Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-01-28
CLEVELAND OR HILL?
What Prominent West Virginia Dem
OeratS Think About
THE PRESIDENTIAL SITUATION.
al Who Speak, Except Ex-Governor Wilson,
Favor Cleveland, Though They Fear Hills
Star is in the Ascsndant-Mr. 0hlsy Fa-
vOrs Senator German Second.
sp.efnl Ttl.man % DE- Rsatstsr.

that IN connection with the selection OF
dates and places for the meeting Of the
State and National Conventions, II series
of brief expressions Of the views OF
some of the party leaders in the State
based on the two questions: "What Is
the comparative strength OF the two
Democratic candidates, Cleveland and
Hip" and "What is the political situa-
tion In West Virginia." would be OF
general interest, the REGISTER repre-
sentative has conferred with the follow
ing gentlemen, and recorded their
views:
GOVERNOR A. B. FLEMING.
"Any one OF the candidates mention
ed in connection with the presidency
would have the confidence OF the peo-
pie and receive the full vote OF the
party in this State. Cleveland has un-
doubtedly had the frmest hold on the
people of West Virginia, but in proper
Iion as he loses in favor in his own
State, he will lose elsewhere.
'I do not care to take part or express
preferences in reference TO our own
State ticket, at least at the present
time. West Virginia is now and always
has been Democratic. With a good
ticket, we must succeed, 1t Is not so
important to discuss the different can
dldates as 1t is TO begin our organiza-
tion. l trust that the State Committee
which will meet at Parkersburg on
Thursday, will take such action as will
result in thorough organization OF the
party. The Republicans will try to
carry West Virginia. Let the Democ-
racy prepare to make the hottest cam
paign in the history of the State"
HON. wM. \. oHLEY.
"The people of our State cannot re-
sist the impression that Grover Cleve-
land is the most brainey, honest, up
right and true man among all Of those
who participate in our national politics;
a man true to himself, his principles,
his party and his country; who don't
want to be nominated through any mis-
take, or misapprehension as TO his prin-
ciples.
"If, through the peculiar evolutions
OF New York politics, Grover Cleveland
cannot be nominated, then my prefer
ence would be Arthur z. German, OF
Maryland. Mr.. German combines all
of the astuteness of the politician with
the manifold abilities Of the accom-
plished statesman. BY nominating him
our party will sacrifice no principle, and
will take advanced ground in favor OF
every doctrine most sacred to the hearts
of all sincere Democrats. Moreover,
Mr.. German is familiar with our
people, and is popular in our
State. He is familiar with
our manners, our customs,
and our politics. His associations have
made him so. He has participated to a
considerable extent in the development
of our resources, and is looked upon
with great affection by the Democracy
of West Virginia. After Cleveland, no
man could be more popular Presiden-
tial candidate than Mr.. German.
"West Virginia, Of course, is reliably
Democratic. OF course such an asser-
tion contemplates thorough organiza-
tion of the party in the entire State,
and I am happy to say that in that
respect the outlook is decidedly favor
able. The Democracy will begin work
earlier this campaign than ever before,
Il
creased majority on election day."
GEN. C. C. WATTS.
"While l have always regarded Mr..
Cleveland as close to the masses, have
not kept the run OF politics and politi-
clans sufficiently to express an opinion,
but am satisfied that our people will fall
into line with enthusiasm behind any
good, Simon pure Democrat who may be
chosen as their leader.
There is no use Disgusting the fact
that the Republican party in this State
is being organized for a strong cam
paign. 1t will have the sinews OF war
in abundance. This is Democratic
State and the Democratic party is in
close touch with the people. The legis-
lation has been in the interests OF the
farmers and the laboring classes, and
the people appreciate this fact, but wi tn
all that, and much more that might be
said, the Democratic party should not
be over sanguine and expect to win with
out hard fight and such an orgsniza-
tion as does not now exist. Icould give
you my reasons for this opinion, but
think it sufficient now to say that the
party ought TO be wide-awake and thor
oughly equipped for the coming fight at
as early day as possible"
MAJOR j. W. HARRIS.
"Well, in my part OF the State, the
current OF feeling as to the candidate
for the Presidency is In favor OF Mr..
Cleveland, but notwithstanding this
preference the conviction is becoming
general that matters are shaping them
selves in such manner as will lead TO
the nomination Of Hill.
"As to the gubernatorial situation,
going beyond the individual and speak
ing Of the sentiment in my end Of the
State, public opinion is very much in
sbeyance there. My impressions are
that we will will win with a concen-
trated effort and thorough organization,
and to the end that success may be at
tanned it will be essential to put for
ward as our candidates, not merely for
the GovernQrship, but for the other i'm
'portant positions to be filed in the near
future, men who are not merely capable
and OF such character as will command
tie public confidence, but Of such tried
political experience as will enable them
10 work more successfully to this end.
l think the approaching contest will be
one that will demand all the resources
at our command, aud we should have
such men on our State ticket as will
have these resources most available"
HON. Z. W. WILSON.
"For q number Of months past have
not regarded Mr.. Cleveland as being
practically in the contest for the Presi-
Dental nomination. The party would
never think OF nominating him without
the support Of New York State, and it
is very evident at the present time that