The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-01-11
To WEST yIRcINIA DEMOCRATS.

any poiltlcAi parry sho"' OWL
condition as is presented, by the Demo-
cratic party CT West Virginia. There
seems to be in that party mixture OF
irreconcilable material, which makes
harmony in its ranks one OF the hardest
things In the world, and as consequence,
the party is constantly in danger OF
breaking down of its own accord, and
giving over to its enemies the success
which it should always be
able te control. The reasons Tor
this state of affairs are very
plain. What is now West Virginia
was long ago, while portion OF the
State of old Virginia, very largely op-
posed to the Democratic party. The OLD
Wing element, when that highly re-
spectacle party was in existence was
here largely in the ascendant; and
though, since the war, nearly all OF these
old Wings have, through their hatred OF
Radicalism, affiliated with the Democracy,
thew still entertain somewhat Of feeling
of antason,sm to its old-fashioned and
time .honored principles. And 1t Is not
the old line Wings alone who have thus
come into our ranks, but, in fact, all
| opposed to Radicalism have done
likewise, and, Of course, these
fail to feel that whole souled
regard for the party, as party, whicn
characterizes those who have been edu-
Gated from childhood to believe in its
teachings, and which in other localities
makes it work together as an unit.
/ Another and second reason for our
want of harmony, is consequent upon,
and arises directly from the first. Lack
ing that feeling of disinteested regard
for its teachings, there are naturally
MANY men in its ranks who are gov
erned solely by motives of personal
interest. Hence they lose sight OF
one of the first doctrines OF
the party-principleS not men-and
are ready to bolt the track the very
moment that matters do not work to suit
their individual ideas. So while they
hate the Radicals, they deliberately play
into their hands, by weakening the forces
of their profe:sed friends, and thus
endanger their success. Hence also Is
An easy explanation as to why "lnde'
pendents" spring up and flourish SO
naturally in our midst, and hence SO
many things are done which we our
selves have to condemn. Now we
allude to this subject plainly
because it should be seen, appreciated and
in future, rectifed. We are on the verge
of one of the most important, if not the
most important Presidential election ever
held in this country. For fifteen years
the Democratic party has been In help
less minority. As consequence, the
principals established by the fathers OF
the country have been ignored; the Con-
stitution has been violated; the rights of
American freemen have been trampled
upon; this has been notably the case in
this Stste) the writ of habeos
corpus has been threatened with
suspension; fraud, thievery, oppression
and tyranny have run rampant; high
official positions have been prostituted
for private gain; in short, from noble,
heightened people, we have become to be
REGARDED as the most corrupt and un-
principled nation on the face of the
globe. Now we have a chance to change
these things; to restore the country to
It's pristine condition, and TO reinstate in
power the party under whose auspices
it attained all its former grandeur and
honorable fame.
Under these circumstances, can men
calling themselves Democrats consent to
ieopardze their party's success in
any manner? The contest next Fall will
be close, and our five electoral votes may
be called upon to decide the matter.
Radicals are counting largely upon our
internal dissensions, and zealously work
ing to kindle and keep them inaamed.
Now, can any opponent of Radicalism
be Indifferent at this time? Most assuredly
not. Next Fall an united front will
be demanded of us if we wish
for victory. Let us then at this
early period determine en- harmony.
Let us forget private chickering's and
strife and work together for our partys
good. Then we shall disappoint our en-
emies and make glorious victory, on both
State and national tickets, certainty.
With this inducement in view let US
fxedly resolve to cast out from US all
promoters of discussion, and that We
tcW have peace.