Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1888-09-11
Mr.. ATKINsoN's ''FAIR AND HON
EST CAMPAIGN


EST CAMPAIGN"
In an address delivered at Clarksburg
Immediately after his nomination 20 Con-
gress, Mr.. GEO. WESLEY ATKINSON loud
ly proclaimed his desire and intention to
conduct a campaign on the high and hon
orable basis of q fair discussion If the
issues Of the day. In q political address on
the preceding evening tho highly moral and
conscientious gentleman took occasion to
read what purport,d to be IN editorial
nom the Wheeling REGISTER of July 10.
1884, in which q yirulent assault was
made upon The Democratic State admins
lration The conclusion was drawn that
the administration was unworthy the sup
port and confidence of the people. A few
days since Mr.. ATKINSON talked to the
citizens of Moundsyille, and read the
same quotation aud made practically the
same comments.
The article in question makes 40 def
mite chsrges, and adduces no facts to prove
the general conclusion of corruption and
INSTRUMENTATION, yet it seems to be
about Mr.. ATKINsON's solss took in trade.
TIE REGISTER would not have noticed it
had il come from q candidate who laid lees
clamorsus and persistent claims 10 fair
dealing.
No one knows better than Mr.. ATkIN-
SON the situation of affairs when that edi-
.orial was written. No one is better able
10 tell the truth if he 50 desires; yet for
some reason Mr.. ATKINSON has seen fit to
keep back the most important facts in the
case. He knows, AZ the whole State
knows, that that article was inspired by a
bitter fsctionsl fight, and that the party
who made the charges could not furnish a
scintills Of proof, and did not dare face
an investigation. He knows that those
charges were so utterly groundless that
they did not for q moment affect the stand
ing of the State administration. Mr..
ATKINSON claims to be p~re-eminently hon
est, when he wraps his sanctiied coat tails
aOout his person, no common mortal may
dare touch. He possibly attempts to rec
oncile to himself his public professions
add his public actions, yet knowing all
these things he reproduces these ground
less attacks and blandly gives them to the
world with tue stamp Of his approval.
Since July 10, 1884, the people have
passed upon the charges made in the aFti-
Gle, which Mr.. ATKINSON quotes and
sloats over so fondly. They have declared
them improved and have rebuked their
author. We look through the Published
report of Mr.. A~TGINsON's aoundsville
address and 6nd no mention OF these I'M
portsnt facts. Does Mr.. ATKINSON con-
slider the reiteration of a proven falseho'd
honest political work? Ii so, we know
now by what standard to rate him. In
telling the truth he does not attempt to
give the whole truth, bat garbles it to suit
his own convenience.
The highly conscientious gentleman was
careful to give credit to the REGIsreR
tie names the exact day aud date Tue
inference would be that the editorial
speak, the REGISTER's present. sentiments.
Yet Mr.. ATKINSON knows that such is not
tho ca&e. The REGISTER is under q differ
emit management from that Of 1854, and
it claims none of the glory and assumes
none of the responsibility for acts done
then. Again Ne look through Mr. ATKLN-
SOS's address and fail 20 find word or COM
msut that would show that he is aware Of
these facts. Il this his idea OF q fair and
honest campaign?
However, what the REGISTER said in
1884 about the State administration is not
, matter of vital Importance at the best.
Whatever question there was in it has
peeu settled long since. Mr.. ATKINSON
Saws that he wishes TO discuss living issues
What he may imagine q living issue IL we
20 not know. II is certainly not an ST
tempt TO resurrect q dead partisan quarrel
and place it in a false and deceptive light
before any who may be so foolish or so
ignorant as to believe him.
The REGISTER would no presume to
assert that Mr.. ATKINSON was not con-
scientious in all that he said ut Mounds
Vile. Some minds may be so construct.
ed that they can reconcile the highest
public professions with the most bitter
and unfair partisan work. Mr.. ATKINSON
may be so gifted. Others who are less
fortunate are unable TO make the two
agree. The majority Of voters Mr.. ATEIN.
SON will find belong to- the latter class.
Delayed Darlington Correspondence.
Special Correspondence Of The Register.
CLARINGToN, o., September 9 -Messrs.
Jos. II. Jackson, VIM. Walton, Mayor Ed