is understood to be
considering the making OF the race again
and Sam V. Woods, Of Philippi. is con-
sidered by some as candidate for the
same place. Col. Beall intends to start
at once on vigorous campaign to secure
the nomination at the State convention
to be held at Parkersburg on June "a.
Congressman Nicely will have no opposi-
ton. Former Congressman John NJ.
Hamilton and Adam b. Littlepage seem
likely to be nominated again, although
John Dice is out against Adam Littlepage
in the third district. In the fifth district
1t is possible the Democrats will endorse
| Progressive candidate and accomplish
the defeat OF the Republican candidate.
Congressman Brown will be opposed by
Charles w. Brandon, OF Philippi. Mr..
Brandon has asked Mr.. Brown TO meet
him in joint debate in every county in
the district on the question OF tolls in the
Panama canal, Mr.. Brandon evidently
taking issue with Mr.. Browns position
on the question. Mr.. Browns reply to
him is as follows: "MY duties REQUIRE
| my presence in Washington. I am
heartily in accord with the President in
his Mexican policy and will remain here
and support him. In the meantime you
are at perfect liberty to canvass the dis
trict in my absence. The people of the
Second Congressional District expect me
to do my duty and my duty is here.
They have my record and let them Judge
between you and me-"
Some time before the adjournment Of
the Supreme Court Of the United States
in June, decree in the Virginia debt
case is expected 10 be made by the Court.
Under the direction Of DR.. Hatfield, the
governor ofthe state, the case was argued
and submitted. West Virginia claims
the right 70 file an amended answer in the
case on account Of certain alleged newly
discovered claims against virginia.
Whether the case can be reopened i'm
order to permit the fling Of the amended
answer is 10 be determinded by the court.
A. is also the question Of interest. n the
case is responded it may 90 on for years.
II the court decides not 20 reopen it =
final decision may be expectd some time
within the next Pix or eight weeks.
According 10 figures given out by the
Census Bureau West Virginia with one
and one-third per cent Of the population
Of the United states has no State debt.
Bot the census bureau calls attention 10
the finding Of the Supreme Court that
West Virginia owes ~. Is2. 5O7 ON the