Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-03-21
5'irginia free gress.
w. ". B. GALLAHER, Editor
CharIestOlcn, Jefferson County, Vest Va
March IA, 1859.
Hon. JnO. Il. Kennd.

CHARLESTON, w. VA. Feb. %, 1889.
To the Editor Of The Register:
John E. Kenna will be regarded as not
only triumph for party organization, but
a triumph of pure party methods.
First it was a triumph for party organiza-
ton, because he was the nominee of his par
ty for Senator.
Not only so, but contrary to party usage,
a two-third rule was adopted in the caucus (;
and it was understood if he received the
two thirds, be would be entitled to the vote
of every Democrat in the Legislature. This
vote he received and all except one stood
by the action of the caucus. That one was
present in caucus when the twO-thirds rule
by the concession of Kennas friends was
adopted Then the fight was, should forty
five rule, or should one rule? The fight went
on until the one yielded, and the forty
carried their point. If the forty five had
yielded to the one, hereafter no man could
be sure of an election, although the people
unanimously wanted him, unless in case he
could command votes enough to elect him.
This would be party generalization, and
not party organization.
As to the methods used by the candidate.
He used none of the modern appliances.
1. He had not by the use Of money or 9TH
erwise "set up" the Legislature. As far as
known few if any of the members were elect
ed on a pledge to support Kenna. They
came free to vote for any one, but represent
ing the sentiment of their constituents, two
thirds of them were for Kenna when the
Legislature convened.
> He had no lobby. Those who came to
help him came of their own volition and at
their own expense, because they honestly
desired the election of Kenna on his own
merits He had made an able and upright
Senator, and he had many friends who, unso-
licited 10y him, gave him all the moral sup
port they could.
He did not have the Federal office-holders
in the State to come at his call to help him.
The few friends who did come, came of their
own accord, and at their own expense. He
did not keep a barroom in the hotel. He
did not, either by the use of whisky or other
things, try directly or indirectly, to influence
a single vote.
He did not ask single Republican to vote
for him, and was elected by Democratic
voters Not a single Republican voted for
him. Heis therefore under no obligations
to the Republicans for his election, and is
not in any sense "Mugwump," but fair,
square, upright Democrat, with grand
twelye-year-old Democratic Congressional
Record without a stain uponit.
This is the man, and this is the manner in
which he was elected; and the Democrats Of
West Virginia are justly proud Of him.
During the trying ordeal, through which
he passed, lasting for a month, the sturdy
nominee of his party, demeaned himself
with the greatestdigniw. Never once losing
his temper; reviling no one, fearing no one,
imploring no one, but with quietness and
manly bearing that won him many friends,
he calmly awaited the result, as the sturdy
seaman awaits the result Of the storm. No
man ever conducted himself with more dig
nifty and propriety in such a contest, nor
more richly deserved the success that came
at last. OKEY JOHNSON.