Wheeling Sunday Register

DEMOCRATS ENDORSE
PRESENT GAS BOARD.

WELL ATTENDED CAUCUS WAS
HELD IN THE SIXTH WARD
LAST NIGHT

A NEW DEMOCRATIC MEMBER
Was Chosen—The
Democrats
and
Republican Bolters Can Defeat the
Chew Slate in Council, and Will
Do so—Only Two Democrats Absent
From the Caucus.

The Democratic members of Council held a caucus last night on the city gas board. Extraordinary precautions were taken to insure secrecy. It was held in Walther's hall, corner Twenty-sixth and Chapline streets. All the Democratic members were present except Messrs. Burke and Lavey, and it is understood that both gentlemen have signified their intention to act with the party in defeating the Chew slate.

The situation was discussed in all its phases, and there was a practical unanimity of sentiment favorable to acting with the Republicans who are unfriendly to the insurgents in defeating the ticket dictated by M. A. Chew. Mr. Chew was denounced for his alleged trickery and was condemned upon all sides for breaking faith with the Democrats after binding himself by a solemn oath to stand by them.

Several speakers took the position that there was glory enough for the Democrats, inasmuch as they can get no valuable concessions, in thwarting the well laid plans of Chew and his associate insurgents.

One member was rather insistent in his demand for a share of the spoils— He had approached Mr. Buckman and had sought promises of places for Democrats, which were not given. Therefore, he thought the Democratic members should name a ticket and try to get it through, and if this course failed he thought it would be time enough to support the present board. Very good reasons were given why such a course would be foolish and the gentlemen decided to support the present Board, with the exception of the Democratic member. The Democrats thought that concession at least was due them, and they decided upon Mr. Geo. J. Mathison, instead of Mr. Pollock, the present minority member.

The Democrats will be virtually a unit in their support of Buckman, Ford and Mathison, and if Mr. Buckman's friends can deliver the goods in accordance with their promise the gas board fight is settled.