Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-01-31

A POLITICAL CHAT WITH HON. J. w.
ST. CLAIR, OF FAYErCE.

ST. CLAIR, OF FASErCE-
A keen eyed, shspely looking man, with
a good head on his shoulders, is Mr.. J. W.
ST. CLAIR, Of Fsyette. He Is here looking
after . couple of local bills but that does
Aos preclude him IRON asking and being
asked for Information on certain points in
teresting to all Democrats. Mr.. ST.. CLAIR
desired to know what position the REGIS,
TAR was going to take in regard
to the disposition OF the federal
appointments that is naturally
expected to fall into the open arms of the
Democrats, from the shaking of the federal
patronage tree by President CLEVELAND
after the eth OF March next.
That was g question that the RgGISrER
readily answered BY saying 1t had no
choice as between Democrats, except that
il would distsyor any scheme looking tothe
Preferment Of any particular gentlemen to
the exclusion Of friends Of any other gen.
IleueD, or to be more pointed, it would take
mp arms against any effort or plan,
the purpose Of which was to award the friends
and punish the enemies Of any Democratic
faction that nav have existed before the
last state convention, as against any other
faction. The REGISTER believes the best
plan to cement, unity and strengthen q
party IS for 4 party paper TO discOunten-
ance schemes which lcOk as il a few men
who BY virtue Of their temporary power or
influence were trying to run things in their
own especial interest TO the exclusion Of
every one else interest.
Nov, Mr.. ST. CLAIs, the REGISTER has
been frank with YOU, have you any objec-
tons in stating your own position on this
important matter of federal patronage.
None whatever" said Mr.. ST.. CLAIR. II
have some very decided convictions, too, on
this matter. In the first place believe the
curb ought 10 be put upon those men who
are making war upon Senators CAMDEN and
KESXA. Il is time enough to make fight
on them when it is evident they don't pro-
pose to do the square thing with the party.
They are the recognized head from which
Federal plums ought to fall 1t is an old
custom and viii continue to prevail
Now" continued Mr. ST. CLAIR, Mr..
KESNA told me he proposed to act Impair
tally to al Democrats. Mr.. CAMDEN very
likely has the same purpose in view. But
fit turns out they propose to do differently
and only reward their fsyorites, then, l for
one. am willing to Join with the rep
resentatiye men of the State, in
Guiding Governor WILSON, and the cleo
tors at large go down to Washington,
call upon our Senators and Representa-
lives and invite them TO accompany the
delegation, if they will, to the White House,
where an audience with the President would
unfold the situation in West Virginia in
such an unmistskable manner that Mr..
CLEyxLAxD would recognize the claims and
requests Of such delegation in way that
would satisfy the Democracy OF West Viz.
giRia. But remember, want TO be distinct
" understood in this matter. | only speak
of this course as deHisr resort, when it is
absolutely proven there is going to be
a repetition OF the old regime
However, as ! said at the beginning, the
men who would make war on our Senators
before there is any ground for it ought to
have the check rein frightened and their
impgudent policy brought to halt.
This expression of opinion coming from
the late law partner and intimate friend Of
Gov. WILSON, gives it, perhaps, more than
the opinion Of Mr.. ST. CLAIR, but whether
that be so or not the language is uumis-
taksbly clear and emphatic and tells exact
" where the gentleman from FaYette
gsa,Ia