From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, we find the following story dated September 10, 1926:

Groundwork for an energetic campaign was laid at a meeting of the candidates, committeemen and other party leaders and workers at a meeting held in Republican headquarters Wednesday afternoon. For more than two hours there was a frank discussion of local political conditions. Every appeal for party harmony–and these appeals came from all quarters–was greeted with applause and called forth unreserved pledges of loyalty to the whole ticket. Those present declare that so convincing was the evidence of a general determination to lay aside past differences about candidacies and party management that during the meeting and afterward predictions were advanced that the Republicans would carry the county by not less than 2,000 and more probably by 3,000. After the general meeting, local candidates and members of the committee met to formulate plans for the campaign. As a result of these meetings, it may be announced that this year the Republican campaign will be extended into every district. For the first time in the party’s history Chapmanville district is to be considered part of the battle-ground. That old Gibraltar of the Democracy is to have an opportunity at last, it is asserted, to hear both sides.

E.T. England, former attorney general and now the Republican nominee for representative in congress from the Sixth district, opened the general meeting by a fervent appeal for harmony and a whole-hearted effort in behalf of every candidate from Congressman James French Strother to Johnny Pack, candidate for constable. Notwithstanding his own candidacy, he declared that nothing interested him more in a political way than to see Logan county definitely fixed in the Republican column. “I have no personal interest at stake here,” he said, “yet if you think I’m needed at any time in the campaign let me know and I’ll come if it is possible. But you won’t need my services. All that is necessary to do is to go to the people and tell them in detail of what a Republican county court, a Republican sheriff, and a Republican assessor and magistrates have done; and then contrast that record with the record of the Democratic machine.” Until there was a political change in the administration of affairs, General England pointed out, the casual meeting of three or more Republicans on the street was considered by the authorities as an unlawful assembly. “Remind the people of the greater measure of liberty now, accorded to every man,” he advised. “Explain so all can understand that a Republican regime has lowered taxes, in spite of a reduced valuation of property for taxation purposes. It was the first time the taxpayers’ interest had been served; in fact for many years the subject of economy was never mentioned in Logan county.”

G.R. Claypool, chairman of the county committee, presided at the meeting and called on representatives of every element and of every section to discuss the party’s problems and prospects. Each speaker was able to present some new thought concerning the situation and as the meeting progressed enthusiasm waxed steadily higher. A climax was reached near the close of the session when Ira Hager, after adverting the registration figures showing a Republican margin of about 1,800, turned to General England and said: “You need not be troubled by the situation here; Logan county will give a Republican plurality of 3,000 all along the line.” Charles Ritchie, law partner of General England and a former assistant attorney general, recalled the court battle involving title to county offices in which he participated and commended Republican officials on the basis of reports he had received as to the record they are making. “No matter how earnestly you may have differed in the primary, you should abide by the expressed will of the majority,” he admonished. Senator Naaman Jackson urged the prompt discarding of minor grievances and differences tot he end that a vigorous canvass might be waged and a substantial victory won on November 2. Rev. A.B. Eubanks, introduced as one who had been made to feel the ruthless power of the Democratic machine, told of the interest of the colored voters in the impending contest.

Among others who spoke briefly were Joe Buskirk, candidate for county clerk; Noah Browning, candidate for county superintendent of schools; County Assessor J.G. Hunter; Cole Hatfield, Lloyd P. Hager, City Treasurer Nowlan, E.R. Chapman, Mr. Claypool, and W.N. Bechtel, who said he had been a member of the county committee for 30 years.

Source: “Republicans Form Plan for Spirited Campaign This Fall: Purpose to Invade Chapmanville Dist.,” Logan (WV) Banner, 10 September 1926.