The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-05-17
ces render imperative. We earnestly
hope and trust it will be So.
We slall gladly follow such
q lead and make avaru

Ia lead and make ever
effort In our power to render it successful
But while we'are ready to accept any ant
every good result of party action, we af
firm that the moral reform of our publ,
concern is infinitely superior IN impor
tance to the interests Of any pclitica
party. Glad 10 promote that reform
through party action, we shall insist upor
it at all events, should party action fail
Experience teaches US that the habitua
submission of good citizens 10 q choice o
evils presented to them by party organi
zations, is one of the most prolific cause,
of corruption in our politics. The &C
ceptance by the people of the argument
that our party may be bad snd still en-
titled to the support Of good men, be
cause the other party is still worse, vii
induce each TO consider how bad 1t may
safely be. 1t will strengthen in each the
power of the most unscrupulous element
and subject the will of the people to tht
subtle tyranny of organization weildee
by those who live by politics.
To break that tyranny by strong re.
fusal to submit to such a choice of evih
Is the first beginning In the reform Of
our political life Without this all Other
steps will prove unavaiing. We shall
sincerely rejoice to see the necessity ol
Independent action avoided; we earnest.
ly hope that the efforts to this end being
made by the friends of reform within
party lines will be crowned with success
and that the just expectations of the
people may not be doomed TO dis
appointment. Indeed, we are confident
of all those of our fellow citizens, who
in their hearts agree with what we have
said, will only have the courage openly
to proclaim their convictions and pur-
poses, such manifestation alone would
produce An effect sufficient to secure the
nominations and election and the in.
auguration of better order Of. things
We therefore appeal TO all good citizens
who find their own sentiments expressed
in this address be they inside or outside
OF party lines to organize in their districts
ana communicate with the executive
committee appointed at this meeting, so
that efficient cooperation may become
possible. Let no effort be spared in bring.
ing the influence of patriotic public
opinion to bear upon those who IN the
customary way are soon to nominate the
party candidate; and then, in any event.
let US be ready to do what the best inter-
ests of the Republic demand. Our gene.
ration has to open the second century of
our Nationa! life as the fathers opened
the first. Theirs was the work of indie
pendence; ours is the work of reforma-
tion. The one is Us vital now rs the
other Was then. Now as we'll as then,
every true American must have the cour.
age of his duty.
Carl Schurz, If Missouri, chairman; Mar
tin, of Massachusetts; l.. +. s. Foster,
of Connecticut; Psrke Goodwin, OF
New York; John w. Hoyle, of Wis
consin.
Signed by Theodore WOolsey, Presi-
dent, Vice Presidents and Secretaries.
The address was received with great
applause. Without discussion it Was
unanimously adopted.
The following resolution, offered by
Mr, SCnuTL, WAS tuch iuOptou
Resolved, That an Executive committee
be appointed by the Chair, consisting OF
the present Business committee, with
power to add to their number. at least
one from each State in the
Union, as far rs practicable, and
see that they be directed to use all proper
means " carry out the purposes lndicat,
ed in the address to-day was adopted and
also to convene this conference or
larger meeting of similar character as
circumstances require 1t.
Loud calls were made for Charles
Francis Adams, and rs he stood up to
speak was greeted with great applause
He said this conference differs from
those that have attended for past years,
they only had u vague idea why they
MS. embed, but our address, grand and
nv r,ticent sets forth why We are here and
what our objects are. Now will tel
YOU what want. want political and
financial reform, honest money and hon
est government. [Cneers. There arc
two great political parties in this country
with either of whom cen act cheerfully
providing they nominate men who will
suit my ideas and who will
be above reproach. ! belong to the hoat-
ing. or independent voters OF the country
Among the presidential candidates there,
in ia one whose name stands nblemlshed
before the country to day, aud by nomi
mating him the Republican party will
gam tho vote of every honest man, and
that man is Secretary Bristow. Zap
nlause.l The old memories of the war
are dying out, and the people cannot BE-
frightened into supporting any candi-
date. Among the Democratic party
ALSO there is one man skilled in politi-
cal Lille. A gentleman of well.known
character and high standing, Governor
Tllden, whom, if they nominate, l will
support AS the next best thing to Bristow.
Cheers. If good men are not nom'-
nsted by either party, then we Will put
for~ ard candidate Of our own think
ing. However, this is not hard cider
campaign, nor singing nor wood chop
ping campaign. In this centennial year,
/ only ask that ! shall stand up ana
vote and be counted.
Parke Goodwin, ex- President Hopkins,
Dormsn b. Eaton, Prof ". &. Sumner
and others also spoke in full sympathy
with the address.
Mr.. Eaton offered resolution, which
was adopted, TO the effect that 1t Is wise
policy and an imperative duty for any
party seeking control of the Federal
Government " declare itself in favor OF
a systematic reform Of the civil service,
which would limit the excuses OF party
dominstioHs.
Sidney Thomas, of Chicago, moved
tbs, the Conference recommend TO the
consideration OF both parties ard OF the
people Of the country, the name oi
Charles Francis Adams Applause.
Mr.. Eaton offered q substitute that the
Conference make no presidential nomi'
nation. and the substitute was adopted.
Mr.. Schurz then moved that the Coo.
ference adjourn sine de, saying he hoped
au would leave with the CONSCIOUSNESS o'
having done something to make the Ma
tion.l election OF 1876 not unworthy the
! -,.,,or;.s Of the Centenpial. Adopted