Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-09-07
The West Virginia Election.

We do not wonder that the editors Of the
newspapers in other States do not understand
correctly the condition Of political affairs in
West Virginia, for there never was greater
tumble of contradictions than the recent canvass
presented. To any person not familiar by
long acquaintance with West Virginia politics,
the issues and result Of the late campaign are
an intricate puzzle. We are not surprized
therefore, that, viewing it from the outside,
many of orr exchanges have been unable to
comprehend the true state Of the case aud have
reached various and contradictory conclusions.
The truth is that tie recent election in this
State, cannot be claimed by any person thor
oughly familiar with all the circumstances OF
the contest as square fight" between De-
mocracy and Radicalism, or as afordng a re-
liable indication Of the comparative strength
of the two great political parties The qres-
ton which partook more nearly than any other
Of the characteristics Of party issue was that
concerning the ratification or rejection Of the
new Constitution. So far as we are informed,
every Republican or Grant man in the State
voted for rejection, but not every Democrat
voted for ratification The Constitution is rati-
fed by more than 5000, all Democratic rotcs
but in reality the Democratic majority on q d.
rect party issue would be considerably more.
Governor Jacob candidacy did not present
direct party test. From tho beginning of
the canvass to its close he proclaimed himself
Democrat, and considerable portion of the
speech he made at various places in the State
was devoted to an indignant denial Of the charge
that he had gone over to the Radicals
That portion Of the Democratic party that ia
vored his election persisted in clinging to the
party name and in denying that they had ac-
cepted single tene. Of the Radical faith. The
Grant men voted for Jacob in the hope that by
| encouraging division Of the Democratic party
they might succeed in defeating the new con-
stitution. This was their sole purpose They
cared no more for Governor Jacob personally,
nor for bis political opinions than they do for
any Democrat who will lend himself to the in
jury Of his party organization If Jacob had
been regularly nominated and Camden had
seen fit to bolt" they would have cast their
party vote solid for him, and there is every
probability that Mr. Camden would have been
able to carry with him enough Democrats to
secure lis election, just as Mr., Jacob has done,
The result Of the campaign is in reality a
very decided Democratic victory, won under
the most adverse circumstances that could pos
sibly arise. Upon any question aGording an
opportunity for q consolidation Of Democrrtic
strength the majority will not be less than ten
thousand.
What effect the Blanton Duncan move
ment may have in dividing the Democratic
vote of West Virginia at the Presidential cleo
ton remains to be seen. The State campaign
has furnished absolutely no data from which
the sentiment Of the party upon this subject
may be judged. National questions have as
yet been but slightly discussed. Mr.. Camden
incidentally ayowed himself in bis speeches as
in favor Of Greeley's election. Governor Ja-
cob made no public mention Of the subject, but
in conversation with his friends, declared that
he, too, was Greeley man. Some Of the Lib
eral Republicans voted for Camden and the
ratification of the Constitution, but by far the
greater number voted with the Grant men for
Jacob and for rejection.
At the same time the new Constitution en-
bodies some of the most salient features of " the
Cincinnati platform" and gives effect in this
State to several of the distinctive principles to
the maintenance of which Mr.. Greeley is
pledged The one term principle" is ap-
piled to the Office of Governor; general anu
ncsty is secured by provision declaring that
no citizen Of the State shall be liable in any
proceeding civil or criminal for any act done
according to the usases Of civilized warfare !"
/ and except the prohibition Of the mingling of
races in the public schools, the new Cousttu-
ton makes no discrimination between citizens
On account of color. In SO far then as these
principles are concerned, the ratification of the
Constitution may be considered an endorse
ment Of the Cincinnati platform, and the State
election has this National significance and no
more, except that it shows that the Democra-
cy firmly hold the Wheelmg Register.
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