Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1916-01-04
Washington Letter.

The week in Washington, with regard
to West Virginia was the announce
ment by Sherman C. Denham, OF
regarded as political man.
ager for Governor Hatfield, that the
Governor is a candidate for election to
the United States Senate. 1t has been
known for some time that Governor
Hatfield was getting himself in readi-
ness to make the race, but the an
by Mr.. Denham in Wash
ington, of the fact, after the Governor
had been here for several days. seems
to make the matter certain. 1t is the
usual custom for West Virginia Re-
publicans to start their political CAM
paigns in Washington. and the Govern
or is living up to the traditions of the
party.
Virgil D. Highland, of Clarksburg,
who was chosen in place of William
Seymour Edwards as a member of the
Republican National Committee by
what former Senator Davis Elkins
calls ''underhand Methods" voted to
hold the Repub lean National Conven-
ton June Z, at Chicago. Under the
new State primary law, delegates to
that convention from West Virginia
cannot be chosen until June 6, and
they must be chosen then in a primary
election. 1t usually takes several days
to get full returns in from West Vir-
ginia at an election, so the probability
is that West Virginia will not be rep
resented in the Republican National
Convention, as that convention proba-
bly, will be over before it can be as
certained who the delegates from
West Virginia are.
Senator Chilton's bill authorizing a
suit by West Virginia against the Uni.
ted States for the claim arising out of
the sale of lands in what was known as
the Northwest Territory, ceded to the
government by Virginia, was referred
by the Judiciary Committee, of the
Senate to sub committee, of which
Senator Chiffon is chairman, and the
other members are Senator Hoke
Smith, of Georgia, and Senator A. B..
Cummins, of Iowa. The Governor and
the Attorney General of West Virgin
ia have been invited by Senator Chill
ton to present any data they may have
to the sub committee which is to re-
port to the full committee on Jan. 6.
If West Virginia is authorized to sue,
it is believed it can get judgment
against the United States for enough
to pay ita part Of the Virginia debt.
Strong pressure was brought to bear
on Congressman Nicely to get him to
introduce resolution for the impeach-
ment of Judge A. G. Dayton, of the
United States Court for the Northern
District of West Virginia twas rep.
resented that he has strong influence
in the House, as shown by his assign
ment to the Judiciary Committee, and
that it would strengthen the case to
have him introduce the charges. To
do so, however, would render him in
eligible to sit in judgment on the case
as member of the committee. so he
did notintroduce them. 1t is expected.
] however, that Immediately on the re-
converting of Congress, the impeach-
ment resolution will be introduced and
the case started again.
Congress nan Brown, who is ranking
member of the House Committee on
banking and currency, is strongly in
favor of the enactment of law pro.
viding for rural credits He believes
the farmer who has his crop in the
ground should be able to borrow on it
sufficient to mature and harvest the
crop. and he will try to put through
some sort of a measure which will pro-
vide for it. Mr.. Brown is also strong
ly in favor of larger navy and a lar
ger army. He is in favor of the ad-
minlstration plan for enlarging the ma
Wy, but believes the best way to en-.
large the army is by making the ma
tional guard the basis of it, giving paw
to the guaIdsmen and giving them the
training of soldiers. This would give
trained army for use on immediate
notice at any time. In order to pay
for Il e enlarged army and navy, Mr..
Brown would increase the income tax
which he regards as the fairest Of all
taxes. Other methods may be requir-
ed, but he believes the basis of the in
creased tax should be the incomes.
The Senate has confirmed the follow
ing postmasters Ia the Second District
of West Virginia. appointed on the
recommendation of Congressman
Brown; Edgar j. 10y, Romney; W.
Jack Hunter. Berkeley Springs; ]. H.
5. Barlow, Grafton: Philip a. KEYS.
Keyser; 1hos. E. Hodges, Morgan
town. The President has also sent to
the Senate the nomination of s G
Young, nominated on the recon men-
dation of Mr.. Brown, to be postmaster
at Charles Town. His confirmation is
expected as soon as the Senate meets
again.
Congressman Brown has recommend.
ed |. M. Conner for appointment az
postmaster at Harpers Ferry, and his
nomination is expected to 90 to the
Senate soon after the re-assembling of
Congress.