Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1896-02-12
To the Editor Qfhe Wheeling Register

q democrat.
To the Editor ofhc Wheeling Register.
WASHINGTON, D. c., January 80 have
for years made periodical visits to the ma
tional capital, and found much pleasure In
watching the movements of our lawmakers
and other notable persons that one is sure
to see at all times in this delightful city
During the Fifty-third Congress l had be-
come acquainted with distinguished men of
the Democratic party, many of whom l re-
gard as able statesmen, deeply imbued with
the spirit of sound Democratic principles.
Again l am in the city of magnificent
distances" and am painfully conscious of
the disastrous political changes brought
about by the inconsiderate action of dissat-
isfied people. Cutting off the nose to spite
the face" is no new thing either in individ-
ual or political experience. Be that as 1t
may on the avenue, around the capitol, in
the Senate chamber and House of Represen-
tatiyes, everywhere, miss the genial faces
of many old friends Here and there an
old timer can be seen to remind one of the
past, and add to the bitterness of the pres
ent
In the Fifty fourth Congress only one man
represents the Democracy of West Virginia;
that able statesman and polished gentleman,
Senator Faulkner Senator Elkins occupies
the seat vacated by that true son Of our
mountain State, Hon. J. n. Camden. The
ex-senator was known in Washington as
quiet, dignifed gentleman, and as such was
respected. His opinion in committee,
where opinion is duly appreciated, was re-
garded at all times as sound, practical and
intelligent; and the good common sense
that made him successful as man of bust
ness, guided him in all his deliberations and
actions as statesman. Among those re-
tired on the Democratic side, by reason Of
the recent political changes, none will be
more missed than Senator Camden; wise in
counsel, discreet in action, he welded an
influence second to none in that body For
nearly a third Of q century he has been
prominent in politics, and held The conf
dence of the people as few men ever did in
our or any other State of the Union There
has not been time during that period
when he was not the choice of a vast major
ity of his party IN West Virginia, for any
official gift within their power, and yet
strange it is that no public man of our day
perhaps, has been more abused. But such
has ever been and will continue 20 be the
penalty imposed on public virtue by intri-
guug selfshness He has been charged
with working against the interests of his
State and betraying his trust rs Democrat;
but the poisoned shafts that have been hur
ed at him, have fallen harmlessly against
the impenetrabe shield of Democratic hon
OF. No one can point to a single act or
word Of his during his long political career
that has not been in the interest OF his con-
Mr. Camden has greater, and
perhaps more varied interests in West Vr-
ginia than any other man the success of
his bushes. enterprises depend on the pros
perity Of the country, aud to say that he |
would, either by word or act, attempt to
impede the progress and prosperity Of the
is to say that he would work |
ag2ips. biz own interests, winch is not rea-
souabie
The charge that Senator Camden has not
been true to his trust rs a Democrat Is false.
He with a few Others organized the party
in our State after tue war; they famed the |
few Wondering embera into a flame; they
watched over it almost with the same care q
fond parent would child. He has grown
gray in the service Of his party, and whether
as standard bearer or in the ranks, he has
ever been found battling under the old ban
ner of Democracy. He stood by it during
the dark days of registration in our State,
unfolding it with one hand, and with the
other, striking the political letters from the
limbs of many Of his people that they might
be enabled as American freemen to 60 to the
polls free and untrammclled, and cast their
ballots, nnchalenged alongside their neigh
bors.
All honor to the man to whom the Dem
ocracy of West Virginia owes so much; to
him who stood leal and loyal to the party,
firm as an Iron wall in defense Of personal
liberty. Long after his traducers are forgot
ten, the iron horse screaming aud dashing
along through the valleys Of our mountain
State, and the praises of grateful people,
shall perpetuate his name. XXX,
The Bntcher's chase.
4 Dundee butcher exhibited at his shop
loor various articles, such a sleeps heads,