Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-10-05
published by Request.)
THE BOLT OF WILSON.
Turns His Back Upon His People and His
Party.


St. Louis Republic.
Washington, September 25.-William
/ L. Wilson, as announced in this morn
ing's Republic, has bOiJed the Demo
crate ticket He declines 10 support
for the Presidency the ablest, the most
faithful, the most brilliant Of his lieu
tenants on the WAYS and Means Com
mi,tee when the tariff bill which bears
his name was passed through the House
Of Representatives.
For a time It was hoped by Mr. Will
sons friends that he would show as
much courage and fidelity as Hoke
Smith, and throw UP his portfolio rather
tlan turn his back on his people. There
is no doubling that majority OF the
people Of West Virginia favor the free
and unlimited coinage Of silver Every
Democratic convention held in the
State this year, from the precinct pri-
mary 20 the solemn State cOnclave, de-
clared fer free coinage
No man is more responsible for edu-
eating the people of West Virginia to
belief IN the doctrine Of free coinage
ghau Mr. William L. Wilson himself.
Even during his last campaign for Con-
gress ne declared that he was still in
favor Of free coinage. When asked at
& meeting held at Beverly in the pres
ence of the Republic correspondent re-
garding his vote to repeal the Sherman
law, Mr.. Wilson said that he voted 10
repeal that law in order to clear the
deck for a strai ght-out free coinage law.
Every platform on which Mr.. Wilson
IL 4 -,
ginia declared for the free coinage OF
silver.
Yet he now abandOns his people. he
abandons the Democratic party, that so
loved and honored him, and will con-
tribute what influence he has left to
contribute 10 McKinley's election
Mr.. Wilson, Of course, humbugs no
one when ne declares that he is in favor
OF Palmer and Buckner. The most
ignorant bolter in the United States
knows that Palmer and Buckner are
merely stoOl-pigeons who were put up
solely 10 help the arch-priest OF protec-
ton 70 win the Presidency.
Mr.. Wilson has just returned from
trip 10 Europe. made in the company
of Mr.. Isidor Straus The West Vir-
Rinians have long complained that the
influence Of Mr.. Straus was gradually
but surely winning Mr.. wilson away
from his people.
'Of course, am for Palmer and Buck
neT.' says Mr.. Wilson. 81 should not
think there would be any doubt as to
where l stand on the issues of the pres
ent campaign. The nominees of the In
n % ,f,ff
racy and for the principles of Jefferson.
the founder Of the party, who repeatedly
said that the proportion between the
values Of gold and silver is a mercantile
problem altogether, and who repeatedly
expressed his preference for gold as the
basis OF our financial system. My posi-
ton in this matter was fully stated in
q letter just before the Chicago conven-
ton nominated its candidates. What I
said then represents my views now
There has been nothing in the interven-
ing weeks 10 make me change my posi-
ton. and therefore I shall support those
candidates who most nearly represent
what seems TO me TO be the true prin-
ciples of Democracy. l have been home
so short a time that have not yet con-
sidered whether or not it may be neces-
sary for me TO make a further public
announcement Of my position. either by
letter or by speech. don't know
whether I shall take any part in the
campaign or not There will not be
time for me to do much. on account of
the work before me n the department
I believe, however that the silver can
didates must and will be defeated.
IN New York, where I talked with
several persons about the situation, they
have fully made up their minds taat
BRYAN already Is beaten. Here in
Washington they are not confident. II
will never do to permit The election to
go by default through over-conidence.
It seems to me that work for the sound
money cause should be kept up with
unremi,ted vigor. so that the victory
may be both practical and lasting"
The Democrats here feel no bitterness
against men like Olpey, Lamont and
Harmon. They admit that perhaps
these three members of the cabinet in
resisting free coinage and opposing the
Chicago candidates represent a majority
of the people Of their States But for
Mr.. Wilson, Carlisle and Herbert, there
is a different feeling. These three men
taught free coinage to their people, voted
Fo~ free coinage in Congress. and there
IS no doubt that now majority OF the
people Of their respective States favor
free coinage, and therefore they are
looked upon as turning their backs upon
their people in order to hold their places
In the cabinet