Randolph Enterprise

Claude's Political Observations

COALTON, April 16--Elkins, Last week was the center of Political activity. Elkins, Leadsville and New Interest Districts are pointed out as the keys to the Democrat situation they are counted on Polling eight hundred votes. Even so the Rural Democrat vote in the county will foot up to over sixteen hundred. It is thought that candidates coming out of Elkins. Leadsville and New Interest. with good majorities that the rural vote would be divided so that their election would be certain. But these conclusions are not correct. Because a candidate may carry these Democrat strongholds and Still be beat. by the Rural vote.

The contest for the assessorship. is almost a hand to hand fight Mr Zinn and Battallion of workers raided Elkins, for three or four days last week, they were in the street. on the street over the street up and down street, massed at every corner, they were in the banks. stores. hotels. saloons. and down at the depots where voters most do congregate, they were persistent, patient and determined. They never smiled but worked incessantly. they were not over confident. But believed that labor beats all adversaries. Politics make strange bed fellows is as sure as it is old, " Uncle Sam Gaynor. the present assessor. a strong partisan of Mr. Zinns, was hauled out of a sick bed made officer of the day and restore of the occasion.

The Hon. E. E. Taylor was not in the least discouraged or disheartened by the sausage raid that was being directed against his native health. He believes the demonstration has a threefold object in view,-1st. to watch his movements Ind. to make votes, 3rd. to conceal their weakness in the County Districts. Taylor is ready to meet all opposition when the sun goes down on Saturday the 25th inst

I regret very much. that I did not meet Mr Harper, Mr. Calvin, Mr. Crickard. Dr. Irons and the Hon. Harrison Daniels, while in Elkins last week, these gentlemen are sterling Democrats and will be heard from at the Polls on the 25th inst.

Hon. K. B. Crawford, of Beverly is engaged in triangular fight with Calvin on the east, and R. M. Harper, on the north for his nomination for County Commissioner. Mr. Crawford points out that he has saved the County fifty thousand dollars in the Court House contracts in 1906, besides several other valuable services he has rendered the county. He is confident of re-nomination for commissioner.

Hon. James Coberly, candidate for nomination for prosecuting attorney is making an active and energetic fight, and believes he will be a winner, this is Mr. Coberlys third call for the office. He believes the party owes him his nomination for services he has heretofore Tendered it. Jim has lost in the nominations here before and took up the county for him his work resulting in election. He speaks confidently of success at the polls.

Clarence B. Wilmouth, candidate for nomination for Circuit Clerk. is at work and is hopeful and confident of success. He is a native of Leadsville and New Interest Districts. He should poll a large vote in these Democratic strong holds. The coming vote, will show that Mr. Wilmouth is a favorite in most of the Rural Districts S. P. Ward his assistant from Huttonsville says they will divide the vote from Elkins up to Mingo. Clarence is hopeful and confident meantime he saws wood every day.

I only had a few words with the Hon. H. G. Kump. He is a most courteous and affable gentlemen A man of sterling integrity. and undoubted legal ability. He has the honor to represent one of the oldest and most respectable families in Hampshire County. He too. is confident of success at the polls of the county of his Adoption, while his political ambitions are still in question. His social and domestic success in our midst are most complimentary and gratifying

Hon. J. L. Ward Justice of the Peace is actively engaged in securing his re-nomination The Judge is a popular and influential Democrat.

Hon. James N. Kochenderfer is at work for re-nomination as Justice of the Peace, Jim is a sterling man an uncompromising Democrat and sure of success at the polls.

Willie Taylor candidate for constable of Leadsville District is a man of sterling worth has a large following in the party. and in all probability he will be successful at the polls.

Edwin Scott architect builder