The New York herald., 1922-10-09

undesirable COnGltlOnS LOT WHICH tuc
Republican Administration at WASH
inston IS held responsible. The out
cry against continuing war taxation
is quite as pronounced in West Vir-
sin:a as in other States. The Demo-
Gratis are also making good use of the
material provided by the Democratic
leaders in the Senate in opposing the
Fordney- -McCumber tariff bill-which
issue Mr.. Sutherland and the candi-
dates for the House are lodging wher-
ever possible and defending wherever
practicable.
Wet aad Dry Issae.
The wet and dry issue is cutting
little If any figure in the campaign,
though the Volstead act is rigidly en-
forced in spots and quite as merrily
violated in others. Both Mr.. Suther-
land and Mr.. Neeiy are classified as
bone dry. But whatever wet senti-
meut flnds expression in November
viii probably so to Mr.. Neely in the
nature OF a protest against the Vol
stead law, for which Mr.. Sutherland
is Leld responsible by the critics OF
that measure.
AS a mater Of the citizens Of
West Virg 1ia do noJ experience any
great difficulty in gratifying individual
wet O arc..as. Both good
and b. .uU liable at COM
parativc j. mo prices if the local
experts are to b. Deieved. The noun
tain districts send out an ample sup
ply of moon shine, and the system OF
distribution seems to be as satisfac-
tory as in other sections OF the coun-
try. There appears to be a sort Of
gentlemen's agreement between the
rival candidates of both parties to fol-
low the line OF least resistence-assert
the supremacy OF the law and not
waste any time in speculating over
eventualities.
1t is significant that up to date dis
cussion OF the ship subsidy project fa-
vored by President Harding has come
in for only casual attention. There
does not appear TO be any great
amount Of interest in it one way or
the other, the Republicans apparently
having decided to follow dominant
sentiment in Congress when the SUBJ
ject is brought up. Democratic cam
didatcS are naturally opposed TO the
scheme for orthodox and ancient rea-
sons. though they do not seem to re-
gard /. as vitally important one way
or tle other.
Gifted Letter Writer.
In normal conditions Mr.. Sutherland
would probably win under nattering
personal circumstances. He has a lot
of friends in the State: also a great
many personal enemies. His Senate
rial career has been distinguished for
his meticulous attention to the indi-
vidual requests end wishes Of his con-
stituents. lie is one OF the most
gifted letter writer's in the upper house
I of Congress; also strong in distribut-
: ing seeds and other gratuities dear to
the heart of the American yeomanry.
There are one or two sore spots in
the Republican situation that turn
/ upon factional disagreement over Alr.
Sutherlsnds capacity and value to the
State. As election day approaches q
good deal OF this inflammation is likely
TO disappear.
Mr.. Sutherland did not have the sup
port OF the State organization at the
primaries, although he will probably
win the great bulk OF it next month.
! II. G. Ogden. who owns several news
papers in the State, was defeated by
Mr.. Sutherland for the Republican
nomination. Personally Mr.. Ogden
will support his conqueror on the the
ory that any Republican is better than
Democrat, but many OF Mr.. Ogden's
! friends have clearly indicated their
determination to support Mr.. Neely.
I The Democrats. as said, are better
I organized this year than for a long
time. Mr.. Ncely will have the full
support OF the regular organization
vote. Further than that he has been
assured OF financial and moral sup
port Of some OF the most powerful
/ coal corporations I'm the State. The
labor vote will probably be distributed
in accordance with individual prefer
ences. While neither Senate csndi-
date is claimed 10 be an ardent cham
! pion OF labor, large percentage OF
tho trades union men will proba bly,
favor Mr.. Neely on the ground tina I
Mr.. Sutherlsnd's party has not granted
the concessions demanded by voters of
this class.
A conflict of views regarding the
soldier bonus will likewise help Mr..
Neely. The soldier element demand :
| ing the bonus blames Mr.. Sutherland's IS
party for failure 10 grant IT, although
/ ho personally supported 1t. The busi-
ness interests which opposed the bonus
scheme will also support Mr.. Nceiy
for the same reason. Just where Mr..
( Ncely actually stands in the matter is
a matter Of conjecture, although he has
reflected sympathy with tho project.
Mr.. Sutherland is starring the New
berry case in his appeals for votes,
| though the fact is there appears TO DC
but littlo popular interest in the con-
trovcrsy over the right OF the Michi-
gan Senator to his scat. Because Mr..
Sutherland did oppose tho seating OF
Mr.. Ncwberi'y the Democrats are not
inclined TO waste any words over the
matter.
The most definite impression that an
inquisitive reporter forms after dis
cussing the West Virginia situation
| with the experts OF both sides IL that
the November decision will be close
st any rate. II Is not probable tina,
Mr.. Sutherland can win by more than
a comfortable margin. II he wins al ALL
4 Tponarfia1 local iud~pnent Ia that thr