Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1881-01-01
WiSHINGTON LETTER.
Washington. DC. Dec. 9. 81
fSibylline Books.

Washington. ID. I. Dec. =, ~.
Editors of the Free Prcss:-C Congress has
enivencd Washington to, perhaps, a greater
degree than is usual. The reaction from
the excitcment attending the campaign left
Us completely ,rostraic here, and nor,
quiet time than that succeeding the election
until Congress convened las perhaps never
been witnessed.
There is so much telegraphed and written
to the metropolitan papers about publ,
affairs that anything might say in relation
to them would necessarily be stale and I'M
profitable to YOU. have therefore cen
cludcd to ref only to matters of local con-
Germ to the people of West Virginia.
The bold physical characteristics and eX-
sting railroad system of our State max,
Washington city the theatre for many of IT.
great political manpuvers rs well as H.
business enterprises. During the last wee
w have been adorned by the presence of a
the prominent democratic candidates f.
United States Senator, and not a few of the'
factors Of the House Of Delegates and Il
Senate. The controversy Is waxing bot, and
therefore propose to discuss il.
The position of United States Senator l.
the highest dignity in the gift of tie state
The recipient of this place should in ever,
substantial particular represent the princi
pies of lis people. His heart ought t. b,
with them in their effort 10 make thCirpoli-
teal philosophy rs broad as the Union;-
and all his energies ought TO be devoted e
such Developments their material resource
Is will add most to their prosperity arc
progress. 70 do this in the Capitol of o
great nation like this, both ability and cX-
pcrience are ALSO 'utcly essential. A State
should never carclCs;ly discard faithful
and efficient Senator Before such an cx
pertinent is tried there should bc ~uhstantia
evidence that lis successor will be NOR,
potent to accomplish the ends of his oftc
than himself ] have stated in the aboy
what, believe. will stand without denial
but the misfortune Is, that the peoples i'm
mediate representatives too frequently forge.
the public welfare in promoting their owr
aims and interests: and a. a consequence,
the senatorial Office becomes substantially
the sport of petty ambitions. II thepcopic
would hold their rerr ,Cntativts t. strict
accountability for their votes in filling >uci
station this dangerous def,c. in our system
would be cured: for no man who had am
bition or who wished to retain the supper
and respect of his neighbors would the
dare to trife with interests of such magui-
tude to them. There may be added TO thi'
another feature that Is low said to enter
into the control of the disposition of suci
public favOrs: Times arr so sadly out o.
Joint that the impression prevails that Lc-
gislators are hit 70 do the fe'ost d
capital. This i frequently inferred for n,
reason that the well-knOwn desire OF then
constituencies are openly deficd. ] do NO
believe tLat this can occur 10 any appTecla
bic extent in our moral and physical health
giving State Any man directly or indl
rcctly under the influence of mOlOpOlies
corporate or individual, j. incapable of pro
perry representing democratic principles, 81
properly advancing the material welfare o
The people. do not wish to be understood
- personally hostile to such men, for the.
are generally men Of great energy, but theiI
relations to society are such that the ubli'
welfare necessarily becomes secondary
consideration. such men when in place ar
through their associations and interests e.
pecially hurtful 10 undeyeloped countries
If their alliances are with existing railroad
they are hostile to competition in carrying
and are therefore hostile 70 farther RAILROAD
building. in favor Of preserving such rate
against the producer as their greed ma,
dictate, and also in favor Of maintaining
monopoly in the transportation Of mineral
to the seabOards and the manufactures. il
the first instance, in such country they ar
necessarily the antagonists of the farmini
interest, for the more competition IN carry
ing the more reduction in rate. In tn
second instance, they are the foe Of the de
yelopment of mineral resources IN whicl
our State il so richly blessed, for the rcasol
that their development 5 impossible withcu
facility for transportation 10 market.
West Virginia has more to tempt capita
if properly represented by her pul lie me
than any other equal geographical area o
the continent. Lying almost at the gate
WAYS Of the commerce Of the world be
mineral resources are conceded by tie rs
who know her 70 lie almost boundlCss !
extent and illimitshle in value. II -h