West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1883-09-29
POLITICS AMI RELIGION.
Mr.. EDITOR ::

o'iobNN o'1"Ih VI ~ Cciediu DS0OCTdl-
ic faction Of that State, upon 8 GER
tain other faction, because the latter
was lrgely made up OF persons who
We're members Of the Roman Catho-
lie church, took occasion 10 remark
etitorially that the same religious
denomination did not receive very
catering treatment at the hands Of
the Democratic party in West Viz
ginia. Now, if it be 80, that there 10
class OF people 10 the State Of West
Virginia, who, on account OF their
religious belief, do not receive at the
hands of the Democratic party that
consideration that 10 due, then the
Democratic patty of West Virginia is
unworthy the support ADD confidence
Of free and liberty loviog people,
such as breathe the pure air OF West
Virginia's hills. No political party
in this day, and in this nation, can
be respected, which builds its plat
form or liz hopes 90 the strength OF
any particular religious denomina-
tion, whether Catholic or Protestant.
The spirit Of religious liberation is
TOO strong in Tie land. The Meibo-
disis end the Presbyterians may eff
fliate with the same political party,
or with different parties, or a portion
OF each may support opposite parties,
and still their fidelity TO their res
pect,ve theological views remains UNI
impeached. The same Ia true Of The
Baptist and the Lutheran, the Epis-
copalisu and the Catholic aud all
other religious denominations Of our
country. In regard to the attitude
of West Virginia Democrats on this
subject, is DOT the Zatetl.g(.'e;ri ia eI-
ror, at least es regards the public SEN
timent 2 Let us look at lew of ou.
citizens who have beeu favored with
official emolument or trust by the
Democratic par; y,end who a.e Of that
religious faith which the Lie{I zen n
would like to infer is ostrecizsd IN
Democratic West Virginia John E.
Kenna, who was olt Representative
in Congress for number OF years,
and is now our United States Sena-
tor. Benjamin Wilson, who also
served in Congress. Thomas O'Brien,
who is our present State Treasurer.
D. II. Leonard, Chairman Of the
Democratic State Executive Commit.
tee, and others whom we might me
Of the same religious belief have been
supported aud favored by the Dem.
ocratic party in State and county
poll les 10 West Virginia. But those
we have named present, perhaps, as
good q showing es any Repuolica6
State on the question of religious toll
efance. But why will we persist, IS
many do, in dragging our religion,
which is the most sacred privilege Of
msukiuI, into the pollution and cor
ruption Of political striie2
The man who tells me rhet l should
belong TO this political party or thst
political party, because of the par
hcuIar religious faith which 1 hold, |
insuts me,
The party which caonot survive !
without the assistance Of this creed !
or that creed, simply on account o. |
The complexion Of the creed deserves |
to die and be buried forever. The !
party, as a party that will osirecizs |
a citizen by reason Of tbe altar be- !
fore which be sees 6 to wcrship and |
oy reason Of that alone, oFeDds the |
mjesty Of freedom, and the refined
sensi,ivsness Of the ,go.
If The Republican party can Enot |
proper without certain religious
denomination TO uphold il, or the /
Democratic party can not tolerate q |
certain one, or vice versa, then they I
both deserve , suddon and total an |
ulhilaioa at tbo bands II free, lib |
erty loving and couscienteous people |