Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1892-02-03
HON. CHiRLES j FAULKNER or
WEST VIRGINIA.

Prominent in the list of those Senators
whose public records and services their
States must either endorse or repudiate
in 1898, stands the name of Hon. Charles
J. Faulkner, of West Virginia.
While it is far from our intention to
iutermedlle IL any way in the domestic
political Affairs of West Virginia, yet
when lh- effects of the action of State
cease To be local, and involve not only the
inleres's of her sister States, but the sen
Iimenis Of their people, we feel our right
to speak. and on this occasion, from the
standpoint of 4 Nirgiuian and Demo.
crai, 10 express those convictions which
feel must animate and influence every
advocate aud admirer of the political
principles of Jefferson and jackson.
The return of Senator Faulkner to the
high position he now so ably fills. will be,
not only graceful acknowledgment by
his State of his public services to her and
to the nation, but simple act of justice
to every other State in the Union for
whose rights to local selfgoyernment and
freedom from Federal interference in do.
nestle affairs he has SO powerfully and
successfully done battle.
Senator Faulkner's ability as a states
man has won for him honor and position
among his Senatorial associates regardless
of party, while his public record during
MS iinr years in the Senate. has received
the unanimous commendalion of the De-
N ,cracy Of the whole country, aud has
been so consistent in its principles and
Ring in lis Democracy. that it has risen
ab ,ve all party criticism. His public ut
t,rances. whether in the arena Of Sena-
rial discussion or on the stump before
ine people. have been bold, fearless and
abpve rcproach.
Stimulated by thorough knowledge
Of the value of his services, and impeIled
by a widespread sentiment in favor Of
his reelection, West Virginia can have
40 excuse for failure to perform her
bouuden duty in returning the one man
above all others who has done most TO in-
or ase her dignity in the Senate and the
c ,untry. unless her people desire TO repu'
date those principles of JefiersoDian De
mocracy and popular justice of which he
has been an unswerving advocate, expo
nenl aud supporter.
Unless she desires Ia adopt the prlncl-
plies of protection, and give her formal as
sent To a systen Of class legislation, cor.
porate robbery, aud individual rapacity,
she can never afford to withhold from the
conduct of her chief opponent of this vi
cous policy her commendalion, endorse
ment, aud approval.
Unless she proposes to stamp with her
sovereign appreciation that outrageous
monslrosiiy of partizan vllainy, the Force
bill, she can never allow herself to repu-
Iiate aud condemn the action Of one Of
the foremost aud most incorporating Of
lhuse Democratic leaders TO whom she
AMI her sister States owe their freedom
r,m bayouels behind the ballots of their
citizens, intestine discord, and possibly in
rernecne aud iraternal strife.
Every State that values the sanctity Of
her political institutions, autonomy and
sovereignty will look to West Virginia
ior prompt, unanimous aud unequiyocal
approval Of her Senator and his record,
aud we have no doubt that she will meas
ure up 10 the full standard Of her duty.