The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1872-04-08

the exercise ofgreater caution and thus
fortify q wise msjority in the positions
it might assume. He was anxious to
see system of proportional representa-
ton adopted in the Congress OF
the United States and believed
that it would relieve the nation
of most OF the evils that hsve grown up
under the present plan. The violence
Of party snimosity would be materially
checked and greater popular content
ment and happiness and prosperity
would ensue. To accomplish this end,
he hoped to see the principle first
adopted in the several States, aud this
being done, its adoption 10 the national
government would soon follow. The
chief defect in our republican system Is
the oppression of minorities, and ne
looked to the success Of some plan OF
proportional representation as the only
means OF remedyiug this defect.
Mr.. Mathews also favored the propo-
sition introduced by Mr. Wilson and
advocated its adoption without modifi-
cation or amendment. He made very
earnest and eloquent speech in its be-
half, contended for its equity and pro-
priety; and warmly urged its adoption.
Mr.. Ward thought that the year 1876
proposed by Mr.. Faulkner as the time
for the Inauguration OF the system
would be better than the time mentioned
in the resolution. 1t was the Tooth
anniversary of American Independence
and it was fitting that this great measure
of electoral reform should be cousum-
mated at that time. He was therefore
iu favor of postpouement IN accordance
with Mr.. Faulkners amendment.
Mr.. Pate was opposed to the whole
scheme. The Radical party when in
power in West Virginia had never
offered to the Democracy any such
privilege as it was now proposed TO ex-
tend to them, and he was therefore OPP
posed to the proposition made by Mr..
Wilson. He moved that the whole
.ubjec, be Indefinitely postponed.
Mr.. PANEL said that be had not
given the subject much consideration,
but that from what be knew o. it he
would oppcs4 the adoption Of NJ. Will
sons proposition. 1t was conced'nz to
the Abol tioni-ts more than they were
ever willing 10 concedt to u. l. they
had shown little more l.beralitv when
thcy had the power they cou'd with
much better grace ak favor from the
Democracy. If he understood the
matter cor ectly it would surrender to
the Radicals one thiri Of the member
Of The State Legislature, and now that
the word white lad been omitted
from the Constitution it would enable
the negroes in Jefferson aud perhaps in
other counties in the State 10 combiCe
their votes in such way as TO elect g
negro 10 the LEGISLATURE. We had got
along very well under the present
system Tor nearly one hundred Years,
and, for his part, he would be ling TO
live under the old system for one hum
drei years more. He thought that no
political party that, for the sake OF
expediencg or policy, truckled 10 catch
the votes OF its opponents would long
retain its power. The old Whig party
was DESTROYED and went to pieces when
i, forsook its own principles for the
sake OF conciliating its opponents, ard
such would always be the case. He
looked upon minority representation as
a mere Yankee trick gotten up to
rave the way for the overthrow Of Dem
ocracy and the restoration OF Radlcal,
ism in this State.
Mr.. Wilson stated in reply that this
VISA no trick in the interest OF the
Radical party. He had offered the
PROPOSITION because he believed 1t 10 be
lust and right and because it had re-
ceived Democratic approval all over the
State. He again cited the address OF
the Executive Committee. the various
newspaper articles on the subject aud
the pledges that had been made by
manv OF the members OF the Conven-
ton in reference 10 this matter.
The previous question was then called
and the house refused 10 indefinitely
postpone: the vote standing, ayes -.
noes is.
Mr.. Woods combatted the idea that
the Democratic party OF the State stood
pledged to the support Of the doctrine
OF minority representation. He be-
lieved it had not been mentioned dur
ing the canvass in one-fourth OF the
counties OF the State. He VAS aware
that one or two newspapers hal spoken
of the subject but he denied their au'
thority or power TO pledge the party
to anv such a course. For himself, hr
read the newspapers just as he listened
10 the conversation OF friends, and he
entertained his own opinions aud pur-
sued his own course without being
governed by what they said He ad-
mitte,i that he knew but little OF any
system OF minority representation. de
had given it but little consideration. but
he thought it in violation OF the long
settled rule that the majority should
govern and would oppose it accordingly.
In his view. the resolution contemplated
a complete revolution in Our political
system and the upturnipg OF all our
long established ideas OF government.
1t asked the majority to surrender itself
into the hands OF the minority and let
the smaller party make the laws. He
was earnestly opposed to such an inno-
vs,ion and would vote against the whole
scheme.
Mr.. Osburn said that be did not IN.
ders,and the subject; had given it no
consideration and was at loss to
know what It's practical operation would
be. He feared, however. from all he
had been able to gather in regard TO it,
that il would work badly in Jefferson
county aud might result in the election
OF a negro TO represent that county IN
the Legislature. He hoped it would