Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-01-12
uoN. w. L. WILSON.

Ha Dlscoursss Nicely to N BenwoOd Do
naOeraOy About ST. Jaekson's Day. and
IN Many Ways G4aadens xAetr Hearts
with strong Reasons for b Faith That
u In Them.
HOUSE, on REPRESENTATIVES,.
WASHINGTON, January S, 1885.
Messrs. Raak Nc Jilton, Joseph Hghood,
j. He-TiRgtoR and others:
GESTLKNEN-I have the honor to &C
knowledge your recent favor inviting me,
IN behalf Of the Cleveland and Hendricks
Club of Benwooj, to be their guest at the
celebration Of the anniversary OF the battle
Of New Orleans on Thursday next, the Sth
Of January. Icanpot accept yoar kind IN
V~itation, but I heartily rejoice with you
that, for this year, your celebration Of q day
which has long been q historic one In the
calendar Of ihe Democratic party occursupon
the eve of its restoration TO power, with the
opening vista Of good government which its
recent rinnpA holb ont 10 the American
people.
The Democrats of West Virginia bore .
conspicuous paStin the achievement Of this
political revelation, and, under somewhat
trying circumstances, against Q combina.
ton OF sll other political elements, and an
organization more effective than any we
did have or could have, signafized their r.
deity to the principles Of their party. To
my mind the continued existence OF the
Democratic party as q great political
organization, and its indestructable
vitality under repeated defeats
and long Punishment from power, Is
q most striking and suggestive fact, and to
tie thoughtful believer in free institutions
must indicate its possession of great pcin-
cal truth. which have given it this charmed
life, and in due time brought the inevitable
triumph. The corner stoas OF the Demo
cratic party is the truth that the people are,
and Of right ought to be, masters, and that
government is but their agency, established
not to bestoW rights, much less fayors, but
to secure to each man the fullest enjoyment
of these rights which are the invaluable
gift of his creator.
gIthas always eombatted the p~aternal theory
Of government rs impulning the intelh-
gsnce and the s~ovreignity of the people. and
resisted the bestowment Of special priv
leaes as inconsistent with equality Of rights.
Returning topower, now when both Of these
vicious theories of government have long
held sway in shaping and administering
laws, it finds nam evils to correct and
many great and powerful interests srrsyed
in their defense. The task is difficult and
the responsibility vast and SOLDERING. But
wisdom is oft times nearer when we stoop
than when we soar" and we shall need not
so much dazzling craftsmanship as the
faithful application Of simple and funds-
mental truths to public questions and poll
tics as hey arise.
This, indeed, is the highest statecraftr
and the public career of Governor CleVe-
land is an inspiring illustration Of the posi-
bility Of attaining the highest public honors
By the plain, faithful and unsmbiious per-
Torrance o. public.. d~utisssswithout counting
popular favor or seeking to attract popular
administration Such an administration OF
the Presidential Office we have every reason
to expect from his past record, and such an
administration will reflect credit upon our
party and promote the welfare Of all the
country. Yours very traly,
". L. WILSON.