Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-09-21


They Become Eors SKIS and Dangerous
The following is an extract from the
speech of Hon. Frank Hurd before the
Democratic State convention at Column
bus, Ohio:
Cannot fOrbear 10 call attention TO the
existence in our midst Of a secret political
society known as the American Protective
Association.
l oppose il, first, because it is a secret
political society. / care not on what lines
such organizations may be formed, or what
principle or policy they may be established
10 promote, there is no room for them in a
free government like ours Political
principles and administrative policies are
made issues 10 be decided at elections
where the people vote who have had the
opportunity Of hearing open, free and fun
discussion. II is said that the voice Of the
people is the voice Of Goo, because it is
believed after the enlightenment of such
discussion il will spe * the truth.
,5ut nov can Tho discussion be open or
free or full II part OF N is carried on behind
Closed doors, in places from which most Of
the public IS excluded! IL is not open. be-
cause by the primal law of organization
some of il must be secret. 1t is not free,
mt 70 the proposition on
tiOn is based are prOhiO-
BART. IL is not full, be-
gcret platforms only one
sin hed, and that by those who
svuN with the objects OF the society.
SD gscussiOns instead Of enlightening
darkeWtne mIud. Instead of begetting a
spirit OF liberalism, they engender preiu-
dice and intolerance. They cannot educate
q mo sff
or properly prepare them for the perform
anCe of their duties as voters. The newt
able effect is 10 disturb the peace Of society
and impair confidence in the fairness and
Justice OF elections.
But when these societies are organized
on reli giOus lines to interfere with the pub
lie rights Of these who differ with them II
religious faith, they become still more
sinister and dangerous.
They become then unconstitutional or
ganizat Cns viOlauge Of the fundamental
law both OF the United States and OF this
State, The former provides that no re-
ligiOus test shall ever be required as
Qualification 70 any Office or public trust
under the United States. The right 10
hold federal Office without regard 10 re-
lgiOus opinions is thus civil right guar
anteed by the federal constitution. Any
Organizations proposing 10 disquahfy men
from holding federal Office on account or
their religious opinions not only defy the
federal constitution, but violate the federal
statute prohibiting conspiracies TO deprive
American citizens OF their rights.
The constitution OF Ohio is no less en-
phatic in its provisions on this subject. IL
declares: NO religious test shall be re-
CURED as qualification for office nor
snail any interference with the rights OF
conscience 0e permitted These provl-
siOns are found in the bill OF rights, and
not only merely limit the powers OF the
different branches Of the state govern
ment, but prescribe the duties OF cluzeas
70 each other in their life and conduct.
What clearer violation Of them could there
be tnan this organization presents, winch
proposes 10 prescribe men in their ousl-
ness and prevent them from holding ONCE
because of their religious opinion.
Although this society declares hset 10
be American Il is essentially IN American.
II there was one principle which more than
Aanoiher CONTROLLED 0lET~anSs6tors IN the
Il-.---eIerrO'cS~ Jle II eGeral government IL
was hostility to persecution for conscience
sake. Indeed most Of them established
themselves GA the iphOspitable shores OF
this continent because their rulers would
lot permit them 70 enjoy religious freedom
at home As the colonies grew the prlncl-
pie of religious tolerance grew also, until
IL was the settled p fcy-ot America before
religious wars had Zen ended on the con-
tinent OF Europe or the Justice OF the prin-
Ciple had been fully recognized IN England
This society IS un-DemOcratlc. Such
Organizations existed in lo4O under the
name Of the American party, and 10 1854,
under the name OF Know NOthlnglSm.
The former, after an easy contest, was de-
stroyed by the Democratic party Of that
day. The latter made stronger battle IN
1854, ard after the Democratic party
had been first defeated oy il il was totally
overtnrOwn, so that fer years afterwards
A. was considered disgraCeful 10 have had
any connection with 10. The new organic
alton is as IN Democratic as the old one.
It's affiliations are all with the Republican
party. II gave Gov. Mckinley his MAORI
u OF $4,000 IL was its vote that gave the
Republican party its large majority in
Maine few days ago.
IL Is high time for the Democratic party
20 declare against it. if for no other reason
than 70 save our Young men from being
Carried away by IT, We must make il
plain that no man can be a Democrat and
an A. = A, so that when Democrat IS
invited 70 JONI be will know that he can
not DO so without abandoning his party az
hliatiOnS and perhaps those OF ais ances-
tors for generations.
NV fellow Democrats, il does little credit
10 the enlistment of the nineteenth
century and Of this republic that such an
organization should have grown so power
ful In our midst. Ii would turn back the
hands OF the dial Of time 200 years. Ii
would open controversies which have long
been happily settled ia every nation Of
chrlsteudOm after centuries of battle and
blOOdshed 10 would revive preiUdiceS
which was the special mission OF Americas
institutions 20 destroy. 10 0lSturOs the
peace OF every community where il is
established 10 creates diStrust and want
Of confidence among those who have been
neighOors and friends. Its only end if
successful, can be the destruction Of reh-
giOus freedom in the United States and the
revival in some form or other Of religious
prosecutions.
The prospect would indeed be dark If il
were not for the Democratic party. With
the same courage and fidelity 70 principle
Gnd devotion 20 the constitution with which
II opposed and overthrow similar organiza-
lions in the past, il must oppose and over
throw this now. IL will be inspired with
this thought that above all else and more
than all else the United States stands for
freedom in matters Of religion. With its
forces arrayed under the banners of tariff
reform and religious liberation the Demo
cratic party viii advance 10 victory sooner
Or later 10 come which will lead the whole
people into the perfect peace in which
every maR may worship God as he pleases
without molestation, and every man may
trade as he pleases with the products Of
his Own toll.
Russian Royal Family Sick.
WARSAW, September 2O.-The health
q