West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1916-11-23

LOT opposing this bill Is that il is TO !
drag down into the mire OF politics |
the Supreme Court OF Appeals. We
do not want that court subject to the |
temptation of playing politics. and we
want to preserve the integrity OF the
court OF last resort"
Minority Leader Fox argued that the
legislature should never have been
convened in extraordinary session in
its dying hours. The new legislatu re
which was elected on November Z. and
which comes direct from the people. !
should have been accorded the right
to pass upon this proposed legislation,
for the reason that the acts of this
same legislature has been repudiated
at the polls. He charged the solons
had been assembled at Charleston
merely to save the jobs of few peo-
pie against whom the voters had pro-
tested in the campaign.
With quivering voice Senator Wells
Goodykoontz of Mingo, majority floor
leader in the regular session, took the
floor with the statement that the bill
had given him bit OF trouble.
But | am the keeper Of my con.
science" he said, 81 have carefully ex.
amined this measure and have talked
with many men in which | have conf
dence. on the constitutionality OF the
act. l have considered it from
broad, public policy. / have been re-
minded of the infractions of the Dem
ocratic party; have been reminded
that in 1872 1t took the appointive
power away from the governor and
vested II in the board OF public works;
have been reminded of the methods
used against General Goff and have
been reminded that the people do not
always right a wrong That may be
true. but my judgment, the constitu-
ton gives the executive plenary power
to remove. Therefore basing my vote
on that proposition alone, without in
tending to influence any one else,
shall vote against this measure. i
would rather go to political oblivion
than to go out of here after casting a
vote contrary to my belief as God
gives nae light to see the right"
Sitting at the right of Senator
GoodykoontZ was Senator McAboy of
Huntington. another Republican, who
cast his vote in opposition to the ad-
ministration measure. Explaining his
vote, with much emotion he recited
that he had been attacked and his
business threatened since he had come
to this extra session.
$50 far as the bill is concerned"
said McAboy. II would like to vote for
1t. but there is a little monitor here in
my breast that have to live with.
and / want to do right From the
best information that / can secure
from the best lawyers l believe the
bill is unconstitutional"
Senator Oliver S. Marshall Of Han
cock county, dean of the Senate. vot-
ed against the bill with the declara-
ti9n that he believed 1t to be the most
disastrous legislation to the RepubIi-
can party that had been proposed.
Senator Warren Miller OF Jackson.
former judge OF the Supreme Court
of Appeals. voted against the bill on
constitutional grounds, making four
members from the majority to cast
votes against the bill
Senators John l.. Hatfield of Mo
nongalia, and Cory Hogg Of Fayette.
spoke in opposition to the measure.
Senetor Scott Lave Of Fairmont, an
nounced that he w9uld vote against
the bill "simply because believe the
party or the people who attempt to
amend organic laws OF the state, either
by legislative enactment or judicial in
depreciation, will rue that day"
Senator Ben l.. Rosenbloom OF
Wheeling, was the only Senator dur
ing the discussion who spoke I'm de-
Tense of the measure. He referred to
the fact that two years ago when he
sip2f gn me aqor Of the Senate ond
cast mis- vote IN Opposition 10 legisle- |
ti9n placing arbitrary power IN tue |
hands OF the governor that he was |
m9eked and jeered He said that he
naw welcomes back 10 his support |
those who previously hoid hin up IL
scorn, and the opportunity to show .
that his course had been right two
years ago, came only through the cleo
ton Of a Democratic governor. The
Wheeling Senator declared that the
minority had not offered any objec-
Hons TO contihJt Bln of tie iniqmp !
Of the measure. 1hc law was one
which he declsrod that viii protect
Republican officials when they do their
dutv honestly
'ihe vote on the Coalter ripper bill
was ss follows;
For Billings. Blessing. Curter.
oal'er, Cooley, Grey. Gregory. Haw-
lev Keim McClung, Parrish. Rosen-
bloom Steed, Strother and England
against pookWith, Fog, aoed}
koontz, Hatfield, Tiogg, Kump, Love.
MARSHALL, Miller, Morton McAboy. Nc
Cuskey. Talbot
During the roll call protests we're
entered nv Senator Fox against the
votes ~ Billings and stead
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