The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1915-03-12

CHARLESTON, W. Va, March 10
Il regret very much, indeed, to sec
the minority side of this house vote to
eliminate the word people, and insert
in lieu thereof the word dollars"
Showing recalcitrant Republicans
the way, Delegate Talbot, OF Web.
ster, a Democrat among Democrats. in
explaining his vote on The passage OF
the measure imposing production tax
on coal, oil and gas, gave voice to tho
above.
Declaring that he is a free, untram.
meled representative Of the people,
and that he does not have any Job on
the floor of the house or at home with
the coal interests, the Webster county
delegate supported the bill, and at the
same time severely called to task his
Democratic colleagues who opposed
1t.
His speech. brief though It was,
caused somewhat OF a stir among the
members OF the minority side OF the
house, as though something had sud.
denly exploded ! ntheir midst, and Il
took some littel time for them to re.
cover their composu.e.
Enllvcned Proceedings.
The above incident enlivened what
promised to be an ordinary roll call.
1t was OH the question of the passage
OF the bill imposing production tau
on coal, oil and gas. Delegate Atkins,
Democrat, Of Marion county, whose
name is first on the roll, explained his
vote against the bill by saying that
if 1t were not for the coal companies
he wouldn't have a job. Three or four
other members explained their votes,
either for or against the bill.
When the name OF Mr.. Talbot, OF
Webster, was reached that gentleman
rose and explained his vote as fol-
lows:
For the last eight or ten years the
Democratic party in my county, In
mass meeting assembled. have unan.
imousiy adopted resolution instruct.
ing its representative in the legisla.
ture to vote for a production tax on
coal, oil and gas. ] could not vote
against this bill and return to my
county an unbroken pledge. have
always understood that the Democrat.
ic party stands for that principle
which brings the greatest good to the
greatest number of people. And re.
greet very much, indeed, TO see the
members of the minority, side of this
house vote to eliminate the word
people and insert In lieu thereof the
word. dollars
That seems to be the position OF
some Of the gentlemen here, and I
think that the gentleman from Marion
tMr. Aikius) pretty nearly voices the
sentiment Of every minority member
woh votes agniY,t this bill when he
said:. but for the coal, oil and gas in.
terests in this state he would not have
a job ! do not have any job here on
the floor Of this house or at home
with those interests. am free, un-
trammeled representative OF the peo-
pie, and, therefore, vote Aye"
Resented Statement.
During the address, Delegate Weir,
of Randolph, and Delegate Hall, OF
WetzejS rising to the point of personal
privilege, resented the statement OF
Mr.. Talbot, declaring that 1t was an
unjust reflection upon members OF the
house who opposed the bill.
Calling attention to the rule which
does not permit any member 10 i'm.
pugn the motives Of or question the
vote OF any member on any subject.
Mr.. Weir declared he accorded to
every man in the house the privilege
OF voting as his judgment, his convic.
tions and his constituents dictate, and
he demanded the same right. 81 do
not, when any man votes, itnpugn his