Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1892-03-23

We are not taking any stock IN the move
menl. ia which some Of our Democratic A.
changes are active. to force the nominal, u
for governor upon Hon. VIM. L. Wilson
There seems to be ground for the suspicion
that the persistent demand for his nomina-
ton is not wholly. disinterested. IL IS nrg-
ed that this sacrifice on the part OF MIR.
Wilson and OF the Second congressional dis
trict is necessary to keep West Virginia IN
the Democratic column-it having been re-
Gently discovered and announced by prom
;nent Democrats that the State Is doubtful.
Has it occurred to the editors aud politi-
clans who make this point that this district
is as doubtful as the State, if not more so,
and that the strongest possible nomination
for Congress ought TO be made /, Can West
Virginia afford TO risk the loss Of Demo-
erat from her congressional delegation, OF
10 replace a statesman of national reputa-
,ion with mediocre man oil either party
Would il be Just TO the national Democracy
10 call a gentleman who has devoted years
of study and effort to the cause Of tariff re-
form. and has become one Of the acknowl-
edged leaders in the fight against unjust
taxation. from his place in the front rank OF
the Democratic forces in the House, to meet
the supposed exigencies Of State politics ?
Is it fair TO Mr.. Wilson'S it mark Of
gratitude for his splendid seryices-to in
sist upon bis resigning his post of honor and
leadership in the federal legislature to &C.
cept an Office of which the honor and emol'
uments scarcely compensate for the sboriou;
routine it imposes and the criticism and en-
nifty it invites?
IfMr Wilson desired the gubernatoria
nomination. the party could not deeently
refuse It to him. Ii he had indicated a wisl
10 occupy the executive chair, there Is nc
one who would be more heartily supported
| in the convention and the polls, by the Peo'
ple of this section, much as they would re
gret nj, retirement from national politics
But as he saws he is not q candidate, BIZ
friends. knowing his habitual sincerity, take
blm al his word and realizing that hi'
nomination and election to the governorshiT
could add liule to his honors and would not
give exercise 70 his rare and peculiar tai
ents. they will not consent to an arrange
ment bv which his exceptional abilities as
q legislator would be lost to the country and
the State. Nothing short of political ne
nessity would Justify such course at this
time and in our humble Judgment tho
necessity does not exist. Mr. Elkins, t.
whom the Republicans had pinned theiI
homes. will not be candidate; no one Is
suggested in his place who can command
more than the average vote of the party
and there does not seem 10 be good reason
for the belief that political sentiment In
West Virginia has changed materially since
recent elections, and especially since the
sweeping victory of 1890. We are not In
sensible of the national importance OF car
rying West Virginia for the Democracy IN
November, nor are we Indifferent as TO the
character aud ability of the man who is to
carry the standard Of the party in the cam
paign and fil the highest office in the State
for the coming term but We believe that d
candidate whose capacity aud integrity are
beyond question will be selected, and that
with thorough organization and 8 vigorous
canvas success Is certain.