Evening star., 1923-09-16
Vest Virginia Democrats Back
DdUis for Party Leader in 1924
Former ENJOY, Supported by Ne,o Eng
land, Gains Strength in OaUn State,
Threatens McAdoo Grip.

CHARLESTON. w. Va, September
t5.-There 'r the possibility of a
democratic aght in West Virginia on
presidential preference If an effort
be made 20 instruct delegates to the
national convention of that party for
William c. McAdoo. supporters of
John w. Davis of Clarksburg will
meet the movement with one of their
own. Only by leaving delegates un-
instructed viii fight on this score
be averfcd.
There are indica tons that McAdoo
wfll try for an instructed delegation
From this state under the leadership
of former United States Senator w
p. Chiffon. but if the Davis boom con-
tinues the growth of the past few
weeks it is hardly likely that oppo-
sition wouldN be interposed in his
nome state. If party unity is not
brought about in this matter and
McAdoo's name goes on the primary
ticket the Davis boosters will en-
deavor 10 get his consent to proceed
likewise.
Arthur B. Koontz of Charleston.
democratic candidate for governor in
1920. would probably look after the
paws interests in this state in case
the former ambassador to England
stands for the boom for him They
are fast friends. and no doubt Mr..
hoontz would be the others choice
Tor national campaign manager If
the convention should nominate the
West Virginian.
Friends Encouraged.
The impressive Davis boom in New
england has encouraged his friends
In this state to greater effort. A
number of influential democratic
newspapers are open in their support.
and four OF them are carrying at
their lmastheads John w. Davis for
President" Notable exceptions to
this are the Charleston Gazette, own
ed by Senator Chiffon, and the Hunt
ington Advertiser. owned by Chill
ton lieutenant, Col. J. H. Long.
IN fact. sentiment within the
state which favors his CDavis) nomi-
nation extends far beyond the bounds
opinion of the Mo-gantown New Do
minion. "At THE time" continues
that paper, he Is perhaps the most
talked-of man o' all the democratic
possibilities. A boom of such dimen-
slonS at this early date for a man
like John w. Davis has far more
than ordinary significance. For he
ls not In any sense candidate. Per
hars this is the year when pTesiden-
tial nomination win voluntarily seek
national politics."
It is developing that President
Coolidge has succeeded to most of the
admiration which was bestowed upon
the late President by West Virginia.
There was a great affection among
republicans In this state for Hard
ing. and that makes the ready trans
ference OF that regard to the latter's
successor the more impressive
g. A. IL. fer Coolidge.
Forma- StPtc Senator ''Sol" White
of Mate~a an who attended the ma
tional "ucampmrnt of the c. a. r.
at Milv onkee. told Charleston
friends that Coolidge sentiment
among the 1900 old veterans gathered
from all parts of the country was re-
markably strong. Senator White is a
former state commander of the c. A. r.
Gov. j.. F. Morgan stated recently
that Coolidge would undoubtedly be
the choice of West Virginia repubIi-
cans for the presidency, speaking
through their delegates to the ma
tional convention next year.
An undnrSurfare attempt of the
antiCi Ilton wing OF the democratic