Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1916-11-23

HE West Virginia Legislature con-
veued in Charleston on Monday last, in
response TO Governor Hatfeld's procla-
mstou calling an extra session, and at
this writing it looks as il the Republican
majority in that body will meekly bow 10
the partisan will of the man whose real
purpose is TO prevent the Democrats from
securing the fruits OF their victory at the
polls on the 18th OF November.
Governor Hatfield's message was read
10 both ouSes OF the Legislature as soon
as they had been called together. Ii can
hardly be designated as a State paper
il was bitter partisan Screed from an en-
ragged and thwarted man without the man.
illness TO acknowledge honest defeat
The Governor charged the Democrats
with having elected Cornwell by fraud
ulent methods and made a malicious al
tack upon Governor-elect Cornwell, who
was then sick in bed. In this screed he
recommended the measures that he wants
passed by the Legislature.
Eight bills embodying Governor Hat
fields desires were introduced in the
Legislature the first day OF the session.
Some OF them are harmless, and are ex-
actly what the Democrats opposed when
they were enacted. One Of these bills
would restore the rights OF minority par
ties, such as the Socialist, Prohibition and
Progressive, taken from them by the
Republican Legislature two years ago.
Another would make certain changes in
the registration laws. Other bills restrict
the power OF the Governor in removing
heads OF departments, limit him in max
ing changes OF appointees, and provide
new methods OF conducting election con-
tests. The real joker is bill providing
for civil service board, which would
vest the power OF patronage, rightfully
belonging 10 the Governor, in the present
Hatfield machine.
Yesterday three OF these bills were
passed by the Senate-two relating TO
election contests and one perniCions
measure which seeks 10 prevent The
Governor from removing appointive Off
GERS, even for cause. Four Republican
Senators united with the Democrats in
opposing the ripper bill: Goodykoontz,
CT Mingo county; McAboy, OF Cabell;
Miller, Of Jackson; and Marshall, of Han
cock. Despite all protests for decent
consideration OF the matter, the Repub-
lcan majority brutally enforced the gag
rule and rushed the measure through.
There was an affecting and dramatic scene
when Senators Goodykoontz and Nc
Alloy cast their votes against the bill.
Tears streamed down their cheeks as
they declared their conscientious oppo-
sitlon 10 such procedure and their de-
termination not TO violate their sworn
duty, but their earneStneSS had no influ-
enceupon the gang behind the outrageous
scheme. Senator Beckwith, of Jefferson
county, made one OF the most impressive
speeches OF the day, and made the poiut
that the effect OF the bill would be 10
drag down tine judicial ermine into the
political mire.
Charleston is filled with Office holders
and heads OF departments OF the State
government from evey section of West
Virginia, who are using their utmost eff
iortS to save themselves from the right
eouS indignation OF a Democratic Gov
ernor. Many OF them have neglected
their official duties all this year, first in
the primary fight in Robinson's behalf
and later in the regular campaign, and
knowing that they have forfeited all right
10 their places under a conscientious
Governor, they are now seeking 10 save
themselves by helping along the despic-
able schemes OF Governor Hatfield.
Just what the result will be OF the
present outrage, wecanrot foretell. John
Cornwell says that he is going to be in
augurated Governor if he lives, and if he
is inaugurated we know that he will be a
Governor.
Governor-elect Cornwell, though still
sick man. left his bed TO 90 to Charles
ton, so that he could be in conference
with The party leaders during this critical
period. The Democrats are strenuouSly
opposing the ripper measures, but as they
are in hopeless minority their efforts