Evening star., 1924-07-12
WEST VIRGINIA
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
CHARLESTON, w. Va, July 12.-
Pride and elation over the nomina-
tion of John w. Davis for President
are not confined to party limits in
his native state. Leaders and men,
bers of both parties are unstinted in
their praise of Mr.. Davis character
ana ability and are vieing with one
another in the warmth Of their trib-
utes. Perhaps no other man in West
Virginia is more strongly intrenched
in the affections of it's people than
the former ambassador.
Praise Strictly Personal.
This outpouring of praise, however,
Is of a personal nature and not in
dicative at this time of follow-up
in political action. Republican lead
ers profess not to be apprehensive
that the state will be lost to their
party next fall because of Mr.. Davis
nomination. These qualify their trib-
uteS to the Democratic nominee by
saying that Mr.. Coolidge is just as
good and sound man and that no
Republican in the state can find JUS
tification for leaving the ranks on
sentimental ground.
Some of these leaders, in private
conversation. are voicing the opinion
that McAdoo would have made a
stronger candidate in West Virginia
than Davis because of his being in
better grace with the organized labor
group. In support of that contention
they point to the action taken by the
West Virginia State Federation of
Labor at its meeting in Fairmont last
September. At that time the fedora
ton went on record as strongly op-
posed to the nomination of Mr.. Davis.
Predictions Show Variance.
Opinions as to the effect on party
fortunes in the fall election naturally
vary according to the party slant,
but the best unbiased opinion is that
state pride will overcome party 10y
atty with Republicans to consider
able extent. Whether this "compli-
mentary vote will be sufficient to
prevent Republican success in West
Virginia cannot safely be predicted
at this time. The state has a normal
Republican majority of around 10000,
and that party has very satisfac-
tory ticket headed by Col. Guy ID.
Goff for United States senator and
Howard NJ. Gore for governor. More
over, there probably is no State where
President Coolidge is held in higher
esteem than in this one.
Gov. E. r. Morgan, Republican, well
expressed the prevailing sentiment
when he said the nomination of Mr.
Davis lis gratifying to all the people
of West Virginia, regardless of party
affiliations. AS West Virginias, we
all rejoice when one of our sons is
honored. Mr.. Davis is a man of high
standing as a lawyer, and his ability
as solicitor is generally recognized.
All loyal West Virginians will rejoice
over the compliment paid to Mr..
Davis. OF which he is wholly deserv-
ing. His nomination, however. will
not affect the relative standing of
the two political parties in West Vir-
ginia, for the reason that great ma
| tional issues determine national cleo
| tions."
Chiffon Ii Optimistic.
On the other hand, the Charleston
| Gazette. owned by former United
States Senator w. l.. Chiffon, who is
| Col. Goff'S opponent for the Senate.
believes there are literally tens of
thousands of Republicans who are
| today West Virginians and who Will
| take a pride in honoring her illus
trious citizen by seeing to it that
| John w. Davis Nceives the vote OF
| the state in the electoral college.
| LYNN KIRKLAND.