Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1880-05-08
State Canvass.
APRIL 18th, 1880.

-OAb, AOoV-
Mn EDITOR:
The rejecting democratic editors West
Of .he mountains in this State are beginning
to see the dangers threatening our party from
the course pursued ly some of their editorial
brethren. In fact the people so far, except
perhaps in Wayne and Webster, have not ex
pressed their choice for a candidate for Cover
nor and yet the Wheeling 'Rsgister with its
affiliated claqueIs have constituted themselves
iuto self-arpointt1 Electoral Commission
aad by their loud camors and premature judg-
ments have sought TO dispense altogether with
tie necessity Of tie State Convection called for
the 2sth Of July moIe discreet sentiment
"a sober second thoughts now beginning
to manifest itself west Of the mountains.
As affording some indication of the charac-
ter Of the objection urged by friend and foe a
gainst Mr. Camden should he be a candidate
for Governor as some seem determined to force
him to lie in spiis Of his disucinntions. sub
join the following article from the Preston
county Argas of the oath of April;
1t is not tie ruipose Of tie argus 10 take
part in the t0Cm Of any candidate for any po-
sition, except SO far us it seems necessary to
maintain the ascendency Of tie party. But
We cen mend tie following, taken fr(m tie cd
I itoral columns Of the Grafton Stntfnd, to the
careful consideration Of the Democracy Of
/ West Virginia:
"Those Democratic newspapers that are howl
/ ing so loudly for j. N Camden for Governor. are
reminded that il comes with bad grace from those
/ who have heretofore IN this State cried down mo-
\ nopolists with so much vigor. Mr.. Camden Is
connected with one of the worst mOnopolies in the
country, and that monopoly is the Standard Oil
Company"
Personally we feel very kind toward Mr..
/ Camden, and his honesty and business capaci-
/ ~ would insure safe and enterpfisirg ad-
mipistration, but Mr. Camden is connected
with the Standard Oil Company, and it has
1 been suggested that be has some connection
with the B. q O. r. r. for these, and the fur
/ ther reason, that he cannot lead the Democra-
cy in the campaign. lie is 10 stunper, has
little personal magnetism and has already that
unfortunate presti2e-the prestige Of defeat.
Then permit us to inquire, should not tie De-
mccrGGc party pause before giving the nomi-
nation to Mr.. johnson n Camden?
Like the Argls I have the very kind
est feelings for Mr. Camden; should he get
the nomination he will receive a warm and
honest support lron. me aud yet, see, as We
all see the breakers ahead in this approaching
contest, and is it expedient and wise that we
place ia the forefront Of our party. in such
canvass, one who is slignatiZed as the head Of
." the largest and most unpopular monopoly Of
the State; president of one of the weathiest
Of our National Banks; and enc whose init
mate connexion aud contracts with the Balli-
more and Ohio Raj roNd Company were the
subjects of legislative investigation the winter
before the last ? | state none Of these facts to
disparage Mr.. Camden as a gentleman and
= citizen As such he is above reproach But
we have disorganized and domorali2cd party
10 deal with the demagogue IL abroad in The
State clothed in his fiercest armer, and under
Mr. Camden's leadership is there not danger
that we may encounter that defeat which has
already attended his two previous nominations
for the same ciice? These are matters AT
least well worthy of the consideration Of the
democracy of West Virginia.
am tied to no particular person for the Of
cilice OF Governor. Tits true have upon more
occasions than one, in common with many o.
Tiers, including yourself Mr. Editor. expressed
opinions very omphatically as to the peculiar
qualifications of tIcn. c ! FnulkLor i,r the
position tut kr,w that edoos not seek the
Nice, alih,u-h j; is understood tint 'e would
uut d,c';aa lie r,h .na;iou Il lsrdcrcd 90 him
ly fa.i aud fair ,Srrossion Of tie voice. 1t the
laitv But there il ! NJ Dcnrcit Of Lewis
j. R Jackson Of Park, rsturg c Eastman
If Mason. T. ! FarrsW,rth If UIStur, Col.
Dan j hns' u, Of Tyler-not 10 nan some Of
v,i:r t.-',i &. nttvu,en. Who would lat;noui2e
the entire strength ci III psriy, IRE from those
points of attack which a'e p't with AT danger