Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-04-21
WEST VIRGINIA.
Ex-Speaker hoffstt on State A.
fairs.
A Boom for Railroads But No YotSe for
Politics National Banks - Contested
Elections-Star Route Cases
Public Printing.
POINTS, PERSONAL AND POLITICAL.
SpecIag D,s,aseS % The Reoisser,

Special DLspdtcA % ths Register.
WASHINGTON, April 2O.-Your correspon-
dent met EX.Speaker Mofett of West Vir-
ginia, who has been in the city for several
days, on business relating to railroads in
that State. at the National Hotel, this
morning. and proceeded to interrogate him
on the subject OF railroads and politics in
West Yirgina.
As to the latter. he disclaimed any intel
hgent knowledge, as his time was exclu-
sively devoted to the development of your
material interest, and he did not he said,
take much stock in political matters"
Mr.. MofFettSaid that it seems to be assured
beyond reasonable doubt that the Wheel
ing, Parkersburg and Charleston road
would be put under construction
at an early day. There was no
doubt about tiff the people along the line
showed the proper disposition to aid the
enterprise by being reasonable in the con-
cession of right OF way. The money" he
said, is now ready"
Senator Davis il pushing his road ener-
getiCally and arrangements are being per-
fected TO extend the line farther south
east than its present terminus. The look
out for a connecting line" continued Mr..
Mofett, from the valley of Virginia,
through the South Branch valley to the
West Virginia coal fields is assuring. There
is also prospect of the extension OF the
Ohio Central from the mouth of Gauley
~ tho a. GraaDhriar ustarS "
But all these things are in the future, &"
added the ex-Speaker. "and there are two
contingencies to defeat them. One is 4
collapse in financial matters, and the other
peryerSe or old fogy spirit on the part of
the people of the state. Our people are
poor, but if they manifest a spirit OF enter
prise, outside capital will come in to aid
us in the development of our wonderful
resources We have great future, but the
postpOnement Of it, fulfilment depends
measurebly upon the conduct of the pres
ent generation
1T i true that the spirit OF railroad
| building, which was 20 active last year is
| declining. 10 not regard it as due so
/ much to a pressure in money matters, as
TO the caprices OF capital, which flies from
| one class of investment to another
with frequency and rapidity
| that reminds one of the whimS
of childhood. However, whatever OF the
| spirit OF railroad building is left seems at
! present to be directed to West Virginia and
| our people should remember the old adage
of making hay while the sun shines
As to politics, Mr.. Motfett thought that
the Democracy had made a hit on the Chi
nesc question, but was afraid they would
lose their advantage on the tariff "We>t
Virginia. he said, must be a protective
state, as its future depended upon the de
velopment OF itS minerals. As an abstract
proposition Free Trade might be a correct
principle; a, a practical question OF to-day
! il was an absurdity. Which ever party get
/ on the wind side OF the tariff sail would
be the one to ride into port. The time
continued Mr. Moffett "has come for prac-
tical politics, and which ever is improve
mcnt j. the policy to advocate. 6.