Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1890-11-14

win money and by appeals to their sci
hShness. All these things led I'D I,
their tnal betrayal to satisfy the de
mands OF those who had supplied the
fund for their corruption.
This betrayal was palpable: and it wa,
impossible TO deny or conceal the fac
that the pretended relief rendered TO the
people in fufilment of a promise tC
tighten the burdens of their life, made
by the party entrusted with the govern.
ment, was but Il scheme to pay the
debts incurred by the purchase of party
success, while it further increased the
impoverishment of the masses.
The people We're at last aroused and
demanded IN explanation. They had
been taught for one hundred years that
in the distribution of benefits their gov
eminent should be administered with
equality and justice. They had learned
that wealth was not Indispensable To
Responsibility and that it did not entitle
its poSSeSSorS to especial governmental
favorS. Humble men with scanty in
comes had been encouraged by the in
tluence and the spirit Of our institu-
tionns, to practice economy and frugal
| ity To the end that they might enjoy to
the utmost the rewards of their toll.
The influence of the American home
was still about them. In their simplicity
they knew nothing OF Il new dispensa-
tion which made cheapneSS disreputable
and they still loved the cheap coats of
Lincoln and Garfield, and hundreds of
their countrymcn whom them held in
veneration. And thus these unsophiSti-
Gated Americans, unconscious of their
wrong-doing, demanded the redemption
of party pledges and clamored for cheap
ness, in order that they might provide
the neceSSarieS and comforts of life for
themselves and their families at the
lowest possible cost.
The leaders of the party, which was
caught in the act of robbery and which
was arranged by the people for viola
tion of its trust, were forced by their
sad predicament TO desperate eXpedi-
ent. To attempt to reverse the current
of true AmericaniSm and discredit the
most honorable sentiments belonging
to American manhood, were the dis
graceful tasks of those who inSulted our
people by the announcement of the doe
lIlut ludL W uNSlAt NHNdpHCSS was w
love nastineSS, and to practice economy
and fruga1ity was un-Amcrican.
Thus DO we plainly see that when the
path pointed out by patriotism and
American citizenship is forsaken by a
party in power, for schemes of selfish
ness and for INSCRIPTIONS conspiracieS
for partisan success, its course newt
ably leads TO unjust favortiSm, neglect
of the interests of the masses, entire
perverSion of the mission of republican
institutions, and, in some form, to the
most impudent and outrageous insult to
true American sentiment.
IL cannot be denied that political
events In the past have gone far toward
encouraging arrogant party assumption.
Every thoughtful and patriotic man has
at times been disappointed and depreSS-
ed by the apparent Indifference and de-
moralization of the people.
But such reflections have no place in
the fluctuations OF tonight. This is
time when faith in our cOuntrymen
should be fully re-eStabliShed. The
noise of recent political revolution is
still heard throughout the land: the
people have just demonstrated that
there is point beyond which they can
not be led by blind partisanShip, and
that they are quite competent to exam
inc and correctly decide political ques-
lions concerning their rights and their
welfare. They have numerically re-
scented every attack upon true American
manhood. and have taught party leaders
that, though slow to anger, they take
terrible revengeS when betrayed. They
permit us to forgive our hOnOred guest
for all the cheap coats he has ever
worn, for they have declared them to
be in fashion. They have also decrced
that the Dccalogue has place in our
politics, for they have enforced the
command Thou shalt not steal, g" and
have rendered an emphatic verdict
against those who have borne false wit
ness.
Nothing could 50 we'll accompany the
honorS we pay our distinguished guest
aS the celebration on his birthday of
the victory which has just been achieved
/ in vindication OF American citizenship
for in him vo honor tho man who has
best illustrated true American man
hood. Our rejoicing and his are IN
creased, rs we also celebrate tonight
the triumph of a Democratic principle
for which he fought and fell but two
short years ago, and to couple our JOY
and his we are permitted to indulge IN
true Democratic enthusiasm over the
steadfaStneSs and devotion to its creed
exhibited by our party, which knowing
no disbursement has fought to victory
in the peoples cause.
Who can now doubt our cOuntrymcn' :
appreciation OF that trait, so well Illus
trated i'm the character of Allen Il.
Thurman. which prompted him through
out his long career, at all times and III
all circumstances, and without regard
To personal consequences, TO do 90 the
things which his conscience and Judg'
ment approved, and which seemed to be
in the interests of his county and In ac'
cordance with his Democratic faith:
Who can now doubt that conscience and
courage point out the way to public
duty?
If we entertain more solemn thought,
ION this occasion, let them be concerning
the responsibility which awaits us a:
Iour fellow-cOuntrymen place in ON
keeping their hopes and their trust
We shall fail in our obligation to them
if we stine conscience and duty by ig'
noble partisanShip; but we shall meet
every patriotic expectation II, In all we
do. we follow the guidance OF true ana
honest Democracy, illumined by the
light of genuine American citizenship