Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-10-13
The Case Clearly Stated.
Let the People of West Virginia Ponder!

s.-
j. N. CAMDEN, Esq, the Conservative
candidate for Governor in this State, is de-
livering some trenchant blows in holnely,
but telling way, throughout all the western
counties. Recently. at Mason city, Mason
county, he delivered an address before an
immense Mass NJ Getting, in which he dis
cussed at length all the national issues now
pending, in manner as concise, convincing
and logical, as it has been done in any ad-
dress which we have yet read. He concu-
dcd this mastery speech by the following
reference to
STATE AFFAIRS. ...
What has been said in regard to the Rad
ical policy in the Federal G Government applies,
with equal force. to our own State. We need
a change-a different policy must be pursued
before we can prosper. We see every i'm
portaut interest languishing and perishing.-
No internal improvements are in progress, and
none really projected. Our roads and bridges,
in many sections, are uncared-for and left to
decay our country is neither filling up with
population nor improving; our lands are not
increasing il value, are they sought after,
and although we have an efficient Commits
to homes among us, they come not and many
Of our own people are seeking homes in other
States. Why is this Is it not, my friends,
ON account Of high taxes, our complicated
system of Office holding, and the proscriptive
and unfricndly legislation of the party in
power!
The hard earnings of the people are swept
away by the gatherers, to be divided
among useless Office holders and squandered
upon purposes other than for the development
Of the material interests of the State
Extravaganza, the cost of registration, and
general prohigate legislation, like sponge,
absorb all the money drawn from the people
If wc would correct this, and make whole
some changes, we must forget the animosities,
prejudiccs and ill.feelings that are encouraged
and fed by the party in power to promote
their own purpose at the expense of the State.
Their legislation looks only to party ends.-
What interest have thc people in keeping any
party in power, and allowing the best interests
Of the State to perish from neglect?
What interest have the registrars, in being
made cats paws, to draw the chestnut from
the fire, while the oflicc-sceker stands by
ready to pocket them ?
l submit it to you, Republicans, as well as
Conservatives, to say whether your honest
judgments are not in favor of a change p
We have State abouuding in material and
mineral wealth Would it not be better to
save the money now uselcssly expended, adopt
a more liberal policy, and unite as men having
a common interest in the welfare of our, State
in developing it. .. .. .......
The leaders of the Radical party may deal
in opprobrious epithets and vindictive dcnun-
ciations as much they please, but the fact
still remains the same, and will be recognized
by the people. that we all have an indivisible
interest in our State. We must all prosper
together, or become poor, tax ridden, and
neglected together. The dcws of heaven
descend alike on ALL and all alike must share
the effects of good or bad government.
Fellow citizens, l was born and raised
within our State, and feel have common
interest with you. I cherish State pride,
and an ardent desire to see every interest in
it prosper. We have the elements of wealth,
aud if we act as liberal, fair-minded men,
aiming to accomplish good results, we can
make our young State blossom with prosperity,
and take high rank among our sister States.
TO aid in accomplishing such results would
be my highest ambition; and should be
elected, all my energies will be devoted to
these ends. .......