Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1890-05-07
From the National Democrat.
senator Faulkner.

A representative of the National Democrat
found Senator Faulkner at his residence
on Capitol Hill deeply engrossed in batch
of claims and debating to his secretary.
In discussing matters of public interest
he referred N the resolutions relative to the
election of Montana Senators.
al do not hesitate to declare that this
Montana conspiracy, for that it is, and
nothing else, is one of the greatest crimes
in the political history of the country.
Next to the theft of the Presidency by the
Republican party in 1876, it is the most in
famous. That crime was stupendOus, colos-
sal, unparalleled, l did hope, and indeed
thought, that the question involved in
this controversy would be accepted and
treated by the majority in the Senate as
purely judicial; but such is not the case.
The majority have made it a political, a
party question.
every circumstance attending the adj
mission of Montana-the suppression by
the Territorial canyassing board of the vote
at precinct "a of Silver Bow County; the
way the board adjourned after they knew
that the writ of mandamus had been served
and that the county board could not escape
it; the lightning returns sent to the White
House before the result was officially and
properly declared, and Mr. Harrison's proc
lamation which bears upon its very face the
evidence of guilty purpose furnish incon-
testibe proofs of firm purpose and care
fully devised scheme to defraud the Demo
cratic party of two Senators. Surely that is
conspiracy"
Senator, what are the prospects Of the
Democratic party in West Virginia."
81 do not think that the election of 'SS
was fair test of the Democratic strength
of the State. In the southwestern section,
great frauds were perpetrated, as is shown
by the records in the gubernatorial contest,
and that of McGinnis VS.. Anderson before
the House of Representatives. The farm
ers did not fully appreciate the position of
the party upon the tariff question, especial
ly as it affected wool, which led many,
fear, to give their suffrage against our can
didates. Some factional differences also
added to the decentralization of the party to
some extent. The closeness of the vote,
however, in that election, has caused many
to pause aud reflect upon the effect of even
temporary support of the opposition and
the dangers which threaten the material
and industrial interest of our State, should
it fall into the hands of the Republicans.
My opinion is now, that the party has be-
come thoroughly solidifed its organization
is being perfected, and there has been en-
gendered corps fesprif among its members,
which | feel satisfied will enable US to show
very different result in the fall elections
The defeat of the Democracy next fall, in
the election of members of the Legislature,
would be fatal to the Democratic supremacy
for the next 10 years, as the Legislature
then elected will have the power to redis-
trict our State, both as to the Senatorial and
delegate districts as well as Congressional,
and from the experience of the past in 9TH
er States, we can fully understand how the
Republicans would gerrymander to retain
their supremacy in West Virginia. The
rank and file of the Democracy fully realize
the condition of affairs, and feel confident
will, by their action at the polls next No
vember, firmly anchor West Virginia in
the Democratic column. Patronage has
been of no service to the Republican party.
1t has created factions, and has cngendered
heart-burnings throughout the State among
its members. This will not hurt the Dem
Ocratic party in the next election"
The subject of the National Democrat hav-
ing come up in the course of the converse
ton, the Senator said:
81 have regarded the National Democrat as
furnishing the most accurate political in
formation, both in its editorials and selec-
tions, of any paper that is now published in
the country 1t is to-day the best means of
instruction and information the people
have, and it represents the true principles
of the Democratic party. And so beiev-
ing, have urged all those with whom am
In correspondence, in every county of the
State, to become subscribers, and to induce
their neighbors to do likewise Yes, the
National Democrat is a great paper.
would not be without it. | have every
number. 1t is invaluable"
We do not know that Hon. j. ID. Butt, of
Jefferson county, is a candidate for any
thing. He may or may not be. However
this may be, it is not often that a genuine,
real, live candidate for a good position in
which to serve the people is given a hand
somer send off than Mr.. Butt receives at
the hands of the Charleston Star. But as
Mr.. Butt is eminently worthy of all these
i -