Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1896-06-16
q Gard.

FprroR sprRIr In tho Charles Town
Advocate of May 30tli Mr.. 4. W. Morrow, in
q very dictatorial manner, demands of Mcssrs.
John p. Kearfott and j. Garland Hurst an
answer TO certain questions Now, speaking
for myself, i viii say that stand ready at
any and all times to answer any reasonable
question. But 1t must be understood that in
matters political the questions must come
from a Democrat. Ever since I announced
myself as candidate for nomination before
the Democratic primary for a Legislative office
have continuously and positively declared
that in coming out for nomination in the
Democratic party pledged myselfto endorse,
vote for, and in every way support the nomt-
necs and platform OF said party rs shall be
adopted ut the Chicago convention. (Would
Mr. Morrow have said that two months ago?
Did he not ON the Streets of Charles Town de-
clare most positively that he and all OF his
lneighbors intended 70 stay out OF the primary
unless there was a silver plank IN the Chicago
platform?) have been interviewed by both
gold aud silver men. representing each faction
of the party from all actions of this andBerke-
Iey counties, aud have emphatically SAID
that did not propose 10 lay down platform
| for nv party in advance of the convention,
| hut would stand By the platform there an
nounced. II must not be understood that
have no belief or policy OF my own on the ques-
| tion of the day But coming out as 1 have Tor
this office, If elected it VIII be by the votes of
the Democratic party and want 20 represent
not myself. but the people of this district
from q Democratic platform. IN the West
ltNfrE1nla IcGtSlAIuFe. ana L nANC
These sentiments to silver men who have iu-
/ teryiewed me. and they have said they were
perfectly satisfied with my position, agreeing
| with me in all, that II voiced the sentiments
\ of this county il was what they most desired.
| OF course all know that the reason of Mr.
| Aorrow's personal attack upon Mr.. Hurst
and myself is not in the interest of the DEM
ocratic party: but purely, selfishly personal
| to advance his own candidacy before the
people of this county. The people can send
| O man of one idea to the Legislature. but they
would probably realize before the session was
/ over that our representative had something
else To do than coming silver. Our people
have important interests that must be legis-
| lated upon, and that need safe, conservative
| action that is seldom given by men of one
| idea. These questions of the financial and
monetary policy of our country are national.
| AID while believe they arc the most important
| and farreaching to the material prosperity
| of QUE county of any question that has ever
been before our people, still we should not
! lose sight of the fact that the very Importance
/ of the question demands the most calm and
conservative dealing. If the Democratic party
declares for free coinage let us see that our
leaders are the most conservative men that
can be found in our party. Let nothing be
done in u careless or hasty manner. Let the
people arise in their might and demand most
| emphaticallY that these demagogues and po-
llitical tricksters who have been trying for
years to disrupt the party to accomplish their
own base ends shall go to the rear. These men
have openly nvowed their intentions to bolt
their views, and now forsooth they come out
and demand of Democrats their platform
Our platform will be laid down at Chicago,
and by that expect to stand or fall.
/ Now. one word to the Democratic voter. In
asking your support in the coming primary
pledge myself 10 abide by the Democratic
platform on all questions save those of honesty
and morality, of these am to BIO the sole
Judge. The threat has been freely made OF
bringing out a candidate in opposition To me
If the farmers and laborers can't trust me &c
represent them in the Legislature. then by al
means bring ont your man, give him the nom
nation in the primary, and most cordially
will support him in the November election
don't suppose this letter ia going to satisfy
Mr.. Morrow, but hope he will posses his sou
in patience and if he dosn't succeed in split
ting the Democratic party / will refresh hi:
memory by asking him some questions from
the Democratic ranks, which hope he viii
answer before the primary.
Respectfully Yours,
June 8, 1896. JOHN 2. KEARFoTT.