Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1865-01-17
THE CITY ELECTION.

last January, and ust as they did 10 Octo- |
Der and November, at the State and Presi- |
Dental elections. We all know what their |
efforts were on those occasions, how they
strove to bear down our ranks by every
energy in their power, and how close was
tine margin OF our victory on all three oc-
casions. Because we beat them in January
they we're not disheartened in October, and
because, we beat them again at that time
they were not discouraged in November
Each time they polled an increase of votes,
aud so did we. We gave them measure for
measure and more. Our experiences in the
past is cur lesson for the future. We can
not count upon q change next Monday
We shall be mistaken if we do not see the
same display Of energy among our oppo-
neuts on that day that we have Witnessed
on the three occasions referred to. There
10 but one way to meet it-by the same en-
eTgy-the same determination never to give
up the contest.
We have lately referred at length to the
Issues involved in this coming election
Dor opponents have put forward repre-
sentative man of what may be called their
average complexion and status. He stands
before the community as the leading spirit
among those who planned and accomplished
the Acknowledgement of the soldiers from
this city On the night of the Gath of last
Janugry-at the last hour before the cleo
ton. For that act We hold Mr. Sweeney
mainly responsible. We believe he could
have defeated the scheme if be had chosen
to. He chose, however, to throw all his in
fueuCe in favor OF the Acknowledgement and
Mr. Sweeney thus made the issue between
himself, the soldiers and their cause. We
hold him to it, and he must stand or fall
upon it. And this brings US to the consid-
Grafton ofyeslerday's article in the copper
head sheet of this city, written on Mr..
Sweoney5 behalf. The point is made in
that article that the Union men of one of
the wards in this city have ignored the is
cue made between Mr.. Sweeney and the
soldiers, by nominating for Council on
their ticket one of those who voted with
Mr. Sweeney for the disfrauchisement. We
have but one answer to make in reply to
that point. Let every nominee who stands
on lhat platform with Mr. Sweeney fall
with him. We are the apologists of no
man who voted TO disfranchise the soldiers
from this city and to deprive them OF the
exercise of privilege to which they were
entitled not only under the law, but
doubly entitled in point of merit
We consider that vote an offense
not only against the Piainest prin-
cipIo of right but against the
commonest gratitude. But for these
soldiers leaving our midst and going out
to the mountain passes aud holding the
enemy at bay, none of US here not even
those who voted for their Acknowledgement,
would be enjoying the privileges of the
elective franchise. Therefore we say that
VIC are the Gpologists of no one, be his
present affiliations what they may, who
voted to take away from our soldiers-ths
defenders of our homes-the right to
which they had if anything a priority of
claim over ali OF US.
Passing from this point we notice the
second point sought to be made in the
cOpperhead sheet in favor of Mr. Sweeney.
We are treated to string of dogmatic as
sertions as to what Mr.. Sweeny did here as
Mayor in the outbreak of our troubles. We
quote as follows:
Against Mr.. Sweeney's administration of
the affairs of the city not one word OF
censure has ever been said. He held the
ONCE OF Mayor during the stormy times
which attended the breaking out of the
war. in 1861, and his administration is, to
TINS day, pointed 10 as eminently wise, pru-
den; aud yigilant. There is scarcely a
Republican In this city who will deny that
MIR. Sweeney was the most efficient Mayor
who ever held the office here. To him,
more than TO any other man are the citi-
Eens OF Wheeling Indebted for the proven
tion of riot and bloody instruction. At
various times during the year 1861, Mr.
Sweeney's official vigilance frustrated plots
calculated to array one class Of our citizens
in arms against the other. aud to destroy
the peace Of the city.
The above is produced as sample of
the whole article from which it Is que.
ted. 1t contains news for many people
OF this city. The sentences bear evidence
OF entire editorial originality. Who
but strangers among US, knowing nothing
personally OF the days referred to, would
write such words for the perusal of our
people? The editors OF the Copperhesd
paper did not live here then. They were
residents Of other S;a,es-both connected
with papers similar IN tone and spirit to
their present sheet. And yet they gravely
tell US THAT Mr., Sweeney was the most
efficient Mayor who ever held office here
We beg leave 10 inform those editors
little. Mr., Sweeney was Mayor here in
1861 His efficiency in preserving
the public peace, SO tar as the war and
an'i-was feeling was concerned, did not