Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1916-10-26
An interesting correspondence.

made to the literature OF the West Viz
ginia State campaign is Hon. ]. H. Mar
GUMS expose of the deal by which Abe
Lilly wss tricked into Withdrawing his
contest for the Republican gnbernatorial
nomination in the June primaries.
Mr.. Marcum managed Lilly's campaign
in Cabell county, and fought throughout
the primary campaign for the overthrow
OF Hatfieldism. In the following signed
statement he shows how Lilly was induced
TO abando his fight for the nomination
on the strength of promises by Judge
Robinson which have not been kept:
To The Republican Voters Of West
Virginia.
AS there has been quite controversy
in the minds OF good many Republican
voters of the State as to the kind OF COM
promise agreement that was entered into
in New York city between A. A. Lilly
and Judge Robinson, whereby Gen Lilly
agreed to and did withdr aw from his con-
test Tor the nomination for governor, |
felt if duty TO myself and to others like
ME who wanted to know the truth about
il 10 write personal letters to the gentle
men that were present at that conference
and enclosed them synopsis OF the
agreement that was entered into as un-
derstood it. The gentlemen present at
that conference to whom wrote letters
were Messrs. A. A. Lilly, Grant P. Hall,
T. E. Houston, William McKelI and Z. T.
Vinson.
The following is copy of the letter
and supposed agreement which sent to
each of these gentlemen and also their
answers in response thereto:
Huntington, w. Va, Sept, 2l, 1916.
My Dear Sir:
1t has been reported that meeting held
in New York, at which you and Judge
Ira Robinson, VIM. McKell, Grant P.
Hall, T. E. Houston and Z. T. Vinson
were present, that the following agree
meut was entered into by Judge Robinson
and other gentlemen present-that is:
That Lilly would discontinue his con-
test and publish card TO that effect, and
announce for Robinson, and advise his
friends all TO support Robinson-for
which Judge Robinson agreed;
1. To publish card thanking Lilly, and
stating that Lilly supporters should re-
ceive the same consideration at e
| Judges hands as his own friends.
2. That all the patronage Of the gov
ernor's office should be equally divided
between the supporters OF Lilly and the
supporters of Robinson. And,
3. That Grant Hall should be made
chairman OF the State Republican execu-
tive committee.
4. That Abe Lilly should be m de tem-
porary chairman OF the State convention
at Huntington, and his speech was to be
submitted to Robinson for his approval.
5. That Judge Robinson was to unite
with Lilly and some OF his friends in draft
ing platform to be adopted at the Hunt
ington convention, and there should be
no personal endorsement OF Hatfield or
his official acts; and
6. That Governor Hatfield should have
nothing whatever to do with the conduct
OF the campaign or the administration of
Governor Robinson after his election, and
that Hatfieldism should be eliminated
from West Virginia politics so far as Rob-
inson and his administration could do so.
And,
7. That Robinson agreed that Hatfield
would bolt the ticket and fight him when
Grant Hall was made chairman Of the
committee and Lilly chairman of the con-
vention but that he, Robinson, had al
ready discussed Hatfield's boiling with
Lakin and the other leading appointees,
all of whom agreed that they would not
follow Hatfield's bolt nor would they re-
sign their places, and that Hatfield had
no strength he could take with him against
Robinson.
wish you would advise me by return
mail if the foregoing is substantially
correct statement th was entered into
by Judge Robinson with Mr.. Lilly and his
friends in that New York meeting.
Very truly yours.
J. H. MARCUM.