Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1880-08-17
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS,
W. "a, July % 1889.
.Hssrs. John NcKeon, Edward Cooper

W. "a, July % 1889.
.A,ssrs John NcKeon, Ed~ard Cooper ana
Others, Committee
GESTLEMES-In consequence OF my
absence from Wheeling your letter IN
wiling me to address general meeting
OF the Democracy OF the city and county
of New York a, the Academy OF Music,
on the 2Sth inst, did not reach me un-
ill this morning My engagements, are
now such as to deprive me oil the pleas
ure OF being present on that occasion. L
regret that West Virginia will not he
then represented that YOU might learn
from some OF her citizens with what
qualification the Democracy here re-
ceiyed the announcement OF the action
OF the Convention, and with how great
earnestness we Join in the approval OF
the nomination OF Hancock and English.
The cordial support which will be given
IN this ticket by the Democracy vi the
South should convince every ialr-mlnd.
ed man OF the North OF the loyalty OF
our section and OF her sincere acceptance
of all the results OF the war. There are
some misguided though honest men OF
the North who have doubted the SINGER
ity OF our professions, and who, while
realizing the importance OF changing the
administration, have hesitated for this
reason 10 aid in returning the Demo-
cratic party to power.
The view which prevails generally, AL
most universally, in the South may be
briefly stated. For years difference OF
opinion obtained between the two sec
tions as TO the proper construction ofthe
Constitution. All peaceabie means OF
adjusting this difference were resorted
TO and failed. Peace conferences and
compromise measures were alike I'M
vaiiin., and at last, and OF necessity, the
controversy was referred 10 the tribunal
of arms. After war OF four years, IL
Illustrated by unsurpassed gallantry and
devotion on both sides, the decision was
rendered, and against US. We accepted
tha, decision in perfect good faith. The
doctrine OF secession 1as utterly over
thrown and was never again to be as
serted. The institution OF slavery was
DESTROYED forever, and all that secession
and slavery properly implied was gone.
We gave our allegiance fully and sim
cerely TO the Constitution as ii now is,
and for years We have desired to aid to
aid 10 the extent OF our ability to pro-
mote the welfare of our common coun-
try. The test OF Southern loyalty pre-
scribed By the Republican party, and
which we shall always reject, is not
an unqusstionable devotion TO the
Constitution but a willingness to
endorse every Republican measure
however il may be at variance with the
spirit and letter OF the fundamental law.
We believe that the rule OF construction
OF the Constitution heretofore insisted
upon by the Democracy are still the
true rules OF its construction, that the
principles OF government declared by
the fathers, viz: that the powers OF gov
eminent shall be limited by Constitu-
tional barriers that the men OF each
locality shall settle the affairs OF their
locality, and that there shall be no priv.
ileged classes, either Of individuals or
corporations-are still the correct prln-
cipies OF free government, and when
applied to the changed circumstances
and conditions as they are produced by
an advanced civilization and increased
population that they are sufficient for
all time.
With very few. il any, exceptions the
people Of the North who were OF real
service to the cause of the Union,
whether in council or in the field, I'M
derstand the sentiments and purposes
OF the people. And il the men who
achieved the victories of the war could
have prescribed the terms OF restored
Union we would long since have been
in the enjoyment OF a permanent peace
and fraternal feeling throughout the
land.
The action OF the National Conven.
ton in placing at the head OF the ticket
the soldier-statesman and stainless gen.
Winfield Scott Hancock, has
already accomplished more than seemed
probable lew months since 1t has
harmonized and united the Democracy
in all sections OF the country. 1t has
inspired the patriotic masses with the |
that the hour is almost at |
hand when a candidate fairly elected |
will secure to them the advantages of a
administration, and when |
peace and reconciliation and material |
prosperity will become realities to be
enjoyed by every citizen OF this great
Republic.
The election OF the Republican ticket
" ould be only prolongation for four
years OF the Hayes dynasty, which is
alike distasteful to Republicans and
and be perpetuation Of
which, in the opinion OF
the best men Of the Republican party
as well as of all Democrats, should now
cease. The election OF Hancock and
English, already assured, will demon
strate the sincerity OF the South and
her devotion to the Union, that We are
IN truth one people, under the old flag
and forever united. 1t will
Keep all in safety. and the chairs OF Justice
supplied with worthy men, plant love amongst
us,
rhrons our large temples with the shouts Of
peace