The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-09-11
LATE WASHINGTON
NEWS GOSSIP

WASHINGTON, D. c., Sept. H.
Former Congressman Edward Cooper
of Bramwell, W. Va, whom many poll
ticians from that state in the Natlona
capital regard as "the one best bet" In
the, at present, more or less mysteri-
Gus Republican gubernatorial situa-
ton, is a visitor in Washington. Tc
that fact is due the sudden outburst
of political gossip, comment, surm;se
and speculation; the subject being un-
expectedly revived after lapse OIL
considerable time.
Mr.. Cooper is not discussing his can
didacy-not for publication. His in
innate friends and supporters among
the Republican leaders here, however
are not so taciturn. Far be it from
them to be silent and dumb upon the
subject of their favorite's abilities, in
creasing bright prospects, his advan-
tage from the geographical standpoint,
and the clear-cut logicality Of his can
didacy. Upon all those several inter
esting and important subjects they d.
late with eloQuence, earnestness and
convincing asseration. The former
member OF Congress is conner,
possessing all the points, portents and
presentiments Of winner, is the way
they view it and personal---very. explain
it.
And from them what may follow in
this article has come, and due allow
ance must, therefore, be made for the
urobable enthusiastic prejudice of the
source. In the first place, the gossip
here is that the chances are that the
Republican gubernatorial situation as
now lined up in the public mind, is
upon the eve of undergoing realign-
ment, The talk is persisted in here
that one, and probably two, of the sup
posed candidates are about to con-
clude not to push their preliminary
candidates. further. 1t need only be
stated that neither Of the two is Coop
er, and, according to his friends who
furnish the information, as both are
personally friendly to him and kindly
disposed toward his candidacy with
they, themselves, out Of the running,
the boom Of the Bramwell aspirant to
the headshjp of his party's ticket and
10 gubernatorial honors and service is
about to receive decided impetus. In
fact, they claim, that the foreshadow-
ing Of the event has already had that
sftect
This means, If it means anything,
that the friends OF the Mercer county
candidate, mean to convey that some
sort Of "bandwagon" movement has
Set In for their choice, that there is
shown a tendency from certain quar-
tiers heretofore not counted among the
Cooper boosters, to concentrate upon
him.
Mr.. Cooper's visit here has undoubt-
eddy enthused his supporters, and
there are signs, vocal and otherwise
Sc that. They say that he has re-
reived announcement to make the
race from all parts of the state, ano
thet wherever he has gone he has met
With such a welcome and reception
from party men as to make him feel
4 .e satisfying assurance that there is
4 strong, healthy sentiment in the
party favorable to his candidacy, UpI
till the present time, 1t Is stated, he has
confined his campaign travels to the
jouthern section OF the state, but now
ae Is about to Swing around the cir
cleg which embraces the central and
northern counties. The claim is made
81 the Cooper people that, upstate, the
second Congressional district appears
ID favor him strongly and. with this
IS nucleus, the Cooper adherents re-
sard the chances OF building up a
stronger and more widespread senti-
nent for their man in the neighboring
congressional subdivisions as many |
nd bright. In fact, they confidently
ssert that they believe it will be COM
5sratiYely an easy matter, with the
sentinent in the Second remaining as
favorable as they now claim that it Ia,
AZ matter Of fact, they dope 1t out
hat 1t will be even stronger, health
er and more permanent sentiment la
e. on there than now.
Much Of the. effort Of Mr.. Cooper
md his advisers up till the present
Inc, II Is the talk among the politi-
inns here, has been aimed at clearing
ip the situation In the Fifth Congress
3ional district, which is the district
Cooper represented two terms IN
h House Of Representatives. Attor-
nv General 2, 7. England's home Is
q logan which is one Of the coun- Il