Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1896-05-16
JEFFERSON COUNTY POLITICS.

State and dlStflct conVeHtlons-WhiS
was its equal in the number of in
telligent men present.
Every detail of the work done was
closely scrutinized and only that
! which was sanctioned by decided
majority could work its way through.
There was ample evidence Of thor
ough organization, the result of the
active labors of Hon. w. A. Chapline
and his able assistants on the exec
utive committee.
The presence Of Hon. ] d. Butt
and Col. 6. w Z. Black added inter
est and zest to the proceedings. 1t
will be remembered that in the last
campaign both gentlemen declared
for Mr.. Wilson against Mr.. Dayton
and Col. Black went so far as to take
part in Democratic meeting at Shep-
herdstown at the same time Re
publican meeting was in progress.
But even that might have been con-
doned had it not been for the man
ner in which that meeting was con-
Quoted. Hon. George c. Sturg iss
was the principal speaker at the Re-
publican meeting held in the town
hall, which had been secured two
weeks previous. Failing to Gust the
Republicans from the hall a room
adjoining, one of the class rooms of
the State Normal School, was taken
possession of and lot of hoodlumS
created such noise, by beating upon
the partition wall aud shouting, that
it was impossible for Mr.. Sturgiss TO
make himself heard. This was the
objectionable sin, the offense which
cannot be condoned except upon
hearty repentance and bringing forth
of fruits meet for repentance. Mr..
Butt does not occupy SO unenviable a
position. The fact that the predic-
ton which he is reported to have
made, that Mr.. Dayton could not be
elected. proved to be incorrect is a
salve to the wounds inflicted. If
Mr.. Butt takes hold, as he intends
doing, and thus proves to his CO.
workers in Jefferson that he has ex-
perienced change OF mind, we feel
sure that there will be no further
trouble.
Republicans are not so numerous
in Jefferson that they can afford to
cast any overheard. There is perfect
harmony in the ranks except in the
cases cited, and it is but reasonable
to suppose that these can be ami
cably adjusted.
Prior to adjournment, Col. Black
requested, through a friend, to be al
lowed to make an explanation, but
his plea was not entertained, and
those who were anxious to know
what he had to say will be obliged to
wait awhile.
Prospects are most nattering for a
large increase in the Republican vote
in that stronghold of Democracy.
Many good men who have heretofore
voted the Democratic ticket are COM
ing out boldly for Protection. They
are mostly men of Wing antecedents,
have never been free traders, but
have been af1iliating with their nat
ural political foes, and now feel that
duty calls them to assert their man
hood.
Another factor is the bound |
political ring which has controlled |
the county for so many years ar
rogating to themselves preferments
of every character. Young men
realize that they have no polit-
ical future and that they can only be
hewers of wood and drawers of water
as long as the existing condition of
affairs continues. Republicans are in
clined to deal fairly with all who will |
cut loose from the domination of the
ring and make an earnest effort to Sc
lect men who will guarantee an hon
est and economical administration.
Again, Democrats are divided on
the financial question. Free silver
has strong hold. Men who have vot-
ed the party ticket comes out une-
quivocally for free coinage. In our
opinion not much reliance can be
placed upon them, because as a rule
they are ultra free traders and
are welded to that idol. All in all, !
politics in Jefferson bids fair to be in
teresting this year and while Bour-
bonism may not be overthrown there
will be music in the air.