Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-06-06
LOCAL SELF. RULE,
The Corner Stone of the Pure
Democracy.
How jefferson and Hamilton Differed in
Observation-Disclosures and DiTu-
sion Of Power---The Campaign
Well Opened.

flOn- e. Willis WiLsOu maui VIC VPSuinS
speech of the campaign of 1884, at the State
House last evening. 1t is early for regu-
lation campaign effort, and REGISTER re-
porter asked Mr.. Wilson, early in the even
ing, what he was going to talk about. His
reply was:
81 am growing very tired of hearing PEG
pie say there is no real difference or real
issue between the Democrats and Republi-
cans. Now, / propose to show those who
hear ME tonight that there is
difference, and very great difference
too, between the parties, and that matters
of mere governmental policy, like the tariff
or reassessment, cannot make a true man
abrogate his principles and change from
one party to another"
This he did, last night, and most effectu-
ally, to the good audience that met him at
the House Of Delegates 1t was very warm
for an indoor meeting but a large crowd
gathered, Notwithstanding. Porter Smith
as a Democratic workingman, presided
John o. Pendleton, Esq. was Secretary
and Dennis o Keeffe, Esq, introduced the
speaker in very brief address.
1t was very evident that Mr.. Wilson's
speech was the result of great and patient
research, and equally apparent that not only
had he gathered his data faithfully, but had
also gathered it Understandings 1t is a
pity every workingman of Wheeling could
not have heard that speech and then pom
der,d the question which party was his
friend. the Democratic party Of the people,
at the Republican party or that openly
boosted it contained nine-tenths OF the
wealth and aristocracy Of the nation. The
Democratic idea of government, Mr.. vii.
son showed, arose when England attempts
ed to tax the colonies to defray the expenses
of the French war. 1t was then that indie
pendent American spirit arose and demand
ed local self government. That very
principle is the foundation stone of the
Democratic party to-day.
Other campaign orators have told the
people of the difference between the Jetfer-
sonian and the Hamiltonian idea of govern
ment, but Mr. Wilson put it in particu-
larry pleasing and Ineligible shape. What
Democracy has always fought, from the
DAYS of Jefferson down, is the tendency to-
ward strong government, a government
builded on the necks ofthe people and
growing surely into a despotlsm or
a limited monarchy. This is the Republi-
can idea-this Capitalization of power
while jefferson the apostle of Democracy
and of Liberty, advocated the diffusion of
over among the people and on this issue
ed the people to victory. When the Fed
.ral constitution was under consideration
Hamilton offered a plan, which was
he result ,of his Tory ideas
contemplated having the Presi-
lent chosen BY the Senate and hold
flee Tor life. The Senate was to be chosen
y the local Legislatures, and to hold for
ife. The members of Congress were to be
mos as now, but property qualification
was 20 be required. State Governors were
to be appointed by the President
and confirmed by the Senate, and
he Congress was to exercise the
cto power over the State legislatures Thl,
vas the Hamiltonian idea of a strong gov
rnment and its author modelled it after the
British government which he declared was
lie best in the world 1t would have given
the President powers that the Queen of
England would not dare to assume
The result of such plan would have
been an absolute monarchy in short time
cut the wisdom of such men rs jefferson
Madison and Adams prevailed and the bill
of rights was added to the constitution, to-
gcthcr with other amendments which Amer-
.an freemen now treasure as sacred rights
But though for sixty years Democracy ruled
and though the Federal party died and was
forgotten yet the HamiltOnian scheme lived
in some minds and was again Matched when
the Republican party arose. Grant believed
N it for he knew it meant an empire for
him; Garfield believed in it and declared he
was glad the Jefersonian idea was waning
and the Hamiltonian was waxing; that We
we're approaching Strong government
and he rejoiced in it.
Mir Wilson read the twelve amendments
the Constitution, placed there by the
Democrats and descanted at some length
Upon them, and then took the financial
record of the Republican party. Hamil
toms funding system" in the interest OF
the few holders was aped by Sherman. who
.unded per cent bonds payable in
gree nbacks, for a and per cent bonds
payable in coin, and vet people called him Il
great fnancier! The public credit act
he Dc mpnstization of silver resumption and
other financial legislative of the past score
Of years, were touched upon very cleyerly
and the hollow fraud was exposed, this Re
publican cry forthe working men.
Mr.. Wilson made speech which ran
through two hours and which cannot but
be damaged by an attempt at condensa-
ton twas not only instructive but ex-
tremely interesting and was an suspicious
opening Of the campaign. Every Democrat
in the county should have heard it. for the
mere historical recitation il contained would
have been sufficient to cause them to re-
joice for the Democracy that was in them.