Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-09-19
uggestions to the west Virginia
Democracy"
To The Editor of tie Register.

Some weeks ago the writer through the
courtesy of the REGISTER, was allowed TO
publish certain suggestions TO West Eir
ginia Democrats" believed by him to DE
pertinent to and called for by the existing
status OF party organization in this State.
FavUrably received and kindly com.
mel ted upon by many of the Democratic
journals, still these suggestions were not
permitted to escape, either the criticisms,
generally kind, of party friends, or the
miscUnstTuctions, somewhat extraYagant,
Of PARTY !oes.
But the very fact of the general notice
given them by the press at large vent far
TO establish their pertinency.
Il crUdely expressed, they were certainly
well meant.
Our present purpose is to briefly answer
as veil one of the demonstrations as one
Of the many criticisms.
FiIst-Tne Intelligencer Of this city, out
oil its fOndness, be il promised, for grim
Jokes, as Carlyle would term them, pro-
feSSsd with more humor than sin.
certify to perceive in the communica-
ton, nothing more or less than
an effort, under bluuderingly
arranged mask, to bolster up the fortunes
vi the sO-called ticket Of the bosses"-a
ticket, by the way, which appears to have
never bad other organ or existence than
Of thst journal. Now, however much,
unter ordinary circumstances, it might
tickle our vanity to be informed. that the
general picture, drawn by US of 4 candl-
dste for Governor suitable to the DemOC-
raCy, wss prom pity recognized, by so astute
4 critic of public men as the editor of the
n'tlliRCncer, 10 tit, rs If made for him,
tHst experienced and eminent statesman,
who for many years represented the State
in the National Senate and who, as some
| insist, has accomplished more for the ma
| terIEl growth OF West Virginia than all Of
| the Republican leaders combined; yet, re-
Spect fer truth cOus;rains US TO confess
that neither the Hon. Henry G.. DAVIS, nor
in fact, any Of the other gentlemen on n e
Democratic slate of the intelligence, we're
present to our mind at the time Uf tn,
preparation Of the article in question.
After declining to allow his name to be
sgain used for the exalted office, which Is
popularity beliey to fill to the brim the
measure Of the .ighest political ambition
in America. thlre is no reason for be.
lieving that Mr.. Davis is now hungering
after the gubernsSorlal chair Of West Eir-
g MA
Disclaiming all 3r any knowledge OF Mr.
Davis personal wsshes in the pre- misses, but
forming our judgment from general obser
yStiOn, We feel safe in venturing the pre-
tor will not suffer indisCreet friends to
draw his name into the next gubernstorial
canvass. II We we're disposed to indulge
in unCharitable re Iiections, We might per.
haps, offer some party reasons from q Re.
publican standpOIpt) Why the lntelligenceT
should insist, or rather persist, in its
efforts to make the public believe thai
tn re are such personages as Democratic
POSES in West NirginiS, aud such thing
as Democratic states go,:, up ii mystic
corners
s. COL d, as to the criticism. In a con.
densed spicy and we'll Conceived editorial.
the BuC kbsnnon BanGer in declining to &C
cede 10 3 request some one seems to have
inside Of il, viz: to rRpublish the communi
cation referred to, whilst, acknowledges
tue truth of most Of the propositions therein
made, yet denies with emphasis the state
msnt Of the writer that the Republicans OF
West Virginia, as party, are Superbly or
CANNED.
The REGISTER, few mornings back, com
mentiDg in kindly spirit upon this em
phstic denial Of the Banner, fur
| niShed incontroYertible arguments OF
| fact, eVidencing the existence of superb
Republican organization in the First Con
gr, Ssional district AMI convinced the
average reader that the election Of General
| \ GOff to Congress LAST fall over a popular
| d, moCratic candidate was At the time uni
Versaliy attributed, both by Democrats
| and Republicans, to that patent fact.
Now, IL superb organization effected a
| V Glory in the First district what was j,
| that came near losing the Democrats q e
| Second and seriously reduced the usual
msjCrIty county by county in the new
| district, the Fourth. Had organizl ion
nothing to do with it?
The question is answered by reference to
| the hundreds and thousands Of Democrats
| that staid a. home.
The purpose Of party organization is no,
50 much 20 win new votes by persuasion or
concession rs to bring out TO the polls the
| full voting strength of The party.
In this, the true work of organization
the Republicans OF West Virginia, at late
elections, can exhibit better figures than
| the Democrats.
Discipline, when understood TO mean the
/ provsTbial "psrty-lash," may injure a
| party; but when directed as il ever no lid
be, 10 the work of marShsIling lie, it.rae
forces on the day Of battle, it is essentially
Tectsssry to continued success. II.