Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1886-03-20
A YEARS TRIAL.


both State and Nation and have
been riding and directing the re-
spective governments to the best of
their ability. In the State We have
confusion worse COMPOUNDED. Very
little general practical legisla-
ton has been enacted, and the most
important and serious question that
called for definite action-that of
the debts left just where 1t was
found when the Legislature conven-
ed. There have been an absence of
craftsmanship, and a shllly-shally
course pursued that has not only
not inspired confidence but has
created distrust if not disgust
The people experience a dishearten-
ing sense of helplessness. They
cannot see the way to solution OF
their financial complications, nor
can they repose their trust in the
party in control of the State govern,
ment. The numerous devices fran.
ed to arrest the inflow of coupons
were not such as to meet the emer-
gency, and some of them did not
receive the approval Of the Legisla.
ture. The Governor was practically
snubbed in the treatment of his re-
commentator for commission to
meet the creditors. The Lieutenant
Governor was treated with like dis
respect in his proposition for COM
mission, like that proposed by the
Governor, and for another commits
sion to treat with w. Va. Mr..
Fulkerson was frozen out in his
plan to issue deprecated scrip. Mr..
Rhea was unceremoniously lifted off
his base by his own party, when as
chairman of the select committee
on the debt question he proposed a
bill of outright reputation. And
all along the line the same want of
competent men to untangle the debt
problem has been manifested. And
the same with the free books for
free schools proposition. 1t was too
much OF a democratic measure for
Democratic Legislature to manage.
and so it was left just where it was
found-notwithstanding the solemn
pledge Of the Democratic platform.
1t is safe to say that the condition
OF the State is no better, if not a
great deal worse than it was on the
first Wednesday in December last
when the Legislature convened, not
withstanding three months OF agita-
ton, speech making and resolution.
offering have been consumed. In
short, the Legislature was a failure,
as to nearly all the important ques-
tions promised to be adjusted in the
platform of the dominant party.
In national affairs, the elements
OF discord are even more pronounc-
ed. Neither upon the tariffquestion
nor the silver issue can the brethren
dwell together in unity.
The spoils problem, too, has gen.
Grated disappointment, sulphurous
ordinations and both loud and deep
imprecations. The President seems
to have pleased no organization or
political factio5. Even the Mug
wumps are becoming disgusted, and
the enginery of ridicule, as embod-
led in caricatures, has been employ
ed by the sublimated illustrated
papers which championed bis elec.
ton as the consummation of party
perfection. The Pan Electric scan
dial, the Broadway railway expo
sure, duplicating two members of
the Cabinet, and the cruel persecu-
ton of great ship manufacturer to
the paralysis of his business. to
score party revenge, have loomed
up to disturb the serenity and bring
into disfavor the whole regime, from
the President down. Then the con
flict the President has invited with
the Senate and the untimely and
extraordinary message he thrust be-
fore that body, have aggravated the
discontinue OF the nice reformers,
and presented the country the ire
fragable evidence that the Demo
cratic party is incapable of manag-
ing the affairs of this great govern
ment and legislating for the promo
ton of the general welfare.
There is some palIiation to all this,
however. For quarter of a century
it has been playing in the role of
obstructionist and never essaying to
suggest policy or advocate prin-
ciple. When unexpectedly called
upon to take control of the Exeeu-
tive and legislative departments it
was not prepared for it. To confess
that there was nothing to reform
that the government for twenty five
years had been administered with
great ability and success by the Re.
publicans, and that all the great in
terests of the people had boon con-
served and promoted. would have