Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1883-12-11
Principles Triumphant---car.
Isle Elected Speaker.

1ICSlC0
Notwithstanding the grave apprc-
tensions entertained by the friends
of reform and frugal government that
their representative candidate, John
G. Carlisle, would fail in his canvass
for the Spcakership of the House, the
contest has resulted in most signal
triumph. His friends had been con-
tent to rest the contest on his record !;
but the friends of Mr.. Randall seemed
determined to force an issue on the
question of Revenue Reform. Thus
forced to vindicate their policy and
principles, the line was broadly drawn
between those who had convictions.
and those who recognized no rule of
action but cxpediency and temporary
success. In the overwhelming cleo
ton of Mr.. Carlisle, the Democratic
party ranged itself squarcly on the
side of a wise, simple, and frugal adj
ministration of the national govern
ment, as opposed to bounties, monop-
olies, and extravaganza. The party
has now boldly proclaimed for itself
policy. 1t will no longer halt at a
halfway station between real Dcmoc-
racy and RcpublicaEism. If Penn
sylvania could not be conciIiated with
out sacrificing the principles of the
party, she would have to go. This
was honest, manly, and fair. The
people know how to trust such party.
because it has shown its confidence in
thema-their intelligence, integrity and
patriotism.
The result is doubly consoling from
the reflection that it was unequiyocaI.
Had Mr.. Cox been withdrawn, the
vote would have stood as three to one
for Carlisle. Mr.. Randall was per-
sonally better known, and more pop
ular. He had greater experience,
equal capacity, undoubted personal
integrity. But he lacked the one
thing Neutrality-suspicious., and the
courage to maintain them in this crisis.
Another cause of profound graf
itude is exhibited in the fact that there
was no sectional clement in the con-
test A majority of all sections have
united on Speaker who has had the
courage to stand firmly on the plat
form deliberately adopted and an
nounced to the country by the Ma
fional Democracy in convention as
sembled in 1880. So far from desir-
ing to conceal his views, he in an open
letter declared them only two weeks
before the election in the following
emphatic language:
- In my opinion retreat from our
presentposition on tariff reform would
be disastrous. If we shall find our
selves unable to go forward we can
at least stand still, and hold the
ground already won, which is far
safer and more honorable than to 90
backward. The election of Mr.. Ran
dali or any other gentleman enter
tanning his views would be very prop
erly regarded by the country as an
abandonment of the contest, and, as
you say, it would drive away from us
thousands of earnest men who care
more for principles than spoils. My
own position on this subject has been
deliberately taken, and will be con-
sistently maintained. do not wish
to succeed in this or any other con-
test by cOncealing my real sentiments
or purposes concerning any public
question"
Another matter of congratulation
especially grateful to the true Democ-
racy of West Virginia, is the fact that
a majority of her delegation sup
ported Mr.. Carlisle. This is happy
omen. We hail the indication that
the party in this State will no longer
follow the lead of Republicans in dis
guise, but is to be elevated to the
platform of Jeffersonian Democracy.
Strong influences were brought to
bear upon the representative from
this District, Mr.. Wilson, but in vain.
While conservative, he is staunch in
his. devotion to principle In the can
vass in this district, the Chief topic o.
divergence between him and his able
Republican opponent, was the qucs-
ton of Tariff Reform. Mr.. Wilson
planted himself squarely on the policy
of the Ohio platform, where Carlisle
stood; and to have abandoned it al
the very outset of his Congressional
career, would no doubt have beer
very pleasant to his rivals and polit,
ical enemies, but would have been in,
consistent with his character, and ;
bitter disappointment to his friends
and constituents. The latter arc
pleased with his action, and commend
him for his firmness. If the people
of his district did not desire Tariff
Reform, they ought not to have voted