Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1882-10-31
MiscELLAHE Gus.
MIR. WILSON'S CAMPAIGN I'M TBF
SECOND DISTRICT.
from the wheeling Register ]


Even if Mr.. Wilson has succeeded in only
snatching victory. as it were, from out of the
very jaws of defeat in the Second district or
if on the otherhaud he had lost the district
by much greater maj ority than has at any
time been supposed, there is every reason for
congratulation in the one case, and there
could have been no cause for Democrats to
be surprised in the other.
It is seldom that a seat in Congress, es>
pecially in these latter times, has been won
against greater odds, under such adverse cir
cumstances, with SO little expenditure of
time, labor, and money by the successful
party, MS entered into tho Democratic oam>
paign in tho Second District There was.
indeed, less occasion for surprise that the
First District was carried by 1900 msiority
for the Republicans, than there would have
been, under the circumstances, if tho Repub-
licans had captured the Second by that ma,
jority.
The nomination was thrust upon Mr.. Wil>
son as CON promise of a bitter feud in the
Democratic party that involved tho district
from one end to the other it found him alb
sorbed with the urgent and exactiDg duties
of President of the State University at tho
beginning OF the year, whom both the duties
were new to him and the demands upon his
strength were most trying; it came within
twenty days of the election, when if thore
had been railroad communication to everv
county would have made it i'm mpossible to give
more than ono day to zach county of the
district as it was, by rapid moving. he was
only able to visit eleven of tho fifteen coun,
ties he found tho effect of tho foud lincer-
ing like q pail over the party; there was no
enthusiasm, no work. no organization, DO ac-
tivity of any sort. The steady rains Of tho
first few days of his canvass broke up tho
meetings aud made travel almost N possible
the farmers were busy with their work, and
would not leave it for political meetings;
and in the meantime his opponent had travt
eled over tho entire district, had set his party
to work. supplied them with money, and
whatever other ammunition was necessary TO
perfect the organization and get out the Re-
publican vote.
What cause of surprise therefore, is thoro
that the Democratic ma jority was so reduced
in tho Second district? What cause OF sur.
prise is there but that the Democratic can
didGte was not defeated by an overwhelming
majority?
There is ono more fact in connection with
MIR. Wilson's candidacy that deserves pass
ing notice. 1t has been charged that he has
dragged the University into politics." and
done iujn-tice to himself aud that institution
by accepting tho nomination
If MIR. Wilson had sought this nomination
or had accepted it under different circum-
stances, there might have been some show of
reason for this accusation. We have here
tofore remarked that it was unfortunate that
the nomination should have fallen upon Mr..
Wilson just at the time when he had pre-
pared himself for the work and had already
entered upon the responsible duties of the
presidency of the University
But Dir. Wilson did not seek the nomina>
tiou to Congress he was not placed before
the convention by his connivance or consent;
the coaEentien did not consult or commuui-
cate with him about his nomination it took
the responsibility of thrusting the nomination
upon him, aud then adjouruing sine die with
in twenty days of the election. Mr.. Wilson
had but two alternatives, and they were to ac-
cept or take the responsibility of allowing the
election to 60 by default What man in the
same position would have done differently?
he has retained his position 10 tho Uni
versity from necessity. He was under con-
tract to serve year in that position. In the
event of election or defeat, it was better that
he should retain it, and that he has done SO
has met the sanction Of the friends of that
institution.
Take it all in all, Mr. Wilson will have,
nothing TO regret from his course, and tho
Democracy of the State will rejoice as much
over his election as of any candidate on the
Congressional ticket.
OHIo AND VIRGINIA.-The late election
in Ohio has had demoraliziDg effect on the
Readjuster CANVASS in yirginia. According
!. to some of the leading papers of the State
there are thousands of voters who before the
Democratic victory in Ohio we're known to
sympathize with the Malone movement, but
who now declare their intention of voting for
the regular Democratic ticket. Gen. Ma.
hone is eudesvOriug to rally his forces by as
suring them that the Ohio disaster is bless
sing in disguise, and that it will have the eff.
fec. of harmOniziDg the party in that State
and in Pennsylvania. There was time in
the history of Republicanism when a repulse
in great State like Ohio would have aroused
it everywhere; but that day has passed
'Boss" rule has become SO odious that the
better elements in the Republican ranks are
determined to make an end of it, even if TO
accomplish that objsc. it shall be necessary
to place the Democracy in power The
"bosses" must go and Mr. Malone may as
Well make up his mind to that fact.
Net0 York Herald, Ind.