The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1915-01-12
SD[0NS GATHER
N CHARLESTON
READY FORVORk
1915 Session Of State Body
Begins Tomorrow
Morning.
HATFIELD WANTS Cash.
LEADERS EXPECT TO PERFECT
ORGANIZATION ON FIRST
~ Assnciaiod Prespi

Bya Associated PresHh
CHARLESTON, w. Va, Jan. 12.-
The West Virginia legislature will
convene here tomorrow in what
promises to be one of the most im,.
portant sessions held since the con-
stittuional convention. Tho state is
financially distressed and the law
makers are expected to bring about
relief Intact tits necessary to raise
more revenue for it is too late for
any retrenchment at this late date to
become an Immediate remedy.
Party leaders have been busy for
months perfecting plans to elect a
president Of the senate and speaker
Of the house Of delegates without a
dadlock such as has on former oc-
casions prevented the transaction of
business in the forty.fiye days, the
period allotted in which to finish the
work for which the legislature is
elected.
oliver s. Marshall, Of the first dis.
trict; "A. Bliss McCrum, of the four.
teenth, and 3. z. England, of the
eighth, are three Of the most active
candidates for the presidency OF the
senate, while n. A. Blessing, Of the
fourth, and G. G. Coalter OF the
seventh, have indicated receptive
attitude for some time.
Vernon n johnson, Of Morgan
county A. IL scherr, of Kauawha,
and NJ. Il. Duty, Of Richie, are tho
most active candidates for the speak.
erships OF the house, while dozen or
more Of the members of the lower
branch will receive votes for. tho posi-
ttion.
There has been a deal of agitation
concerning possible redistrictlng the
state to bring about six congressional
districts but party leaders maintain
that toileayes the districts as they are
will almost insure the Republicans of
a congressman.at.large, because Of
the large normal Republican majority
In the state. even when the five dis
trtct congressman are elected by the
Democrats.
Woman's suffrage will receive al.
tention at this session it is believed.
The women Of West Virginia who
have been active in connection with
the suffrage cause. while not numer.
Gus, have a strong organization, and
have been in Headquarters at the capf.
tal for several weeks paving The way
to recognition when the solons get
together. y 1la
Notwithstanding the money nlff1cnl.
ties confronting the state. the lcglsla.
ture will be asked to make approprl.
atoms that will equal in amount tho
appropr ations Of former years when
there was no suggestion of'a deficit.
All the state institutions need money
for improvements. their officials con:
tend, and more money will be neces.
sary in operating the prohibition dc.
partment in manner that will per.
NIT o. the better enforcement 81 the
Yost statute which prohibits the
manufacture and sale OF intoxfcants
In the state And It will be asked
that that law be changed 10 better
suit present conditions. Recommen.
dations for these! changes will be
made by Fred o. Blue, who is at the
head OF the prohibition department
The State Board u Health win ask
that measures be adopted to prevent
the pollution Of waterways in tho
state thereby assuring better health
generally. The forest, fish and game
department will ask for corrective
measures. none of, which. however.
are expected 70 increase the cost Of
maintaining the department. but
which are intended to make it more
efficient.
The credit mems organization will
ask for the passage Of laws that will
protect the business men Of the state
especially against false statements Il
secure credit BY the undeserving. A
more drastic law Is also wanted 10