Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1886-03-09
Hon. VIM. L. Wilson.

The speech delivered by Hon. W.
L. Wilson on Tuesday last in the
House of Representatives, pending
the discussion of the Pension bill,
was received with applause, and fol-
lowed with congratulations from both
sides of the House. There was q
call for the printing of 10000 copies
of it for distribution, by members
representing every State and notably
among them Morrison, Townshend,
Randall, Reagan, Tucker and Brock
enridge. The speech has also re-
ccivcd the favorable comment of the
press, both Democratic and Repub-
lican. We append the following OK
tracts
EFrom the Wheeling Register. (Dcm.)l
The Democrats of the Second District have
long felt proud of their own Congressman Will
son. They now feel proudcr than ever.
Congressman Wilson is destined to make his
mark if he lives and keeps his health. We
believe he is the peer of any gentleman on the
floor of the House i'll point of OratOry aud elias
steal diction. His nominating speeches and
political talks on the hustirgs were perfect
gems in their way. and marked the man both
q scholar and brilliant orator who only lacked
the opportunity of making national rcpHta-
ton. That opportunity seems to have finally
arrived.
FFrom the Kansas City Times, (Dcm)l
The speech made on the pension appropria-
tiOn bill to-day by Mr. Wilson, Democrat. of
West Virginia. received the highest cOmmeDda
ton of his colleagues of the House without re-
spcct to party. Republican members say that
notwithstanding its defense of the Democratic
views, it was tue most logical. scholarly and
courteous speech that has been delivered in the
house for many years.
LFrcm the Mobile Register, (Dem.)l
Mr.. Wilson. of West Virginia. made one of
the ablcst speeches that has been heard in the
House in a long while on question of this or
any kindred nature. The most marked atten-
ton was paid him by both Democrats and Re
publicans. Having been n Confederate SOL
dier. the Republicans were anxious to hear
what he had to say. although the West Nir-
ginian's speech was q scathing and fitting re-
Duke to Mr.. Henderson,, and it was very apparent
that the latter seemed to feel the full force of
the powerful argument against the radical pO-
sition taken by him on Thursday.
Mr.. Wilson was courteous throughout and
his speech was remarkable for its power and
the purity and dignity of the language used.
His review of the causes that brought on the
war. the summing up of the results. and his
strong plea for the utter Obliteration of all sec
tionai passions and prejudices. brought forth
the liveliest applause from all parts of the hall
even the fiery 1owan calling ont loudly ''amcn. y
which was taken up by other Republicans until
the auditors in the galleries might have iInag-
lned that they were attending Methodist
prayer meeting.
Mr.. Wilson's speech was pronounced a very
strong one. and will make good reading. He
was surrounded by nearly all of the Oldest and
most prominent Democrats i'll the House aud
was enthusiastically congratulated. His severe
thrusts at the Republican party on its policy to
:. go slow" in reducing taxes. and the injustice
and burdens put upon the people in consc-
quence, were generally pronounced capital
strokes at the pension demngogucs who want
to keep up the taxes i'll order to get at this
money
tFrom the Wheeling Intclligcnccr. (Rcp.)
Congressman Wilson. of West Virginia. made
the great speech of the session to-day during
the debate on the Pension Appropriation biz.
The speech was an imprOmptu affair and COM
pletely electrified the entire body. Nothing
can be heard tonight on all sides hut expires
sions of surprise and wonder at what Is termed
the greatest outburst of elOquencc which has
been heard in Congress for years.
Before the speech commenced fSw were IN
the hall. but as Mr.. Wilson warmed mp with his
subject the House rapidly filled. and in short
time nearly every Democrat was i'll his scat
The Republicans left their seats and crowded
the aislcs and areas on the Democratic side, III
the centre of which stood the orator.
At frequent intervals he was interrupted by
tremendous applause. which was. i'll several IN
Members of all parties pronounce it one of
the most impassiOned. eloquent and scholarly
speeches ever delivered the floor of the
House.
On its conclusion. rush was made toward
Mr.. Wilson and for n half hour lie was over
whclmed with congratulations. The speech
has undoubtedly placed him at the front Of the
orators of the House and has won for him n
place as O leader of the Democratic side. His
triumph was a surprise to his friends and to
himself. Hc spake in reply to Mr.. Henderson.
of Iowa. who spoke last week. and although
his speech was of partisan character. it de-
serves to be conplimentcd as an oratorical
effort.
from the Cincinnati Commercial Gazette
(Rep.)l
Tho debate in the House this afternoon was
q brilliant and exciting one. While other mem
beers contributed largely to the wit. wisdom and
eloquence of the field day. the two great
speeches were delivered by Messrs. Wilson. oi
West Virginia and Butterworth. of Ohio. 1t
became a purely political debate and the two
sides were never more fOrcibly and cioqucnuy
presented than by these two gentlemen.
Wilson is q small. slender and scholarly look
ing man. and lacks the ringing voice and strIk-
ing physical presence of Mr.. Buttcrworth. but
he spoke in imprisoned oratOry. with grace
and force, and wos quick and scorching in re-
partcc when assaulted from the Republican side.