Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-09-26
WHAT WAS IT, ANYWAY?
Those Who Were Present Are at n Loss
to Explain Its PurpOse-Btg Meeting OF
Some sort at ROmnsy.

Those Who Were Present Are at Loss
to Explain Its Purpose-Big Meeting Of
Some sort at ROmney.
Spsctai Tsieoram 70 ths Rsgtstsr-
RoMYEY, w. VA, September 25.-
One Of the most interesting political
meetings in the history of Hampshire
county took place in the Court House
this afternoon. Circulars advertising
the affair have been circulated for
about week past. The speakers were
to be Judge Daniel B. Lucas and
Ex-Governor E. w. Wilson, but the lat
ter did not arrive. 1t was generally
regarded as a Democratic meeting, al
though none of the recognized party
leaders had anything to do with the call,
nor were they consulted In the matter.
This placed memb Of the party in an
awkward position and they have been
trying for the past few days 10 discover
where they are at.
Il was quietly whispered before the
meeting that the call was sent out by
Col. J. E. Russell, defeated candidate
for the Internal Revenue Collectorshlp,
and that its object would be to condemn
the administration. Judge Lucas's
share in the proceedings, 1t was alleged,
was brought about by his diSappolnt-
ment. There were several hundred
people in the Court House
when Colonel Russell rappeed
for order. He was made permanent
chairman Of the meeting, but no per-
son was willing to act as secretary.
Judge Lucas was introduced In neat
speech, and then the fun began. The
Judges speech occupied about an hour
aud a half in its delivery. In his In
trOductOry remarks he stated that he
subscribed to the principles OF Jefferson
aud adopted his sentiments, but be
was not among the number who say
"Nlv party right or wrong" His motto
was: My party when right to keep her
right aud when wrong to right her"
There were two Democratic parties.
One, which should, and one which
thinks. He belongs to the latter.
Judge Lucas discIaimed any intention
TO review sectional bitterness and de-
voted his entire time 10
statement Of the discrimination
against the South in national
legislation in the past, and deprecated
the evil results to follow the passage OF
pending measures. He criticized both
of the leading parties. He took up the
tariff and pension questions, and en-
deavored TO show that his position was
the position OF the South. The
greater portion Of his address
was devoted TO q discrimination
Of the Sherman Repeal Bill and
a discussion of the silver question gen
orally. He agreed that the burden OF
all national leg station has been borne
by the South and that prospective
measures do not contemplate a chance
in the distribution of the burden. he
pictured a long chain Of distress TO fol-
low in the wake Of the unconditional
repeal OF the Sherman law.
When the speaker had. finished, the
chairman received a series Of resOIu-
tions, which be asked the meeting TO
adopt, instructing the West Virginia
delegation to oppose the Wilson Dill,
etc.
Before taking vote, Mr.. Ii. b. Gilke-
son, a young attorney and sterling
Democrat, Of this place, asked II per-
sons present who were not Democrats
would be entitled TO vote. His under
standing was that IL was Democratic
meeting.
The chair answered that Democrats
and citizens could vote; Republicans
could not. This ruling permitted the
Popuists, VINO were present, to vote
Mr.. Glkeson then made quite a
speech, coudemning with faint praise
the meeting and those who called 1t.
He called attention to the fact that the
chief applauder in the meeting was DR..
Shul, third party leader.
Sheriff Hugh agreed with Mr.. Gilke-
son, and made the chair rule that every
body except Republicans could vote.
The straight out Dmeocrats received
this with shouts of derSion
Mr.. Gilkeson offered substitute for
the resolution. com ending the admin
istration, which was ruled out Of
order. His remarks were applaued TO
the echo and the audience was at
white heat. Judge Lucas replied
briefly and a vote was then taken and
the resolutions were passed: ayes A.,
noes 80. OF those voting In the Affirm
ative. il is asserted that fully one half
were PopulStS. The meeting broke up
with a prominent Democrat, In his
speech, denouncing Judge Lucas as a
sgrahasd