West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1881-03-12

u the welfare Of all, well knowing, that
a"y principle or measure which strikes
down one, threatens the whole. The
hrst duty even 10 accomplish thia is to Sc
cure our own prosperity and TO do this
TO all Legitimate extent, we must regard
the constitutional limits Of our powers.
ana we must exercise our powers TO their
full legitimate Constitutional extent. 30
we shall promote the welfare of all, and
at the same time preserve the integrity
and true freedom of that Commonwealth
with which we are 80 intimately con
nectcd, and whose laws and methods of
legislation so fully enter INTO and affect
our daily life IN our homes and ut our
firesides.
EFFECTS or PUBLIC OPINION.
The Will of that intelligent majority Of
eur people who have imposed on me the
responsibility OF Office shall be my guide
IN all my opinions and actions as Chief
Magistrate OF the State. l make this
avowal the more fully and clearly, and
with the greater confidence, knowing as I
do, that That majority is composed of
some OF the best elements of the old
Wing party State. some Of the best men
Who Stood bJ thg Government and the
Union in the late civil war, formed
around the old solid nucleus Of the Dem
ocratic party which, since the DAYS of
Jefferson aud Madison, have regarded the
Constitution of the Uuired States, in it's
timpl city and iDt,grity, as The sures,
guardian of the liberties of the ueoplc.
and the firmest upport of Union that
must rest so broadly on public opinion
Whatever written ConWtitulinn may be.
Its Interpretation ard application IN legis-
iativo aciG, IN Judicial Interpretation and
IN executive construction, Gepend laryely
upon public opinion. 1t is this public
opinion that makes all these officers. and
10 great extent inspires Them, with in
tent, purpose and policy. If party
shall aYOw OF have a policy Of conselidg-
tlrn IN central government, and that
THIS shall be strengthened 10y measures of
the government looking TO The sccumu-
lation and Capitalization of wealth for
the success of such policy, then the only
alternative 10 preserve the ancient form
oil the government, secure the power of
the States to promote the daily welfare of
the people ia their homes and at their
hrosides and peTpetuate their liberties.
will be enother party of moderate, con
sistent and patriotic principles, who will
resist encroachment on the ono side and
oppose radicalism on the other, and will
be the determined foe If both when they
so unite that the strong government party
shall seek To use radicaism for the accom-
Tlishmsnt Of It's policy. L Is this condi-
ton of things which has made that in
telligent majority 10 this State Composed
OF these old line Wings, these Union men.
and this odd solid nucleus Of the Dem
ocratic party"
In 60 shaping my op'nions end actions
az the Chief Magistrate Of the State, I am
controlled by the clear conviction, that in
SO representing The will OF the majority.
/ shall be t0kiug c,Te Of the interests Of
all IN o manner and upon principles that
will protect the rights Of all, promote the
largest welfare of al, provide for the
treest and fullest enterprise of each ciii-
zen Of the State, and secure that perpe-
tuity Of our institutions, without which
all will be sad end lamentable failure OF
the Republican form Of government.
In a country Of So vast an extent ~
was embraced in the original colonies.
covering tho whole area north of Florida
and east of the. Mississippi river, with
such diversiIy of climates, such variety Of
origin among the people, such differences
10 religious faith, and such distinctive
Gestures Of life, IN the habits and mo9es
Of thought 10 the separate colonies. and
all looking 70 the future for harmony Of
action and fullncss Of development and
Wholesome employment, il could not bnt
be that The government which would pro
vide for all this should look to the free
dom aud welfare Of the people and
10 lhe distinct preservation Of the St.tes
hHsrEDrrY or a srRoNG GoyERvvFxr
Situated alone ON this continent abss-
Iutsly alone as a question Of power.
strong government was Mother desirable
nor needed. And o strong government
10 day is an sbeurdiiy. lit means any
hirg 90 means a military despousm. with
ts iron hand upon tho throat Of the
States and be heel upon the liberties Of
le people. The ls'o civil var. 81 &c hos
.hown one ihiHg more clearly Than aaotb-
y, haa demonstrated t8at the strength of
Doc Union does not depend upon tie
strength Of 'oo general government BE-
Political a.3 military organization, but ON
90 capacity ~ comm11d ne affections Of
hs people and Co insure enough of their
voluntary strength for ils maintenarc..
TAKE ibis away and indeed it is roma
,f sani This hos been its strength in
he pas. 70 should Be its power iD tho d,