Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1892-03-09
JEFFERs0N COUNTY

and determine the results. The suggestion
of the remotest possibility of such an abuse
of the power would have caused the reJec-
ton of the Constitution. Even the limited
power to regulate, in very remote contin-
gencies. alarmed our vigilaut ancestors, and
the Constitution was ratif- by the States
with the distinct understanding, and, IN
numerous instances, with the distinct decla-
ration that il vas to be exercised only IN de-
fault of proper provision by the states them
selves Alexander Hamilton, strongest for
strong government, insisted that the use OF
the conceded power under any other circum
stances than those. or for any purpose bus
to insure representation when actual de-
fault was imminent, would be a monsirous
wrong, which it was not supposable could
ever occur, but which, if it did occur,
would certainly provoke and amply justify
revolution.
But the Fifty first Congress was appar-
emily in the hand Of the enemies OF the Con-
stitution and OF the people. 1t was SEEM
ingly prepared for any usurpation upon the
one or the other, which the interests of cor
rupt political conspirators in coalition with
vast combination of business monopoles,
might require. The fixed purpose was
plainly to reimburse the monopolies for
their outlay in late election by tax laws in
creasing their already enormous private ex-
actions from the substance of the people,
and then to perpetuate the power OF the
grasping coalition by system of so-called
elections which would strangle almost any
conceivable popular majority.
In the House this remarkable conspiracy
against both the liberties and the property
OF the country was completely successful
The monopoly Tariff bill was duly accom-
panied by the monopoly Force bill. 1t was
in the Senate-the body farthest removed
from the people, and where the least resist
ance was to have been expected-that the
Force bill WAS checked and the ancient
right of freemen to choose their representa-
tives, under home laws and home agencies,
vas successfully defended through all the
stages of the most memorable parliamentary
struggle of modern times. On no field of
battle, at no dread moment, in the whole
history of our race, were the essential lib
critics of the people ever more clearly at
stake or more gallantly rescued.
Between the noble men, who by their de-
voted and splendid service, on this occasion,
raised, for all time, the character of the
American Senate, and after long, arduous,
and desperate struggle, averted the deadly
stroke we have no wish to distinguish. But
among them-among the foremost, the most
resoute, the most most vigilant, efficient, in
a place the most difficult and trying. where
the smallest error might have been fatal
was Charles James Faulkner, the young
Senator of West Virginia. In cOmmemora.
ton of his patriotic devotion, unsurpassed
by that of any of his immortal fellows, in
that great contest which must occupy so
large a space in the constitutional history of
our country, | am instructed, by gentlemen
connected with the National Association of
Democratic Clubs, to present to West Vir-
gina the accompanying portrait of her
honored Senator, and to request your accep-
tance of it on behalf of the State And I re-
main, with great respect,
Your obediant servant,
CHAUNCEY f. BLACK.